SHAH ALAM, Aug 25 — The inaugural Selangor Children’s Literature Festival 2026, organised by the Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS), will give children new opportunities to explore literature, storytelling, creativity, and imagination.
Its director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad said the festival, scheduled for Friday (August 28) to Monday (August 31) at the Selangor International Trade Centre, formerly known as the Shah Alam Convention Centre, and at Aneka Walk, SA Central, would go beyond the usual book fair format.
The festival, themed ‘Meraikan Setiap Cerita Kanak-Kanak’ (Celebrating Every Child’s Story), would give children opportunities to read, play, explore their imagination, and create, while helping parents better understand their children’s development and needs.
“The festival also focuses on early education, gross and fine motor skills, as well as social and emotional development, while encouraging children to spend less time on gadgets and screens,” she said in a statement.
Mastura added that the festival also adopts an inclusive approach by giving children with special needs opportunities to read, play, create, and interact with their families and the wider community through programmes such as the Inclusive Literature Forum and Hands-On Sensory Play.
Visitors can explore the Malay Folklore and Legends Exhibition, featuring stories such as Bawang Putih dan Bawang Merah, Si Tanggang Derhaka, and Sang Kancil dan Buaya, as well as the Nostalgic Books Exhibition, which showcases reading materials and illustrations from earlier generations.
“The four-day festival, running from 9am to 9pm, will feature more than 100 exhibitors from diverse backgrounds and over 185 programmes covering the arts, creativity, literature, education, and interactive activities.
“Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet National Laureates, writers, illustrators, and personalities associated with children's and young people’s literature,” she said.
The festival will also feature talks by local figures, as well as writers, illustrators, educators and publishing industry professionals from China, India, and Singapore, bringing international perspectives on books, children’s literature, education, and child development.
Up to RM40,000 in cash prizes will also be up for grabs during the four-day festival, with 20 winners receiving RM500 each day.
