The Singapore Centre for Chinese Language hosted the launch of its latest original picture book "I Want My Farty Reindeer!" on 13 December 2025, drawing strong participation from parents, educators, and media.

        As the seventh title in Dr Cheng Wan-Ni's annual Christmas picture book series, the book continues a distinctive approach of using Christmas as a narrative framework to engage with Singaporean cultural contexts and contemporary social themes. The story takes the replacement of real reindeer with mechanical ones as its point of departure, explores how, in a technology-driven world, human connection and emotional warmth remain irreplaceable.

        The event featured a parent-child immersive storytelling experience, co-presented with renowned Taiwanese storyteller Victor Lu, who has delivered over 10,000 of storytelling sessions across schools, libraries, and international platforms, and is widely recognised for his highly engaging and interactive storytelling style.

        Together, Dr Cheng and Victor Lu transformed the book into a live participatory experience, combining narrative, performance, and interaction. This approach enabled children to engage with the story not only cognitively but also emotionally and physically.

        As part of SCCL's ongoing annual picture book initiative, the series has, since 2019, addressed different social themes each year through a Christmas lens, including sharing and empathy, labour and contribution, identity and stereotypes. The newly launched book further extends the exploration to the theme of "technology and humanity", fostering a closer dialogue between picture book creation and contemporary social development.

Dr Cheng Wan-Ni and Victor Lu engaging in interactive storytelling on stage

Laughter filled the room during the storytelling, creating a joyful and lively atmosphere

Audiences were invited on stage to participate, creating an immersive and interactive storytelling experience