Latest news with #BigBadWolfBooks
Bangkok Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Bangkok Post
Big Bad Wolf is back
The world's largest English-language book sale is making its much-anticipated return to Bangkok this month, bringing with it more than just discounted titles. From tomorrow until Aug 17, Big Bad Wolf Books will once again transform IMPACT Forum Hall 4, Muang Thong Thani, into a vast, immersive marketplace of ideas, stories and dreams. With over 2 million new English books available at up to 95% off, the event aims to ignite imaginations, broaden perspectives and -- at its heart -- reinforce a message that books remain one of the most powerful tools for individual and societal change. The scale of the event is only matched by its purpose. "We've never looked at this as just a book sale," said Jacqueline Ng, co-founder and director of Big Bad Wolf Books, in a recent press conference held at Siam@Siam hotel. "We see it as a literacy movement. A single book can completely reshape a person's outlook. That's why we keep doing this, year after year, city after city. We want to reach readers who might not otherwise have access to books. That's the mission." Ng and her partner Andrew Yap founded Big Bad Wolf in Malaysia in 2009 with a vision to make reading affordable for everyone, regardless of background. Since then, the movement has expanded to more than 50 cities across 17 countries, including Egypt, Sri Lanka, Kenya, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. In Thailand, over 10 million books have been sold since the fair's local debut in 2016. With every new edition, the event has drawn crowds of readers -- from students and parents to educators, artists and lifelong bibliophiles -- eager to build their home libraries without breaking the bank. The timing of the 2025 Bangkok edition feels particularly relevant. Global economic uncertainty and the rising cost of living has made discretionary spending more cautious, but Ng believes that books have re-emerged as essential investments, particularly for Gen Z and young families. "We're seeing more people who view reading as a pathway to mental wellness, inspiration and even personal reinvention," she explained. "Books have this ability to ground us in ways that digital content often can't." Recent industry data backs this up. According to Grand View Research, the global book market is projected to grow from US$150 billion in 2024 to $192 billion by 2030, with physical books continuing to dominate market share -- accounting for an estimated 70%–84% of sales. The Asia-Pacific region, notably, is driving much of that growth, averaging a steady 5% annual increase. Closer to home, Thailand's reading culture is also showing signs of renewed life. The average Thai now spends approximately 113 minutes a day reading -- a meaningful jump from past years. English-language books, in particular, have seen growing interest, especially among working professionals and parents who see value in raising bilingual children. Popular genres include fiction, self-help, psychology, business and inspirational non-fiction, while children's books -- especially those designed to foster early language development -- remain perennial bestsellers. "There's something powerful happening right now," Ng observed. "Yes, we live in a digital-first world, but many young people are coming back to books. They're using reading as a form of digital detox. It's not about nostalgia -- it's about clarity. Physical books give them a different kind of experience, a deeper engagement." The rise of digital detoxing isn't just anecdotal. Social media trends like #BookTok on TikTok have helped make reading culturally relevant again, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Videos of users sharing emotional reactions to books or staging elaborate "reading nooks" in their homes have turned literature into a lifestyle statement. For Ng, this convergence of physical and digital reading habits is not a contradiction -- it's an evolution. "The platforms may change, but the emotional core of reading stays the same. Our job is to keep that core accessible." Accessibility remains central to Big Bad Wolf's philosophy and it's why the sale continues to partner with Thai organisations committed to literacy and education. Plan for Kids, a well-established children's publisher and co-founder of the Thai Book United alliance, plays a key role in curating bilingual content that appeals to both young readers and their parents. "Reading unlocks the world for every child -- not just in classrooms but in everyday life," said Risuan Aramcharoen, managing director of Plan for Kids. "Big Bad Wolf gives families the chance to build a meaningful home library without spending a fortune. The earlier we surround children with books, the more confident, creative and curious they become." The fair also collaborates with respected Thai publishers like Silkworm Books to ensure that local voices remain a vital part of the experience. "Big Bad Wolf is more than just a sales event," said Silkworm's director Trasvin Jittidecharak, who also serves as secretary-general of the Asean Book Publishers Association. "It's a platform that gives Thai readers access to global literature while also spotlighting Thai language books. This kind of exchange is vital -- not just for readers, but for the long-term health of our publishing ecosystem." The books on offer reflect that global-local dynamic. Visitors can browse titles in genres ranging from YA novels and thrillers to cookbooks, architecture, history and rare collectable editions. Children's picture books, graphic novels, academic texts and contemporary fiction sit side by side in a 5,000m² venue designed for exploration. New to this year's fair will be themed reading zones, family activities, exclusive merchandise and community-led programming that bridges reading with creativity and critical thinking. As for the future, Ng is clear about the road ahead. The team's ultimate goal is to move one billion books globally, reaching readers in even more countries where books are still considered a luxury. "We want to keep evolving the event experience," she said. "But we'll never move away from our core belief: that reading can transform lives." For now though, all eyes are on Bangkok. With its convenient connection to the new Pink Line MRT (Muang Thong Thani Station), Big Bad Wolf Books 2025 is poised to welcome thousands of new and returning readers over its 11-day run. And whether they walk away with a stack of novels or a single book that speaks directly to them, Ng hopes the experience leaves a lasting mark. "We never know who we're going to reach at each event," she said. "But if even one person leaves inspired -- if one child picks up a book and begins a lifelong journey -- we've already succeeded." Big Bad Wolf Books 2025 runs daily from 10am to 10pm, from tomorrow until Aug 17, at IMPACT Forum Hall 4, Muang Thong Thani. For updates, follow Big Bad Wolf Books on Facebook or Instagram (@bigbadwolfbooks_th).
Gulf Today
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
The Big Bad Wolf offers big discounts on books at SCRF
Visitors of all age groups and especially young children are not only enjoying the varieties of festivities at the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival 2025 (SCRF) but also showing great interest in books being sold on discount prices as high as 85 per cent especially at one of the biggest stalls set up by the Big Bad Wolf. The world's biggest book sale, which was introduced to the UAE by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA), has come to the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival for the first time, offering discounts as high as 85% thus giving children and their guardians every reason to fully embrace books and reading. Talking to the media, Andrew Yap, co-founder, Big Bad Wolf Books said: 'Our mission is to change the world through books, and we want to make that change beginning with kids. But in this digital age, how can we make children fall in love with books?' Andrew Yap, co-founded the Big Bad Wolf Books with his wife Jacqueline Ng way back in 2009 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 'The Big Bad Wolf is a classic character and today's kids are less familiar with it than their parents' generation. The name is sure to attract their interest and curiosity,' he pointed. Yap remembers his childhood bereft of books and vows that no child today should face that problem; hence he has been intent on presenting books at the most affordable price range. 'This is our first time here. We have partnered with SBA and as a specialised book fair with people from across the region flying in here, this is a wonderful opportunity for us.' Being a children's event, Big Bad Wolf is exhibiting only children's books at SCRF. But that is a virtual treasure house of books that children will fancy - board books, popup books, colouring books, encyclopedias and the like. 'At SCRF, our books are priced for as low as Dhs3 and as high as Dhs180 (for a book that costs Dhs500),' said Santy John, head of Marketing and Business development of Big Bad Wolf in the UAE. She pointed out that they have been in the UAE for quite some time, holding book fairs in Dubai and Sharjah. 'We are exploring further and will soon be seen in Ajman and Abu Dhabi, not to mention other Middle Eastern nations like Egypt and Saudi Arabia. We are across 17 countries and 50 cities, and are still growing.' The price point is their USP, and has meant even casual visitors will not hesitate to buy a book. 'We have everything a young child needs. The fact that we are selling on a large scale brings in profits. It is the volume game,' said John. According to Yap, 'If the whole world is reading, we will see a better world.' 'Sharjah Children's Reading Festival 2025 can only wish for the same too.' However, Sharif, a student of Grade 8 in one of Sharjah's schools, is enjoying the huge discount on their favourite books at the Big Bad Wolf and shared his excitement and said: 'We were surprised to see the wide range of our favourite books on discounts up to 85 per cent offering by the Big Bad Wolf stall. We will visit again on weekend to buy more books to bring our friends.' The 16th edition of the Sharjah Children's Reading Festival being organised by the Sharjah Book Authority, will continue till May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah under the theme 'Dive into Books.' This year's agenda will feature 133 guests from 70 countries, and 122 Arab and international publishing houses from 22 nations. His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, recently toured the festival halls. This year's edition features over 1,024 cultural, artistic, and entertainment events, including creative workshops, theatrical performances, interactive sessions, and specialised reading activities for children and families. The festival also welcomes more than 133 distinguished guests from 70 countries, highlighting its global reach and cultural diversity.
