Yu Yan Chen's debut collection takes us on a wandering across continents. Whether it is a courtyard in rural China, a ferry in Istanbul, or Times Square in New York, each poem is an unbeaten track imbued with poet's at once intense but refreshing insights about family, home, identity and the quest for inner strength. The opening verse asks the readers to imagine guitar legend Djongo Reinhardt's fingers grinding the strings after two of them were badly burned in a fire, and -every nerve aflame- is the prelude to poems that transcend memories and losses into melodies of hope and light. These...

Mr Horton has fashioned a violin out of a magic tree. But just who is worthy of playing it? The Prince won't do, and neither will the famous conductor Mr Octave, nor the richest man in town. When Sireli's gang of thirty-three thieves learn of the news, they decide to kidnap Mr Horton and steal the violin... (Winner of the Golden Tripod Award.)

It is because of Mr Zibra that the Caramel Pudding Symphony Orchestra, a previously unknown orchestra, has been elevated to the status of World No. 3. As a result, Mr Zibra gets to attend the best parties and food, causing him to be selfish, arrogant and miserly. One evening deserted by his limo driver, Mr Zibra is left stranded out in the cold. He comes across an orchestra played by children and immediately dislikes their brand of music. However, Mr Zibra finds himself in for a rude shock...

(Winner of the Taiwan Golden Tripod Award)