Stories about Transportation ── Let's open the picture books by Hong Kong artist Lam Kin-choi
"Where is Tram Ding Ding?", a picture book published by Kapok Tree and beloved by children, has enjoyed immense popularity. This can be seen from the "Searching for Tram Ding Ding Book Club" walking tours organized by "Green Power" in Hong Kong, which have been running from 2019 to 2024, with every session fully booked. We noticed one name in particular – Lam Kin Choi (the other creator being artist Lau Ching Wah). This name subsequently appeared on several other charming picture books published by Kapok Tree, such as "Where to Immigrate?" published in 2021, which won the prestigious "White Raven Award" from the International Youth Library in Germany. The latest work to arrive in bookstores is "Little Ko's Playground," which tells the story of Hong Kong's Peak Tram. I love every one of these books, and coupled with Kapok Tree's affordable prices, I immediately collected them all.
Why do I, as an adult, find these books so enjoyable? Firstly, the stories are very "Hong Kong." Aside from "Where to Immigrate?", whether it's the Ding Ding tram or the Peak Tram, these are all historical and distinctive modes of transport in Hong Kong, an essential experience for first-time visitors. I even went with a friend's child specifically to chase the "Ding Ding tram." The author uses such modes of transport as protagonists, which not only appeals to young readers who are fans of vehicles but also creates unique local stories. For example, "Where is Tram Ding Ding?" echoed the social discussions at the time about the fate of the Ding Ding tram, an antique public transport system that was becoming inefficient. In the story, "Little Ding" is unhappy due to being outdated and prepares to retire. Ultimately, everyone's love and encouragement help "Little Ding" regain courage and confidence. This is a story about finding self-worth, and for children, it also teaches that the value of something isn't always about efficiency; it can also be something quiet, slow, yet incredibly warm. The latest book, "Little Ko's Playground," also tells a story about transportation, but this time the focus is on the hundred-year history of the Peak Tram, and it also introduces Hong Kong's century-long history of greening. The ambition is a bit greater, but the story is very readable, without feeling like a dry list of facts, and even includes a concise tree guide.
My personal favorite is "Where to Immigrate?", as migration is a central theme of our times, whether it's moving to another city, another country, or even the ongoing discussion about colonizing Mars. This book both reflects the current situation in Hong Kong and broadens the story's scope to space migration, with spaceships as the mode of transport this time. "Ann" and "Kaka" are about to embark on a 210-day space flight. What interesting things can they do during this long journey? And what do they experience in the end? It's a wildly imaginative and childlike work, and readers can also find reflections on human loneliness and the fragility of preserving memories within it!
Printmaker and picture book author Lam Kin Choi not only creates picture books but also has many interesting artworks and exhibitions. His work has been nominated for the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition and he was a recipient of the 2021 Batsford Prize (Children's Picture Book Illustration) in the UK. Interested readers can visit Lam Kin Choi's official website.
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