Scottish-Malaysian writer and cartoonist, Sam Hepburn, will be introducing her first picture book to the public at an official launch on December 11th from 2-4pm at The Annexe Gallery in Kuala Lumpur. The event will be held in conjunction with Art For Grabs, a regular art and crafts bazaar organized by The Annexe Gallery.

Cheekily titled, ‘NO! A Lesson in Love’, the book, written and illustrated by Hepburn, is a charming and humorous peek into her relationship with her dog, a friendly and rambunctious mini schnauzer called Jang Gun. The story is told in a child’s manner, and Hepburn describes it as a children’s book for adults.

The event will begin with a welcome from Hepburn, an introduction to the book, and special appearance by the real star of the show – Jang Gun the dog himself. Fitting with the theme, Hepburn will then give the floor to children to tell their best animal and dog-loving stories. Finally, there will be a question and answer session, with light refreshments served.

Copies of ‘NO! A Lesson in Love’ will be available at the discounted price of only RM30 (retail price is RM33.90) and free cookies will be given with every purchase. All in all, it will be a great time for animal lovers, bookworms, and cartoon fans to get together and enjoy a first look at this light-hearted, playful book.

Date:         Saturday 11 December 2010
Time:         2-4pm
Venue:         The Annexe Gallery, KL

About the BOOK

NO! A Lesson in Love by Sam Hepburn

‘NO! A Lesson in Love’ is a light-hearted, comical and even nostalgic ‘children’s book for adults’, that at first seems to be about a pet owner’s relationship with her dog, but is actually about so much more. It’s a first-person cartoon picture book, autobiographical in the sense that it is based on my own personal experience and reflections.

What’s the first communication an owner has with his/her pet? A delighted coo? An affectionate pat on the head? A hug? I think I speak on behalf of a lot of pet owners that the first word would be, ‘NO!’
It’s not that we don’t love our pets, it’s just that we get frustrated with their mistakes. It’s not that we don’t want to give them a hug instead; we just think that getting a scolding will teach them to avoid the next one! A case of classic tough love, and it doesn’t take an animal lover to relate as everyone does it from time to time.

But what about a little positive reinforcement instead? My uncle used to tell me that it was the simple difference between “Don’t dirty the car” and “Please keep the car clean”. This book uses the allegory of good pet ownership to gently and laughingly nudge the reader into thinking about the way he or she approaches the mistakes of others – and to invite him or her to relook at the way he or she communicates. It reveals a sense of unconditional love to both children and adults, using an innocent and naïve illustration style, as well an approachable, reflective tone and manner.

Sam Hepburn

For updates, join Hepburn’s fan page at
http://facebook.com/samhepburn.art. For press inquiries, or more info, email info[at]samhepburn.com.