We are absolutely thrilled to interview the talented author Liudmila Rijk Baksheeva and illustrator Kitty N Wong, who together have created the enchanting children’s book, "Sounds of Hong Kong." This bestseller celebrates the vibrant sounds of our beloved city, and we couldn't wait to hear more about their creative journey!
Q: Welcome! We are so happy that you could find the time to answer a few questions for our Bookazine readers.
Liudmila: Thank you for having us! I’m absolutely thrilled to discuss this project. Bringing "Sounds of Hong Kong" to life has been an incredible journey for me. I had this idea in my mind for years, and finally seeing it all come together has been surreal. The moment my kids held the finished book—a book I created for them—was unforgettable! It felt like a dream come true!
Q: What sparked your inspiration to create "Sounds of Hong Kong"?
Liudmila: After becoming a parent, my collection of children's books grew immensely. My kids always gravitated towards those with sound elements, and I realized that Hong Kong, with its unique and vibrant noise, truly deserved its own sound book.
Q: Can you tell us about Tommy and Lily, the main characters?
Liudmila: Tommy and Lily are inspired by my own children, George and Isabella. I even consider them co-authors, as many sounds in the book were chosen based on what they loved to mimic! Our illustrator, Kitty, captured their essence perfectly—Lily’s ponytails and Tommy’s green T-shirt reflect what my kids used to wear!
Q: What message do you hope young readers take away from this book?
Liudmila: I hope that kids fall in love with Hong Kong, just as I did while creating this book. I want them to appreciate the unique energy and soul of the city. Each sound and detail reflects what makes Hong Kong special, and I also hope it evokes fond memories for those who have a connection to this place.
Q: How was your collaboration with Kitty during the illustration process?
Liudmila: Working with Kitty was a fantastic experience! We had an instant connection, and she truly understood my vision. I wanted an illustrator who not only knew Hong Kong well but also shared my experiences as an expat. Kitty, being a Hong Kong-born Canadian, was a perfect fit. I picked locations that are special to me, like Happy Valley (where I have lived for 10 years now) and the tram in Wanchai, which I used to ride to work every day. I also included the dragon boat racing scene, inspired by my time paddling for the Dutch Dragon Boat team.
Kitty: Mila provided me with a detailed document highlighting the places she wanted illustrated. She wanted the book to be seen through the eyes of a child, which guided my perspective as I created the art. I took walks around Causeway Bay and Wanchai to capture unique reference photos, and it was a joy to collaborate and share ideas throughout the process.
Q: Were there any cultural elements of Hong Kong that you felt were essential to include?
Liudmila: Absolutely! The dragon boat festival was a must-have, and I even included a little detail where Lily is enjoying zongzi. The horse races were another highlight—who doesn’t love a day at the races, right? (Though, let’s remember, kids aren’t allowed on race days! ) We also featured the Chinese New Year with a lion dance, and Kitty added a delightful touch by showing Tommy feeding the lion a green leaf for good luck!
Q: What challenges did you face while creating this book?
Liudmila: Writing was a new experience for me, especially since English isn’t my first language. However, I had a great editor who guided me through the process. Adding sounds was also challenging but enjoyable, thanks to my friend Becky Chu, a sound creator. For some sounds, like the taxi honking, Becky provided a few different versions, and I had to pick the one that really felt like “Hong Kong.” The dragon boat drumming was extra special—Becky’s mom recorded it during her own race! How cool is that?
Kitty: I had my challenges, too! I wanted to hide the sound buttons within the illustrations to make it a fun scavenger hunt for kids. It was a creative way to engage young readers with the sounds of the city!
Q: How do you believe your book can foster cultural understanding?
Liudmila: I’ve received heartfelt messages from parents saying that this book has helped their kids learn about Hong Kong’s culture and sounds. Kids mimic the sounds, repeat the MTR announcements, and even learn how to cheer locally—“Ga Yao!” Books are such a great way to teach kids about the world around them. They’re fun, but they also create memories and connections that last a lifetime.
Q: Are there any authors who have influenced your work?
Liudmila: While I can’t point to any direct influences, I admire authors like Mo Willems, Julia Donaldson, and Eric Carle. Their storytelling styles resonate with me!
Q: Can you share any upcoming projects you have in the pipeline?
Liudmila: I’m excited to reveal that I’m working on my second book, but I’m keeping the details under wraps for now! We’re also releasing the Cantonese version of "Sounds of Hong Kong" this month of October, which many people have been eagerly asking for!
Q: Finally, what is your favorite sound in Hong Kong?
Liudmila: Haha, great question! Honestly, I’d say it’s the “city noise.” That mix of everything—cars, chatter, birds, wind—all blending. Picture this: you’re standing on Victoria Peak in the early morning, and you can hear the city waking up. That’s the sound of Hong Kong—chaotic, lively, and full of life.
Parents have also shared their kids’ favorite sounds—so far, the MTR announcement, the Lion Dance, and the Octopus card “beep” are leading! 😊
Thank you, Liudmila and Kitty, for sharing your insights and passion with us! "Sounds of Hong Kong" is, without a doubt, inspiring young readers to foster a love for this vibrant city that we call "Home".
Meet the Creative Minds Behind the Bestselling Kids Book "Sounds of Hong Kong"!
Sounds of Hong Kong with Tommy & Lily
And for more exciting news! The SOUNDS OF HONG KONG with TOMMY & LILY is now available as a BILINGUAL edition. You can get your copies here:
湯米和莉莉的小耳朵香港遊記 - SOUNDS OF HONG KONG WITH TOMMY & LILY BILINGUAL EDITION
Follow Tommy and Lily on their little adventure, and you’ll rediscover the famous places of Hong Kong and enjoy the sounds that make our city so special.
Enjoy!
The Bookazine Team
