Stories of the Islands

Journey into a land of magic and powerful girls in this feminist graphic novel retelling of three Indonesian folktales.

"Brimming with spirit, this is a book all about connection and empowerment. Angkasa's gorgeous rendering and vivid storytelling will pull you right in."—Tillie Walden, author of On a Sunbeam

Once upon a time. . . a princess was cursed to live as a snail, two sisters were trapped by their father’s wrath, and a mother and daughter faced a hungry giant.

No one is coming to save them. Will they get their happily ever after?

In this collection of reimagined Indonesian fairy tales, the girls are the ones with power. The power to fight evil, to protect others, and to grow as people. Because why should girls in folktales always need saving? What if they save themselves instead?

Based on graphic novelist Clar Angkasa’s favorite childhood stories and gorgeously illustrated with a dedicated color palette for each tale, this retelling of “Keong Mas,” “Bawang Merah Bawang Putih,” and “Timun Mas” is filled with spectacular landscapes, deep emotions, and a firm belief in the power of girls’ stories.

A Rise: A Feminist Book Project Honoree
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
An Evanston Public Library Great Books for Kids pick!