Local Innovators Series: An Educational Haven Amid The Pandemic
- Pencil Case | 22foramoment.wixsite.com/every-day
- Jan 27, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 4, 2022
It all started with an Instagram post that floated on to my feed, as I was sipping a calming cup of Wedang Uwuh, with a crispy piece of shrimp cracker in hand.
Not sure if it was the to-die-for illustrations or the commendable pluralistic topic that it tried to introduce to the little ones that got me, but I was immediately drawn to check their account @littlequokka.id. The further I scrolled the more fascinated I became of this rare find.
There was a book on Indonesian spices and another on traditional snacks! How utterly adorable and what an oasis, I thought. What a lovely way to introduce Indonesian heritage.
I simply had to contact the creator and learn more about them. Below is an excerpt of my conversation with Reevi, Little Quokka.
Love, love, love your books! Can you tell me how Little Quokka came about?
Funny thing. The thought of becoming a publisher had never crossed our minds. It all started last year during the first COVID lockdown.
I had just resigned from my job at an established publishing house, and our whole family was at home due to the lockdown.
Relieved from the once intense out-of-town work travels, was a refreshing change, allowing me to spend quality family time, which we all happily took full advantage of - playing and gardening with the kids.
So, our first book Willa dan Rempah Kesayangan Ibu, (Willa and Mom's Favourite Spice) was really born out of spending time on my new found gardening and cooking hobbies. Confusions in trying to figure out the different spices, got me into thinking that an educational material on spices was needed. As the brainchild of my simple curiousity, our first book was really only worked on by the three of us - my wife, her illustrator friend and myself.
We had simply thought it'd be nice to introduce kids to different kinds of spices.
As publishing costs can be pretty substantial, we thought it'd wise to just open pre-orders, to better manage financials. Way beyond our expectations, we received such an exceptional response from buyers.
What's unique about Little Quokka's products?
Honestly? No idea. We haven't done any market research.
I think it could be the subject. Content focusing on spices, I'd say is still relatively limited. Pratya did a fantastic job on the illustrations. She was completely spot-on in translating our "very general" brief.
Who were your role models or references that influenced the creation of your books?
Various kinds of products influenced our style in creating. We love going to book fairs and in collecting books for our own children, we have become familiar with what kind of books and themes were in need.
What is the challenge for creating educational materials for Indonesian children?
I guess, too many preconceived rules on what childrens' books ought to be, often cause creators to be less explorative or allow them to go "wild", sticking instead to the usual popular and "commercially-win" themes. So, early on, we had decided, this was not the approach we wanted to take.
What do you wish to change with Little Quokka?
We want Little Quokka to be more professional. Happy to say, it is now a legally incorporated entity. We hope Little
Quokka will step up and also be a hub for
some of our very talented colleagues and friends who have been laid-off during the pandemic
How do you think digitalization will affect Little Quokka's future development?
COVID has accelerated digitalization, for sure. But I truly believe that children's (hardcopy) books can still hold its own. Having said that, I must admit the publishing industry is not lucrative - as long as intellectual property rights violations remain rampant without solid regulatory measures. Still, I am optimistic there is still room for growth. Now, more than ever, is the time for creators to seize opportunities, pave their own paths to truly call their own.
I feel like Little Quokka's books aren't just books I want to read, but also, collect. Do you have any plans to produce them in other languages?
Since Willa dan Rempah Kesayangan Ibu and Jajanan Nusantara (Indonesian Snacks), we got to know a lot of people. From these networks, there are plans to take on new projects, hoping to reach a wider international market. Keep an eye out!
What are your future plans for Little Quokka?
Continue to have joy, cheer and originality unswayed by short-lived trends.
A final word for readers out there?
Always buy original products, and support local creators.
Hope you enjoyed my short conversation with Little Quokka. Their products are certainly precious in their own right. They have raised the creativity bar of our local educators all whilst putting Indonesian heritage center stage.
Let me end by saying
As devastating as COVID-19 has been, it has not managed to dampen the unrelenting spirit of our local innovators who battle the effects of the pandemic every day, from their own homes, in their own ways, quietly, victoriously.
Get up close and personal with Little Quokka's products from their website.
Thank you Little Quokka for the adorable images and videos.
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