Let’s Read BookLab: Authors and Illustrators Get on the Same Page to Promote Children’s Literacy 

A round table is covered by colorful children’s books and laptops as writers and illustrators flip through book pages, discussing the balance between text and images. This collaboration allows artists to engage with authors early in the bookmaking process, helping them understand how each part of the creative process works and align narration and visuals.  

This most recent BookLab event in Jakarta, Indonesia, is a key part of The Asia Foundation’s Let’s Read program, which promotes literacy across Asia and the Pacific while offering emerging authors and illustrators a valuable platform.  

Let’s Read BookLab, generously supported by a charitable foundation and partnered with Litara, offers aspiring illustrators and writers a unique opportunity to develop their craft, showcase their talents, and contribute meaningfully to children’s early education. Held annually, the event provides an invaluable opportunity for local creatives to learn how to produce high-quality children’s books and gain exposure to a broader audience. 

One of the most crucial aspects of the Let’s Read BookLab is its commitment to fostering local talent. By inviting emerging illustrators and writers to participate, the BookLab provides an essential space for these creatives to learn the intricacies of producing children’s books. Participants not only gain hands-on experience in book production but also receive guidance on how to craft stories and illustrations that are engaging and inspiring for young readers. 

“Storybook-making often sidelines illustrators’ voices. Writers send their scripts to illustrators, who then create images based solely on the text. But at Let’s Read BookLab, we do things differently, emphasizing collaboration so that illustrators’ voices are just as integral to the storytelling process,” said The Asia Foundation’s Aryasatyani Sintadewi during the 6th BookLab, which took place January 24 through 26. Sinta, who has overseen the transformation from Books for Asia to Let’s Read, and initiated Let’s Read BookLab to produce books and serve as a path for creators to learn and expand their portfolio.  

Fanny Santoso, an illustrator and storybook editor, said: “Illustrators were not usually involved in the bookmaking process [before]. We typically only create illustrations based on the story sent to us. Let’s Read BookLab offers illustrators a valuable opportunity to be more engaged, share ideas, and contribute creatively rather than simply executing the vision like a manual worker.” 

As part of her journey with Let’s Read BookLab, illustrator and aspiring writer Muningar Herdianing reflected on her experience, which began at the second BookLab event. “In my first BookLab … I was an illustrator. Now, in this 6th BookLab, I have the exciting opportunity to explore a new skill as a storyteller.”

“I truly value the platform that Let’s Read BookLab provides for aspiring creatives like me,” she continued. “It offers a unique chance to learn new skills, broaden my creative horizons, and enhance my ability in children’s bookmaking.” 

Participants also have the unique opportunity to be mentored by published writers and professional illustrators who have released their work internationally. Through workshops, mentorship, and collaboration with professionals, local creatives can grow in their careers, refine their portfolios, and prepare their works for publication. This learning environment ensures that they are well-equipped to produce books that meet the developmental needs of young children while also contributing to the government’s efforts to improve children’s reading habits. 

In addition to providing a space for learning, the BookLab is an essential platform for showcasing the work of emerging illustrators and writers. Through its wide reach across digital media and the Asia-Pacific region, the event allows participants to have their creations published and seen by Let’s Read readers across Asia and the Pacific. This exposure helps elevate their portfolios, offering opportunities for recognition and collaboration on future projects.  

The BookLab is more than just a creative space, local creatives not only gain visibility but also contribute positively to children’s education. By offering a learning environment where they can improve their skills, build their portfolios, and share their work with the world, the BookLab is ensuring that young readers across the Asia-Pacific region will have access to diverse, culturally rich, and high-quality literature that will nurture their development for years to come.