KUALA LUMPUR, Jun 4 — Generation Alpha must reconnect with books as a medium for shaping character and life values, as children today are increasingly exposed to gadgets and digital devices from a young age.
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) language planner Azimin Daud said children's books, particularly picture books, can serve as an effective medium for instilling values such as love, respect for parents and positive character development among the younger generation.
He said concerns over the erosion of family values among young people were among the factors that inspired the publication of Sekotak Pensel Warna, his second children's picture book.
“Generation Alpha children today are exposed to electronic devices from a very early age. As such, I produced this children's book as an effort to spark their interest in reading and cultivate a love for books from a young age.
“Through this book, I hope to teach them to appreciate and love their parents more, while understanding the value of family sacrifice,” he told Media Selangor when met at the 2026 Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) here.
Azimin, who has served at DBP for 26 years, said the book was inspired by a true story that explores themes of love, parental sacrifice and appreciation for the family institution.
He said picture books have a unique advantage as they can capture the attention of children who are still developing reading skills through a combination of text and illustrations that complement one another.
“Although the illustrations may appear simple, there are messages that I want to convey to readers through them,” he said.
According to Azimin, the use of language that is simple and relatable to children's daily lives is also an important element in producing effective picture books.
He said parents play a major role in nurturing a reading habit by spending time reading together with their children.
“When parents and children read together, a bond of love and affection is created through that shared experience.
“Let children's picture books be the starting point for cultivating a love of reading,” he said.
Meanwhile, Azimin called on more writers to produce quality picture books to help foster a reading culture among children.
He said books contain a wealth of knowledge and should become part of children's lives from an early age.
His book, Sekotak Pensel Warna, has been shortlisted among the 50 Must-Read Titles for Malaysians 2026, with the results expected to be announced during this year's Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair.
