The House on Palmer Road

It is 1930s Singapore and war is raging in China and Europe. But for eight-year-old Sing and her nine brothers and sisters, life is carefree and fun at their wooden house in Palmer Road where they live with Mother, Father and Ah Seem. Join them as they go frog hunting, escape fierce guard geese, visit a 'coolie room', and head off on other exciting adventures in pre-war colonial Singapore.

This playful, fun-filled children's book is based on the childhood experiences of 83-year-old first-time author, Si-Hoe S.S. who is the 'real' Sing. In The House on Palmer Road, young readers will fall in love with the large but lovable family, and relive a magical though tumultuous time in Singapore's past. Within the series of charming short stories, children will also gently encounter aspects of Singapore's history through vividly-described landscapes, snatches of overheard conversations among the grown-ups, and the many people they 'meet', from itinerant hawkers to coolies and night soil men.

The story continues in the sequel, The House on Silat Road.

About the Authors

Si-Hoe S.S. is Sing, the real protagonist in The House on Palmer Road and The House on Silat Road. She was born in the house on Palmer Road in 1933, and lived there with her family until 1941. She became a chemistry teacher and taught Anglo-Chinese School, St. Patrick’s School and Temasek Junior College. Retired since 1994, she is a first-time book author at the age of 83. 

A food and travel journalist of 30 years, Sim Ee Waun is more recently a published children’s book author. She holds a BA (Hons) in English Language & Literature and an MA in International Journalism. 

About the Illustrator

Local artist Lim An-Ling has illustrated books as well as Singapore’s current Vanishing Trades series of postage stamps. An-Ling holds of BA in Visual Communications, and her portfolio can be viewed on www.musingcats.com.