A Celebration of Youth, Creativity & Biodiversity
Cicada Tree Eco-Place proudly presents Top 10 Weirdest Critters of Singapore’s Rainforest, officially launched on 31 May and 1 June 2025 during the Festival of Biodiversity at the National Library Building.
We are thrilled to share that our new children’s book has reached The Straits Times Top 10 Bestsellers list!
Featured in the ST Weekly Bestsellers (June 14):
https://www.straitstimes.com/life/arts/the-straits-times-weekly-bestsellers-may-174
This vibrant, eco-conscious children’s book invites readers of all ages to rediscover Singapore’s wild side packed with vivid illustrations, quirky fun facts, and ten original short poems that bring our rainforest’s most unusual creatures to life.
Written by 14-year-old student volunteer Amaani Arfian and illustrated by Clarice Woon, Top 10 Weirdest Critters of Singapore’s Rainforest introduces ten of Singapore’s strangest rainforest creatures, from the flying snakes to the Pill Cockroach and Ant-pilling Assassin Bug through short, witty poems that make learning about nature fun and accessible.
Edited by Teresa Teo Guttensohn and Andrew Tay, Co-founders of Cicada Tree Eco-Place, the book encourages children to look beyond appearances and discover the wonder in every living thing.
Printed locally on Enviro Wove 100% recycled paper, the book embodies CTEP’s commitment to sustainability and responsible publishing.
“Every creature, no matter how small or strange, plays a vital role in keeping our rainforest alive.”
— Andrew Tay, Editor & Co-founder of Cicada Tree Eco-Place
Children are Singapore’s next generation of nature stewards. Through art and words, we hope to nurture love for our last wild places.”
— Teresa Teo Guttensohn, Editor & Co-founder of Cicada Tree Eco-Place
This publication marks Amaani’s debut as a young writer and celebrates the growing movement of youth who use creativity to protect the planet.
The project came to life through the dedication of volunteers Brice Li, Radiah Rizal, Rominia Leonard, and Tia Andrea Guttensohn, who contributed to every stage of its development from proofreading and content support to logistics and event coordination.
Together, they transformed curiosity into action, showing how community spirit and creativity can bring nature education to life.
At the Festival of Biodiversity 2025, visitors were treated to a special launch offer each copy of the book was available for just $10. Supporters of the Singapore Wildcat Action Group (SWAG) also received a complimentary copy with every purchase of three CTEP titles.
The booth welcomed many guests, including Minister Desmond Lee, who was presented with a copy of the book in appreciation of his ongoing support for biodiversity conservation and environmental education in Singapore.
See more moments from the launch and behind-the-scenes highlights on our Facebook page.
Proceeds from Top 10 Weirdest Critters of Singapore’s Rainforest support Cicada Tree Eco-Place’s programmes that teach children and families about local wildlife, rainforest conservation, and climate action.
By choosing recycled paper and featuring youth voices, the book reflects Cicada Tree Eco-Place’s belief that education and sustainability go hand in hand, proving that small creative acts can make a big impact.
Join Us in nurturing the next generation of nature stewards.
Your support helps us continue creating meaningful, youth-led environmental projects that inspire wonder and care for our planet.
Stay connected and visit our website and follow us on social media for more updates on upcoming projects and book launches.
Top 10 Weirdest Critters of Singapore’s Rainforest is now available at Kinokuniya, BookBar SG, and Wardah Books.