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The Year of the Tiger

Maria Mahat
Buying Options
Paperback / Hardback
Amazon

In 1950 Malaya, also the Year of the Tiger based on the Chinese zodiac calendar, a baby girl was born. In the Tan household, superstitions prevail as the grandmother, Ah Ma believed that the baby girl was subjected to the “tiger curse” and will only bring misfortune and bad luck. The baby girl must be given up for adoption.

Che’ Tah and Wahab, their neighbour who already had two children, opened their hearts and modest home to the baby, naming her Zaiton. Raised amidst the warmth of Wahab’s household, and next door to her biological family, Zaiton blossomed into a spirited and independent young soul. Despite the challenges of childhood, and the occasional whispers and taunts that made her doubt her roots, Zaiton navigated them with courage, strengthened by the support and love of her siblings, whether related by blood or chosen. After all, family is love.

Through Zaiton’s journey, The Year of the Tiger celebrates the power of love and family, offering a heartwarming tale inspired by the author’s mother. Unlike conventional adoption narratives marked by feelings of displacement and unbelonging, Zaiton’s story is one of gratitude and abundance, showcasing the richness of having not one, but two families who cherish her deeply.

Published: Feb/2026

ISBN: 9789815295375

Length: 112 Pages

The Year of the Tiger

Maria Mahat

In 1950 Malaya, also the Year of the Tiger based on the Chinese zodiac calendar, a baby girl was born. In the Tan household, superstitions prevail as the grandmother, Ah Ma believed that the baby girl was subjected to the “tiger curse” and will only bring misfortune and bad luck. The baby girl must be given up for adoption.

Che’ Tah and Wahab, their neighbour who already had two children, opened their hearts and modest home to the baby, naming her Zaiton. Raised amidst the warmth of Wahab’s household, and next door to her biological family, Zaiton blossomed into a spirited and independent young soul. Despite the challenges of childhood, and the occasional whispers and taunts that made her doubt her roots, Zaiton navigated them with courage, strengthened by the support and love of her siblings, whether related by blood or chosen. After all, family is love.

Through Zaiton’s journey, The Year of the Tiger celebrates the power of love and family, offering a heartwarming tale inspired by the author’s mother. Unlike conventional adoption narratives marked by feelings of displacement and unbelonging, Zaiton’s story is one of gratitude and abundance, showcasing the richness of having not one, but two families who cherish her deeply.

Buying Options
Paperback / Hardback
Amazon

Maria Mahat

Maria is an author, educator, storyteller, and co-founder of Ungu Pen, dedicated to creating engaging content across digital and non-digital platforms. Fluent in English and Malay, she connects with diverse audiences, as seen in her bilingual children's book, There are Saga Seeds in Our Pockets! Supported by grants from the National Heritage Board and National Library Board, the book bridges cultural and linguistic gaps. Its adaptation into a digital program for the Esplanade and translation into Mandarin further highlight Maria’s adaptability and reach.

An award-winning television producer, Maria began her career in broadcasting, scripting and directing across various genres. She holds a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education and an Advanced Certificate in Assessment and Training, and has contributed to policy-making and educational research.
Through Ungu Pen, Maria develops high-quality content for children and young adults, spearheading numerous publications and initiatives that blend technology with storytelling. A passionate advocate for well-represented literature, she has authored and produced over 20 children’s picture books, middle-grade novels, novellas, short stories, and animations.

Her middle-grade book Sahabat Hebat: Rahsia Haiwan Hibrid (Fantastic Friends: Secrets of the Hybrid Animal) was published under the Singapore Book Council and the National Arts Council’s 'Beyond Words' series. With support from the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism, Maria has also produced picture books featuring animation, songs, and augmented reality, exemplifying her innovative approach to education and storytelling.

Here is a link to the list of titles that she has written: https://bit.ly/MariaBookTitles