Santa Comes To Cambodia

When Santa’s sleigh crash-lands in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, an ingenious boy comes up with a plan to help Santa navigate the beautiful country and save Christmas! Join them on their adventure with stops including a boat ride to the islands, a moto ride around Angkor Wat, a rickshaw drive through the mangroves in Kampot, and a return to Phnom Penh on a cyclo where Santa’s sleigh is repaired and ready for its next stop in Southeast Asia. Experience a memorable night full of fun and surprises.

 

Fun Facts

The back of the book features a section with fun facts about the places and things in the story! Learn more about Cambodia after you enjoy this magical ride with Santa. For example…

Tuktuk

The word tuktuk, pronounced took-took, is a fun onomatopoeia, named for the sound the idling moto engine makes. Another name for this mode of transport is the French word "remorque," meaning trailer. A two-wheeled trailer is connected to a moto, and the driver leads the trailer with its passengers around town. Tuktuks emerged on the scene in Cambodia in the late 1990s to early 2000s in Siem Reap to show tourists around the famous ruins of Angkor. The popularity of tuktuks stretched beyond Siem Reap, and for decades they were a main form of transport in the country. With their plush seats, ample space, and decorations reflecting each driver's unique style, traditional tuktuks are a fun way to get around town.

 

Meet the Illustrator

Bastian Saputro, known as Diobhas, is a talented illustrator from Jakarta, Indonesia. He has lent his artistic touch to numerous illustrated books worldwide, spanning from children's literature to book covers. Diobhas takes great pleasure in the art of illustration and thrives in collaborative efforts with authors, crafting one-of-a-kind and unforgettable children's books that inspire young readers and their big imaginations. To see more of Diobhas’ beautiful work, visit www.diobhas.com.

Reading with the Author

One of my greatest joys has been reading my first book, Mangos Are for Me, to many schools around Phnom Penh. I love hearing the children’s questions and insights. Sharing my writing journey and process with older students is incredibly rewarding, and with younger ones, I enjoy hearing about their favorite fruits. If you'd like me to visit your school, feel free to send me a message. I would love to visit your classroom and hopefully inspire young authors and creators.

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