Hong Kong International Literary Festival 2025 - Part I - School Visits

A week filled with wonderful school visits and greeting little big readers.

School presentation at International Montessori School Hong Kong. Photo credit: Niharika Aggarwal.

As a book author and illustrator, it is a true gem when we get to meet our readers and spread the love of book reading.

Thanks to the kind invitation of Hong Kong International Literary Festival (HKILF) this year, I have the honor to participate in sharing this love of reading and book creating with many students via their Youth Readers Festival program.

5 days, 16 schools, close to 2000 students total!

It’s amazing. To top it off, because I was born in Hong Kong, it really feels like life has full-circled, and I have the opportunity to pass on the torch of creativity to the next generation of children who are equally excited about books and stories.

School presentation at Nord Anglia International School - Hong Kong. Photo credit: Nord Anglia International School.

Drawing demonstration at Chinese International School - Hong Kong. Photo credit: Rachel Smith

One of the best parts about meeting readers is that they they would ask you all kinds of wonderful questions. Sometimes the questions are about the creative process; sometimes they are about the plots of your stories; sometimes they are personal questions. They are all fun, and I feel very lucky to be a part of that conversation.

Students at Shatin Methodist College asking questions about the creative process. Photo credit: Niharika Aggarwal.

I want to give a big shoutout to all the hardworking staff and volunteers at HKILF, and to all the school librarians and teachers I met on this trip. You are all fantastic, and it’s such a pleasure to work with everyone. We are all book lovers, and we hope we can grow little big readers along the way.

Excited students participating at French International School - Hong Kong. Photo credit: Niharika Aggarwal.

Thank you, Ms. Hema Mathivanan from ESF Peak School, for letting me know that Monkey King and the World of Myths: The Monster and The Maze has been selected as one of the finalists for Golden Dragon Book Awards, the only children’s choice book awards in Hong Kong. I feel incredibly honored!

Last but not least, thank you for all the kind words I received from school librarians. Some of which include:

“Listening to Maple's stories about nurturing creativity since childhood was incredibly inspiring for our students. She not only encouraged them to embrace their artistic talents but also shared practical tips for fostering creative sparks. It was a delightful visit that left everyone buzzing with excitement and joy!”
~ Coco Liu, School Librarian, The International Montessori School

“What a delight it was to host Maple Lam at Peak School! We had two fantastic workshops with her for our Year 5 and Year 6 students, and we couldn't have asked for more. Maple was so calm and patient, even with all the many questions from our eager students. It was great to hear about her professional journey, and the workshops were truly memorable. We can't wait to have her back again! :)”
~ Hema Mathivanan, School Librarian, ESF Peak School

“Maple is a fantastic presenter! Her presentation is filled with tons of pictures and personal stories that kept the children rivetted from start to finish all while giving them an insight into creating graphic novels. Maple kept a great pace throughout, there was never a dull moment. The children absolutely loved hearing her talk. We’re so happy to have had her visit NAISHK!”
~ Miriam Bates, School Librarian, Nord Anglia International School

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I look forward to doing more school visits in the near future! ❤️

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Are you a book creator who also do school visits frequently? What are some of your favorite parts of doing school visits? Or, if you are a school librarian or a teacher, what do you enjoy most during an author’s school visit?