Join us at the Glasshouse for a morning centred around Monsoon - a gentle, lyrical picture book that traces the arrival of the rains on a tropical island. From the first cool gusts that stir the palms, to the scent of damp earth rising with the first drops, to the rushing wind and booming thunder that make up nature's own orchestra — the story carries readers through a monsoon day and into the quiet, glistening calm that follows.
We'll open with a reading of the book by author Mohtashim Shaikh alongside illustrator Mohd Shafizi bin Abdul Ghani as they walk us through how Monsoon came together — from first sketches to finished pages. There'll be time for questions after, and signed copies will be available for purchase on site.
This event is family-friendly and free for kids 12 and below.
2 August, Sunday
11am - 12.30pm
Glasshouse, Tropical Spice Garden
Adults: RM25 | Spice Fam: Free
· includes Garden Entry + light refreshments
· kids 12 and below enter for free, no registration required
Important:
1. This is a family-friendly event, and admission is free for kids 12 and below. Pre-registration is required for those above 12 and Spice Fam members.
2. Kindly aim to arrive at least 15 minutes early. There is a 10-minute uphill walk to the Glasshouse.
3. Light refreshments will be served. For meal options, the Garden cafe K(an)opi Coffee will be open from 9am-6pm.
4. For further enquiries, kindly contact +6019 420 3797 via WhatsApp.
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The book: Monsoon
A gentle, lyrical picture book evoking childhood memories of life on a tropical island, experiencing the onset of the monsoon rains, it begins with the first cool gusts of sea breeze that stir the palm trees and carry the scent of the seas and far-off lands. Soon, dark clouds gather, and the warm fragrance of damp earth rises as the first drops fall. The story paints the delight of rushing winds, pounding rain, flashes of lighting, and booming thunder, nature's grand orchestra. By evening, the storm calms, leaving behind glistening puddles, fresh air, quiet waves, and a peaceful world where the children drift off to sleep. Content and safe after the magic of a monsoon day.
Author: Mohtashim Shaikh
Following a distinguished forty-year international career in engineering and project management, Mohtashim gracefully transitioned from the rigorous world of logic and numbers into the soulful rhythm of retirement. Within this reflective space, he discovered a profound passion for storytelling.
Today, he is delighted to debut his first illustrated children’s book, Monsoon. This evocative story draws from Mohtashim’s own childhood memories, capturing the vibrant sights, sounds, and wonders of growing up in a tropical land. Woven from personal experiences of torrential rains, Monsoon offers a tender tale that beautifully bridges generations.
Mohtashim views this launch as the dawn of many creative endeavours, a journey he pursues alongside his lifelong devotion to photography.
"Retirement has finally given voice to a creative urge I held inside for decades," Mohtashim shares. "Writing Monsoon allowed me to reconnect with my heritage and share the magic of my youth with the next generation of dreamers." He looks forward to a future filled with storytelling, capturing the beauty of the world through both words and lenses.
Illustrator: Mohd Shafizi bin Abdul Ghani
Born in the historic enclave of George Town, Penang, forty-year-old Shafizi bin Abdul Ghani is a self-taught artist whose profound devotion to the fine arts ignited at the tender age of thirteen.
His creative evolution began with the raw simplicity of pencil sketching, progressed through the vibrant textures of pastels, and ultimately culminated in a mastery of oil painting, which now serves as his primary medium of expression. Guided by a deep reverence for aesthetic value, Shafizi weaves complex emotions and narrative depth into every canvas. As an active figure in the art community, he frequently showcases his work in public exhibitions to share his evolving creative vision.
Recently, he achieved a meaningful milestone by illustrating the newly published book, Monsoon, adding a narrative dimension to his growing artistic legacy.