History Made Easy

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - For someone who fell in love with history quite late in life, Tunku Halim Tunku Abdullah has managed to make the subject into an interesting and fascinating read, especially for children.

His foray into writing history books for children began eight years ago when he was writing an autobiography of his late father. In his research, Tunku Halim found that his father grew up during the Second World War and during the British colonial period. He also unveiled his father`s Minangkabau roots.

“That sparked my interest in Malaysian history. I realised how interesting it is. It was really different when I was in school. I found it boring because I had to learn the dates and events. Now when I read it as an adult, I find it interesting.

“Then I thought, wouldn`t it be wonderful to have a book about history. A simple book about Malaysian history for children. So about six years ago, I wrote my first history book. I also wanted to write it for my children so that they would be in touch with their Malaysian roots.”

The 44-year-old lives with his wife and two children — an eight-year old boy and 12-year old girl — in Hobart, Tasmania.

A Children`s History of Malaysia was published in 2003. The book was well-received and Tunku Halim decided to write a second book.

After five years, the History Of Malaysia: A Children`s Encyclopedia was released early this year. The 144 pages hardcover encyclopedia contains regional maps, beginners to advance quizzes, a historical time chart and a chronology of events with colourful pictures, graphics and simple language.

Tunku Halim said he had compiled all the relevant events from history books and simplified them, to make the book an interesting read for children.

“I tried to focus on Malaysian history from pre-history until now. It was fascinating because Malaysian history is not isolated. We are actually connected with the history of other countries. If we talk about Malaysian history, then we need to know the full story.

“There are also lots of cross culture links in Malaysian history. For example, take Riau. After the Portuguese attacked Malacca, the Sultan fled to Riau and started his own kingdom there.”

Tunku Halim, who was in Kuala Lumpur recently on a promotional tour, said although targeted at children, the encyclopedia will appeal to all because adults sometimes tend to forget about the country`s history, too.

“Hopefully, parents who buy the encyclopedia for their children would read it, too. I hope it would help them remember things and relearn new things.”

When writing the encyclopedia, he had to play different roles simultaneously. He was the writer, illustrator, graphic designer, photographer and publisher.

“I was doing everything on my own and had to learn all the processes. I wanted it to be in a different format, full of pictures, maps, diagrams, graphics and illustrations to make it more interesting for the children.

“So I had to learn from scratch about illustration, designing graphics and layout. That process took 60 per cent of my effort. It was not so easy initially. Once I got it all done, I told myself to go the extra mile, to publish it myself. It would give me the satisfaction and total control over the project.”

According to him, one word to describe his feelings now that the encyclopedia is in the bookstores is “relieved” to see his journey finally completed.

“I never thought it would take me five years to complete it. But I never thought of giving up because it was a journey I wanted to complete. I have gone too far and I wasn`t ready to turn back. But if someone told me earlier on that I had to do everything, I probably would not have started it,” he said with a laugh.

Tunku Halim said children would certainly be attracted to history if the lessons are well-presented and interesting and not too technical and heavy with dates and datas.

“Now they only study history for exams and then forget about everything. Another way to attract them is to cultivate their interest in reading. Children are spending too much time watching television and playing video games.

Better known as a writer of horror stories, Tunku Halim has published two novels, a novella and five collections of short stories. His published works include The Rape of Martha Teoh and Other Chilling Tales, Dark Demon Rising, BloodHaze: 15 Chilling Tales, The Woman Who Grew Horns and Other Works and 44 Cemetery Road.

However, he started out with a non-fiction book, Everything the Condominium Developer Should Have Told You, But Didn`t, which was published in 1992. Now, he has published six non-fiction books which include The New Golf Paradigm (in 2001).

Available in bookstores since March, the History Of Malaysia: A Children`s Encyclopedia is priced at RM68, of which RM5 will go to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia`s Children`s Home of Hope centre.

Tunku Halim said the tie-up with NCSM would also help bring attention to the centre and the need for funds to keep it going.

“The president of NCSM, who is a family friend, took me around the place. I was so impressed with the work done as I feel that it is a worthwhile cause. There is also a form in the book for readers who want to donate to NCSM.”

The centre provides accommodation for children with cancer. It is affordable and easily accessible for patients and their caregivers coming from outstation for treatment and follow-up at the Paediatrics Institute of the Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The donation would be used to upgrade and maintain the centre. Kasmiah Mustapha

Source: http://www.nst.com.my (23 June 2009)

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