As a group of avid readers in the LRP team we are very happy to have recently expanded our book offering online and in the showroom. We knew you would be interested in finding out more about some of the wonderful authors and illustrators who have created the ones we've selected. All books have a Hong Kong theme whether it be written or illustrated by someone who lives here or is about the city, the stories and the history of the place so many of us call home.
We have created a series of Ask The Author blog posts where we ask the same three questions (with an added bonus one at the end!) to find out more about their connection to the city, what their book is all about, what inspires them and their favourite things to see and do in the 852.
About you
I am Jessica Shea. I am Kowloon born and Shatin raised Hong Konger. Living in Shatin for almost 30+yrs I guess I can call myself a Shatinian. After graduating from high school, I spent 7 years studied and working in LA. My book is illustrated by me and written in Traditional Chinese and English. It is for a toddler to learn some simple phrases and numbers in Cantonese.
Your Inspiration
Cantonese is the mother tongue of Hong Kong. I think this language is disappearing gradually here. I always wanted to do something to save my language but never had a concrete idea to make it happen. It all started in 2020, I had a lot of friends leave this city with their kids. While I was searching for the parting gifts for their kids. I found it very difficult to get a Cantonese language learning board book for toddlers. So If I couldn’t find one, why not create one myself. In 2022, I self-published a book called “My First Cantonese Book.”
Favourite thing to do or see in Hong Kong
My favourite thing to do in Hong Kong is stand-up paddling or kayaking in the Sai Kung area and roaming in the city without any reason.
