At just 10 years old, Malaysian children’s author Aayushi Yeogeswaran has earned a national record after reading books aloud continuously for 14 hours.
Marking Aayushi’s second Malaysia Book of Records title, she completed the reading feat on 14 August and was officially recognised for the “Longest Non-Stop Book Reading Aloud by a Child”. The recognition was presented on 31 August during the Selangor Children’s Literature Festival, organised by Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor (PPAS) in Shah Alam. In 2024, she was recognised as Malaysia’s “Youngest Book Author” at the age of 7 years, 7 months, and 15 days.
The Merdeka Day event also witnessed Aayushi launch her latest children’s book, The Great Good Wolf. Aayushi first developed the story when she was 8 years old. The book follows Wendy, a wolf whose actions challenge the stereotypical archetype of the “big bad wolf”. The story explores themes of courage, kindness, and looking beyond appearances.
It is the latest addition to Aayushi’s growing collection of children’s books, which includes Unicorn and Little Amanda, The Silly Monster and Amanda, Mini Teacher and the New Goldfish, Amanda Rescues the Dino Egg, and I’m Not A Bully.
According to Aayushi’s profile, she had read more than 1,600 books by the age of 5. She began writing at 6 and published her first book, Unicorn and Little Amanda, at 7. The book was launched in August 2024, with Aayushi subsequently continuing to write stories for young readers.
Apart from writing, she is also recognised for storytelling sessions and literacy activities, including programmes at Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda in schools and kindergartens.
Aayushi said she hopes her books can encourage children to read and write, while making books more affordable and accessible to children from different backgrounds.
Apart from her two Malaysia Book of Records achievements, Aayushi has also received several other awards and recognitions. These include a Special Award for Children from the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development in 2024, as well as recognition from the National Stars Award and the Mahakavi Barathi Kalai Ilakiya Mandram in India. She was also recognised by her school, SJKT Taman Sentosa in Klang, as a young author and later as a “Pembaca Bestari” under its NILAM reading programme.
On account of her latest Malaysia Book of Records recognition, the focus is put back on the fundamental activity that helped shape her writing journey, reading.
Source: SAYS
