Eva Wong Nava

Eva Wong Nava

Eva Wong Nava - Children's Book Author

Also writes as

Eva Wong Nava
evawongnava.com
Booking enquiry
Eva Wong Nava - author tools

Available for

Workshop, Talk, Reading, Interview

Audiences

Age 5 to 7, Age 7 to 11, University, Adult

Genres

Fiction, Folklore, History, Narrative non-fiction, Non-Fiction, Picture book, STEM

Book types

Non-fiction for children, Picture book

Details

Eva Wong Nava lives between two worlds. She was born on a tropical island where a merlion spurts water. Her ancestors braved monsoon winds sailing to British Malaya to plant roots in Southeast Asia. When the winds changed, they sailed again and found another home somewhere in the western hemisphere, leaving behind a legacy of children born to the diaspora. 

Eva reads copiously and writes voraciously. She holds a degree in English Literature and Language from the University of Hull where Philip Larkin was once the University Librarian; a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (P.G.C.E.) from University College London where the Institute of Education resides, and a certificate in Art Writing from Sotheby’s Art Institute which she undertook to better understand what the craft entails. She holds a M.A. in Art History and has taught children and adults how they can use writing for communication and play. Eva has been a speaker at the Asian Festival of Children’s Content on writing about diversity and representing marginalised voices. She is the founder of CarpeArte Journal, an online space, where flash fiction meets art. Eva’s flash fiction has appeared in various places and her articles on art have been published in international art journals. She was nominated for the Pushcart Prize and her debut middle-grade book, Open: A Boy’s Wayang Adventure, was awarded the bronze medal at the Moonbeam Children’s Book Award, 2018.

Although Eva writes across genres and age groups, she is primarily a children's book author. She has given talks on writing and owning our narratives at the Asian Festival of Children's Content. She has spoken about representation in children's stories and writing from a marginalised voice, and is an advocate for more diversity in children's literature. She has been to schools and parenting groups in France, Australia, and Singapore where she chatted with parents and children about children's literature, why it is important to use picturebooks to engage children in literacy, and why even read at all. 

Eva lives in London with her family and two scampering squirrels. She is happy to travel abroad to your schools and communities for workshops and events. Currently, Eva is conducting creative writing workshops--Telling Out Stories Through Art(e)Facts--online in respond to the unusual times we are living in. Telling Our Stories with Art(e)Facts is a curated workshop using artworks as prompts to memoir writing, to flash fiction, and to creative nonfiction essays. Eva is also happy to conduct virtual author tours as armchair travelling has become something she has started to embrace. She has her virtual seatbelt on waiting for you to invite her to your hall or classroom. 

Email Eva for more information: enquiries@evawongnava.com. Her fees are based on the Society of Authors recommended rates. 

 

Event feedback

Great!

Bhavisha V Patel (Newton Farm Primary School)

Eva Wong Nava was amazing. She told the story of her family, grandparents and great grandparents and the history of where she was born which was connected to her book The House of Sisters, where she spoke about the Mui Tsai problem in the crown colonies, and the story of 16 year old Lim Mei Mei and how she had been sold to a family as a servant girl and the journey of secrets in the house of Mister Lee in British Malaya. She falls in love and breaks all the rules in 1930's British Malaysia but has to find away for them to be together. Eva brought it alive for the audience with the history of buildings, and art and superstition and costumes that were worn back then in British Malaysia. Eva spoke about Lim's encounters with spirits and the plight of the Mui Tsai and how she falls in love with Hassan who are from two different backgrounds but fight to be together. Eva brought it alive with magic and held the audience until the end. Eva was a pleasure to have and knows how to tell a story with ease. Charming lady.

Patsy Brogan (Church Street Library)

Books by Eva Wong Nava

Eva Wong Nava was born on a tropical island where a merlion spurts water. Her ancestors braved monsoon winds sailing to British Malaya to plant roots in Southeast Asia. When the winds changed, they sailed again and found another home somewhere in the western hemisphere. She combines degrees in literature and art history and writes stories that explore identity, culture, and belonging. Eva has written an award-winning middle-grade novel published by Ethos Books and several picturebooks, published by Penguin Random House SEA, Armour Publishing, and World Scientific Education. She has a forthcoming YA novel to be published by Penguin Random House SEA, as well as a series of picturebooks exploring art and history in Southeast Asia. Eva lives in London with her family, two scampering squirrels, and a regal fox.
9780702315732
I Love Chinese New Year

I Love Chinese New Year

A gorgeously illustrated introduction to Chinese New Year:. 'Twelve animals, one for each year, each one with their own special powers. It all started with a race to cross the most heavenly of rivers.' Chinese New Year is right around the corner and Mai-Anne is so excited! As her family start decorating the house, there's a knock on the door... her grandmother, Nai Nai, has arrived! They start their celebrations with a traditional meal filled with fish for good luck, noodles for long life, dumplings for blessings and a WHOLE chicken. Then after dinner Nai Nai tells the story of how Chinese New year began, with the Great Race! Join Mai-Anne as she learns about twelve animals and their special powers in the story of how Chinese New Year began! A beautifully illustrated introduction to the true meaning of Chinese New Year and family traditions for little ones.  
9789814867245
Mina's Magic Malong

Mina's Magic Malong

Mina’s Magic Malong introduces a woman from Southern Philippines, and her charge, Ella—-two diverse characters, both grappling with separation. The story helps young readers to appreciate diverse cultures and traditions, where the emotional needs of both adult and child are checked in an encouraging and positive way. This picture book raises awareness of the sacrifices migrant-domestic workers make when they leave their homes to work overseas, and the important bonds that bloom between caretakers and children. 
9814807907
Sahara's Special Senses

Sahara's Special Senses

SAHARA Khan is a determined, strong, and courageous girl. She has an epic vision of becoming a chef — and nothing can stop her. Find out how Sahara develops her senses and learns to use them in the kitchen. Join her in an epic journey of self-discovery and empowerment. 
9789811221583
Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali: The Accidental Doctor

Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali: The Accidental Doctor

Meet Siti Hasmah, a little girl, who wants to be a journalist, in a period when not every girl was sent to school. Watch what happens to her, her family, and country when World War II strikes. Walk in her footsteps as she graduates from university and goes on to save the lives of many Malaysian women and children. See what she finally ends up becoming.The Woman Who Shaped Asia series aim not just to educate but also to motivate. These stories celebrate the amazing accomplishments of women from the region. Their remarkable strength in the face of adversity and sheer determination make it possible for their dreams to be fulfilled, no matter how big! They remind our young readers that great things are accomplished by people who were once little, just like them. 

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Keywords

AUTHOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS CHINESE CREATIVE NONFICTION CREATIVE WRITING DIVERSITY FOLK RELIGION FOLKLORE HISTORY INCLUSIVE MIDDLE GRADE PICTUREBOOKS REPRESENTATION SINGAPORE SOUTHEAST ASIAN