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At just 10 years old, Malaysian children's author Aayushi Yeogeswaran has set a national record after reading books aloud continuously for 14 hours
Aayushi completed the reading feat on 14 August and was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records for the "Longest Non-Stop Book Reading Aloud by a Child".
The recognition was presented on 31 August during the Selangor Children's Literature Festival, organised by Perbadanan Perpustakaan Awam Selangor (PPAS) in Shah Alam.
This marks Aayushi's second Malaysia Book of Records title.
In 2024, she was recognised as Malaysia's "Youngest Book Author" at the age of 7 years, 7 months, and 15 days.
She also launched her latest children's book
The Merdeka Day event also saw Aayushi launch her latest children's book, The Great Good Wolf.
Aayushi first wrote the story when she was 8 years old. It follows Wendy, a wolf whose actions challenge the familiar idea of the "big bad wolf".
The story explores themes of courage, kindness, and looking beyond appearances.
It is the latest addition to Aayushi's growing collection of children's books, which includes Unicorn and Little Amanda, The Silly Monster and Amanda, Mini Teacher and the New Goldfish, Amanda Rescues the Dino Egg, and I'm Not A Bully.
She started writing after reading thousands of books
According to Aayushi's profile shared with SAYS, she had read more than 1,600 books by the age of 5.
She began writing at 6 and published her first book, Unicorn and Little Amanda, at 7.
The book was launched in August 2024, with Aayushi subsequently continuing to write stories aimed at young readers.
Beyond writing, she has taken part in storytelling sessions and literacy activities, including programmes at Perpustakaan Raja Tun Uda and schools and kindergartens.
She has also donated books to several libraries, schools, and community organisations.
Aayushi said she hopes her books can encourage children to read and write, while making books more affordable and accessible to children from different backgrounds.
A growing list of awards and recognitions
Apart from her two Malaysia Book of Records achievements, Aayushi has received several other awards and recognitions.
These include a Special Award for Children from the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development in 2024, as well as recognition from the National Stars Award and the Mahakavi Barathi Kalai Ilakiya Mandram in India.
She was also recognised by her school, SJKT Taman Sentosa in Klang, as a young author and later as a "Pembaca Bestari" under its NILAM reading programme.
Her latest Malaysia Book of Records recognition puts the focus back on the activity that helped shape her writing journey in the first place: reading.
