Discover The Millie Mak Series by Alice Pung, Illustrated by Sher Rill Ng

Alice Pung is the current Artist in Residence at Janet Clarke Hall, the University of Melbourne, and Adjunct Professor at RMIT University’s School of Media and Communication. She is the bestselling author of the memoirs Unpolished Gem and Her Father’s Daughter, and the essay collection Close to Home, as well as the editor of the anthologies Growing Up Asian in Australia and My First Lesson. Her debut novel Laurinda won the Ethel Turner Prize at the 2016 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards. Her second novel, One Hundred Days, was shortlisted for the 2022 Miles Franklin Award, and has been optioned for a film.

She’s teamed up with Sher Rill Ng, a Woi Wurrung/Melbourne-based illustrator. She designed and illustrated for SaaS companies before releasing her first author-illustrated picture book Our Little Inventor in 2019. In 2022, Our Little Inventor was adapted into a children’s opera, composed by Emma Jayakumar and presented by the West Australian Opera. Her work includes middle grade book covers for The Twelve by Cindy Lin, The Rogues by Lian Tanner and Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend by Katie Zhao.

Together, Pung and Ng have created the Millie Mak series. Recommended for ages 8+, the series is a gentle collection of stories about family, friendship and making old things new again. Collect them all for a wonderful gift to be read, re-read and treasured for years to come. Below, we’ve listed all 3 books so you can see what each one is about! The third book, Millie Mak Makes Her Mark, is out now!

Book #1: Millie Mak the Maker

Nine-year-old Millie Mak has discovered she has a superpower! Using everyday objects, Millie turns them into something new, beautiful and useful. Who would ever think that a sunhat could be made from an old bedsheet, a skirt from a tea-towel, or some hair scrunchies from a scarf? Through her creativity and clever thinking, Millie also deals with different friendships, tricky family challenges, and contributes to the school fete. You can make the special objects Millie creates from the detailed and yet easy-to-follow instructions included in the book. And best of all, nothing needs to be bought!

Buy a copy of Millie Mak the Maker here.

Book #2: Millie Mak the Mender

Millie Mak is now ten, and often feels shy and awkward. But by using her special gift to make handy and beautiful things, Millie befriends residents at the aged care home where her mum works. When the whole school becomes involved in making hats for the residents, a tricky situation arises between Millie’s friends. Millie is a maker – but can she also mend friendships? Millie also discovers her sewing superpower can attract the attention of important adults. And when she and her friends are invited to be on TV – on Young Hero Hour! – they must work out how to stay true to themselves.

Buy a copy of Millie Mak the Mender here.

Book #3: Millie Mak Makes Her Mark

Millie Mak and her friends are trying to start a business creating and selling their upcycled designs. But it’s school holidays, and looking after their annoying younger siblings is really slowing them down. Meanwhile, Millie’s friend Veesa wonders whether she should continue to help her mother work. Veesa’s mother sews fast fashion and Veesa feels worried and guilty about its impact on the planet. Can Millie and her mates resolve these dilemmas? And can Millie overcome her own challenges and learn how to make her mark?