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Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 2, 2025
Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land is a magical blend of simplicity and depth, an enchanting book that manages to teach real, meaningful life lessons through stories that are whimsical, humorous, and deeply touching. S.M. Chua has created an extraordinary world of penguins, skunks, seals, magpies, and hummingbirds, each reflecting the very human emotions we often fail to understand in ourselves. The storytelling is effortless, yet the morals stay with you long after the final page is read.
What makes this book so compelling is the unexpected emotional weight behind each story. “The Warring Penguins,” for example, is not only adorable but also painfully relatable. It explores friendship, ambition, conflict, and the consequences of pride, all wrapped in a storyline simple enough for kids yet profound enough for adults. The author uses humor to soften difficult truths, allowing readers to see themselves in the penguins’ disagreements and misunderstandings.
Norman the Seal’s story is equally unforgettable. His laziness and excuses feel almost too real, while Sebastian’s quiet frustration hits hard. The way the author captures teamwork, responsibility, and the consequences of poor choices is nothing short of brilliant. Meanwhile, “The Story of Carter and Gabby” and “The Story of the Hummingbird” deliver emotional punches about love, communication, assumptions, and hidden behaviors behind beautiful appearances.
This book is far more than a collection of animal stories, it’s a heartfelt guide to emotional intelligence, character building, and human relationships, all disguised in charming storytelling. A must-read for families, teachers, and anyone looking for wisdom in the gentlest, most delightful form.
What makes this book so compelling is the unexpected emotional weight behind each story. “The Warring Penguins,” for example, is not only adorable but also painfully relatable. It explores friendship, ambition, conflict, and the consequences of pride, all wrapped in a storyline simple enough for kids yet profound enough for adults. The author uses humor to soften difficult truths, allowing readers to see themselves in the penguins’ disagreements and misunderstandings.
Norman the Seal’s story is equally unforgettable. His laziness and excuses feel almost too real, while Sebastian’s quiet frustration hits hard. The way the author captures teamwork, responsibility, and the consequences of poor choices is nothing short of brilliant. Meanwhile, “The Story of Carter and Gabby” and “The Story of the Hummingbird” deliver emotional punches about love, communication, assumptions, and hidden behaviors behind beautiful appearances.
This book is far more than a collection of animal stories, it’s a heartfelt guide to emotional intelligence, character building, and human relationships, all disguised in charming storytelling. A must-read for families, teachers, and anyone looking for wisdom in the gentlest, most delightful form.
November 24, 2025
From the very first page of Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land, I was completely enchanted by SM Chua’s ability to weave tales that are both whimsical and profoundly meaningful. Each animal character carries a distinct personality that feels authentic and relatable, whether it’s the mischievous magpie seeking attention or the loving skunks whose devotion warms the heart. This book doesn’t just tell stories; it teaches life lessons in a way that feels natural, heartfelt, and unforgettable.
The narrative is rich with imagination and charm, making it accessible to readers of all ages. I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of the penguins and deeply reflecting on the subtle morals embedded within each story. SM Chua’s writing style is elegant yet playful, striking a perfect balance between storytelling and imparting wisdom, and it left me craving more with every turn of the page.
What sets this book apart is its ability to connect emotionally with the reader. I felt a strong sense of empathy for each character, and their journeys mirrored experiences and values that are universally significant. It’s rare to encounter a book that can entertain while also encouraging self-reflection and personal growth, but this collection accomplishes that beautifully.
I cannot recommend Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land highly enough. It’s a celebration of curiosity, kindness, and understanding, wrapped in stories that sparkle with creativity. Whether you’re reading it aloud to children or savoring it as an adult, it leaves a lasting impression of joy, warmth, and inspiration. This book will hold a cherished place on my shelf for years to come.
The narrative is rich with imagination and charm, making it accessible to readers of all ages. I found myself laughing out loud at the antics of the penguins and deeply reflecting on the subtle morals embedded within each story. SM Chua’s writing style is elegant yet playful, striking a perfect balance between storytelling and imparting wisdom, and it left me craving more with every turn of the page.
What sets this book apart is its ability to connect emotionally with the reader. I felt a strong sense of empathy for each character, and their journeys mirrored experiences and values that are universally significant. It’s rare to encounter a book that can entertain while also encouraging self-reflection and personal growth, but this collection accomplishes that beautifully.
I cannot recommend Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land highly enough. It’s a celebration of curiosity, kindness, and understanding, wrapped in stories that sparkle with creativity. Whether you’re reading it aloud to children or savoring it as an adult, it leaves a lasting impression of joy, warmth, and inspiration. This book will hold a cherished place on my shelf for years to come.
November 24, 2025
SM Chua’s Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land is a masterful collection of stories that manage to be both playful and profound. Each tale, featuring animals like penguins, a show-off magpie, and two skunks in love, is thoughtfully crafted to deliver essential morals while keeping the reader completely engaged. I was captivated by how effortlessly the author blends humor, adventure, and heartfelt life lessons into each story.
The characters are memorable and unique, and I found myself genuinely invested in their journeys. The mischievousness of the penguins and the self-confidence of the magpie created a delightful contrast with the tender love story of the skunks, making the book emotionally layered and richly textured. Each story is not only entertaining but also deeply instructive, teaching values like empathy, patience, and courage without ever feeling preachy.
What touched me most was the emotional resonance in the storytelling. Even in moments of conflict or challenge, there’s an underlying sense of hope, compassion, and growth. SM Chua’s writing speaks directly to the heart, making each moral lesson feel earned and truly impactful. The whimsical world of these characters serves as a mirror, reflecting the ways we navigate relationships, challenges, and joy in our own lives.
This book is a treasure for anyone who loves stories that entertain while also nurturing the spirit. I will gladly return to these pages, finding new insights with each reading. It is a testament to SM Chua’s creativity and understanding of human and animal nature, and it’s certain to leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
The characters are memorable and unique, and I found myself genuinely invested in their journeys. The mischievousness of the penguins and the self-confidence of the magpie created a delightful contrast with the tender love story of the skunks, making the book emotionally layered and richly textured. Each story is not only entertaining but also deeply instructive, teaching values like empathy, patience, and courage without ever feeling preachy.
What touched me most was the emotional resonance in the storytelling. Even in moments of conflict or challenge, there’s an underlying sense of hope, compassion, and growth. SM Chua’s writing speaks directly to the heart, making each moral lesson feel earned and truly impactful. The whimsical world of these characters serves as a mirror, reflecting the ways we navigate relationships, challenges, and joy in our own lives.
This book is a treasure for anyone who loves stories that entertain while also nurturing the spirit. I will gladly return to these pages, finding new insights with each reading. It is a testament to SM Chua’s creativity and understanding of human and animal nature, and it’s certain to leave a lasting impression on readers of all ages.
December 2, 2025
S.M. Chua’s Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land is one of the most refreshing and emotionally resonant story collections I’ve read in years. It blends innocence with maturity, humor with wisdom, and imagination with truth in a way that is rare and timeless. Each tale stands alone beautifully, yet together they form a powerful tapestry about friendship, conflict, loyalty, identity, and the importance of understanding before assuming.
Every character feels alive. The penguins of “Fish and Sale” reflect real workplace dynamics, success, ego, miscommunication, and the painful transformation of friendship into rivalry. Children will see cute penguins running a business; adults will see the realities of partnership and how pride can tear things apart. The author strikes an incredible balance, making the lessons universal without ever feeling preachy.
Norman the Seal’s journey is both hilarious and painfully honest. His excuses mirror the small lies and procrastination we all fall into at times. Sebastian’s struggle, Zac’s enthusiasm, and Henry’s hesitation make the story feel like a true school-room drama, and the ending, though funny, delivers a necessary reminder about responsibility. This story alone is worth buying the book for.
Then there’s the emotional twist of the hummingbird story, which took my breath away. Cecelia’s beauty hides a deeper truth, reminding us that appearances can deceive and even charm can become dangerous. By the end, I felt like I’d been gently taught lessons I didn’t even know I needed. Heartfelt, intelligent, and unforgettable, this book is a treasure.
Every character feels alive. The penguins of “Fish and Sale” reflect real workplace dynamics, success, ego, miscommunication, and the painful transformation of friendship into rivalry. Children will see cute penguins running a business; adults will see the realities of partnership and how pride can tear things apart. The author strikes an incredible balance, making the lessons universal without ever feeling preachy.
Norman the Seal’s journey is both hilarious and painfully honest. His excuses mirror the small lies and procrastination we all fall into at times. Sebastian’s struggle, Zac’s enthusiasm, and Henry’s hesitation make the story feel like a true school-room drama, and the ending, though funny, delivers a necessary reminder about responsibility. This story alone is worth buying the book for.
Then there’s the emotional twist of the hummingbird story, which took my breath away. Cecelia’s beauty hides a deeper truth, reminding us that appearances can deceive and even charm can become dangerous. By the end, I felt like I’d been gently taught lessons I didn’t even know I needed. Heartfelt, intelligent, and unforgettable, this book is a treasure.
December 3, 2025
A Beautiful Blend of Wisdom, Emotion, and Imagination
Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land is a rare gem, a collection of stories that feel simple on the surface but reveal profound emotional and moral lessons underneath. S.M. Chua has crafted tales that resonate with both young and mature readers, capturing feelings we all understand: jealousy, misunderstanding, pride, laziness, love, anger, and the desire for recognition. Each page feels alive, each character feels familiar, and each story leaves you reflecting long after reading.
The opening story about the four penguins is particularly brilliant. It mirrors real-life conflict in workplaces, friendships, and even families. As “Fish And Sale” crumbles due to ego and miscommunication, readers witness how easily relationships can be lost when pride becomes more important than unity. The subtle heartbreak in the way the penguins stop speaking, even though they see each other daily, is so human it’s almost painful.
Norman the Seal’s story adds humor but also a meaningful look at procrastination, accountability, and the consequences of irresponsibility. His excuses and avoidance feel comically real, and Sebastian’s stress is captured beautifully. It’s a story every parent, teacher, and student will instantly relate to.
Then comes Kevin the Magpie, Carter and Gabby the skunks, and Cecelia the hummingbird, each delivering emotional lessons wrapped in creativity. Whether it’s showing off, miscommunication in relationships, or the danger behind beauty, every tale is crafted with intention and heart. This book is storytelling at its finest, gentle, powerful, and unforgettable.
Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land is a rare gem, a collection of stories that feel simple on the surface but reveal profound emotional and moral lessons underneath. S.M. Chua has crafted tales that resonate with both young and mature readers, capturing feelings we all understand: jealousy, misunderstanding, pride, laziness, love, anger, and the desire for recognition. Each page feels alive, each character feels familiar, and each story leaves you reflecting long after reading.
The opening story about the four penguins is particularly brilliant. It mirrors real-life conflict in workplaces, friendships, and even families. As “Fish And Sale” crumbles due to ego and miscommunication, readers witness how easily relationships can be lost when pride becomes more important than unity. The subtle heartbreak in the way the penguins stop speaking, even though they see each other daily, is so human it’s almost painful.
Norman the Seal’s story adds humor but also a meaningful look at procrastination, accountability, and the consequences of irresponsibility. His excuses and avoidance feel comically real, and Sebastian’s stress is captured beautifully. It’s a story every parent, teacher, and student will instantly relate to.
Then comes Kevin the Magpie, Carter and Gabby the skunks, and Cecelia the hummingbird, each delivering emotional lessons wrapped in creativity. Whether it’s showing off, miscommunication in relationships, or the danger behind beauty, every tale is crafted with intention and heart. This book is storytelling at its finest, gentle, powerful, and unforgettable.
November 24, 2025
I rarely come across a children’s book that leaves such a lasting emotional impression, but Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land by SM Chua did exactly that. This charming collection of stories, featuring penguins, a show-off magpie, two devoted skunks, and a vibrant hummingbird, is brimming with life lessons presented in the most delightful and memorable way. From start to finish, I was completely absorbed.
What makes this book exceptional is the author’s incredible talent for creating characters that feel alive and relatable. The penguins’ playful antics and the magpie’s comical vanity brought laughter to my day, while the skunks’ love story reminded me of the power of connection and loyalty. SM Chua masterfully blends humor and emotion, leaving the reader both entertained and thoughtfully reflective.
Beyond its humor and charm, this book is profoundly educational. Each story imparts morals that are subtly woven into the narrative, teaching readers about empathy, integrity, and courage. I appreciated how the author treats children as intelligent readers, trusting them to grasp these lessons naturally, making each story deeply impactful and memorable.
Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land is a heartfelt gem that I will return to again and again. Its characters, humor, and morals combine to create a reading experience that is as enriching as it is enjoyable. SM Chua has delivered a collection that delights, inspires, and leaves a smile on the heart long after the final page.
What makes this book exceptional is the author’s incredible talent for creating characters that feel alive and relatable. The penguins’ playful antics and the magpie’s comical vanity brought laughter to my day, while the skunks’ love story reminded me of the power of connection and loyalty. SM Chua masterfully blends humor and emotion, leaving the reader both entertained and thoughtfully reflective.
Beyond its humor and charm, this book is profoundly educational. Each story imparts morals that are subtly woven into the narrative, teaching readers about empathy, integrity, and courage. I appreciated how the author treats children as intelligent readers, trusting them to grasp these lessons naturally, making each story deeply impactful and memorable.
Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land is a heartfelt gem that I will return to again and again. Its characters, humor, and morals combine to create a reading experience that is as enriching as it is enjoyable. SM Chua has delivered a collection that delights, inspires, and leaves a smile on the heart long after the final page.
December 2, 2025
This book completely surprised me with its depth, charm, and emotional richness. S.M. Chua has taken simple animal characters and turned them into mirrors of human nature. Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land reads like a modern fable collection that manages to entertain young readers while offering profound reflections for adults. It’s rare to find stories that speak so honestly to both age groups.
The penguin story alone is enough to hook anyone. What seems like a humorous business disagreement quickly becomes an exploration of communication breakdowns, pride, and the way misunderstandings spiral into lifelong grudges. It’s relatable, uncomfortable, and beautifully told. You can feel the sadness beneath the humor, a testament to the author’s emotional sensitivity.
Norman the Seal’s tale is equally compelling. His laziness, excuses, and misplaced confidence are almost painfully relatable, and the way his actions affect Sebastian, Zac, and Henry feels incredibly authentic. Children will laugh at Norman's antics, while adults will instantly recognize behaviors they’ve seen in real life, coworkers, classmates, or even themselves.
But for me, the standout was the story of Kevin the Magpie. It’s a poignant warning about attention-seeking, comparison, and the danger of trying to be something you’re not. When Kevin tries to become a peacock, the consequences are both funny and heartbreaking. These stories are more than tales; they’re emotional lessons wrapped in imagination. A powerful, timeless book.
The penguin story alone is enough to hook anyone. What seems like a humorous business disagreement quickly becomes an exploration of communication breakdowns, pride, and the way misunderstandings spiral into lifelong grudges. It’s relatable, uncomfortable, and beautifully told. You can feel the sadness beneath the humor, a testament to the author’s emotional sensitivity.
Norman the Seal’s tale is equally compelling. His laziness, excuses, and misplaced confidence are almost painfully relatable, and the way his actions affect Sebastian, Zac, and Henry feels incredibly authentic. Children will laugh at Norman's antics, while adults will instantly recognize behaviors they’ve seen in real life, coworkers, classmates, or even themselves.
But for me, the standout was the story of Kevin the Magpie. It’s a poignant warning about attention-seeking, comparison, and the danger of trying to be something you’re not. When Kevin tries to become a peacock, the consequences are both funny and heartbreaking. These stories are more than tales; they’re emotional lessons wrapped in imagination. A powerful, timeless book.
December 3, 2025
A Heartwarming and Insightful Anthology for Families Everywhere
S.M. Chua has created something truly special with this book. Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land is more than just a storybook, it’s a guide to understanding emotions, behavior, and human relationships, cleverly disguised in charming animal fables. Each story is beautifully written, easy to visualize, and filled with life lessons that feel authentic rather than forced.
The tale of the warring penguins highlights an issue many adults will instantly recognize: the delicate balance of teamwork and the damage pride can cause. The conflict between Leila, Hashim, Ah Beng, and Ganesh feels real and relatable, and the sadness that follows when friendships dissolve is portrayed with such sincerity. It's a powerful reminder of how important communication and humility truly are.
In Norman the Seal’s story, the author captures the tension between responsibility and avoidance in the most entertaining way. Norman’s laziness is humorous at first, but the consequences are meaningful and instructive. Sebastian’s emotional burden, Zac’s misplaced enthusiasm, and Henry’s hesitation create a layered narrative that children will enjoy and adults will appreciate.
The remaining stories, especially the hummingbird tale, are equally poignant. They address everything from deception to identity to assumptions. Cecelia’s aggressive behavior hidden behind beauty delivers a powerful message about judging character, not appearance. This book is thoughtful, engaging, and full of heart. A wonderful read for all ages.
S.M. Chua has created something truly special with this book. Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land is more than just a storybook, it’s a guide to understanding emotions, behavior, and human relationships, cleverly disguised in charming animal fables. Each story is beautifully written, easy to visualize, and filled with life lessons that feel authentic rather than forced.
The tale of the warring penguins highlights an issue many adults will instantly recognize: the delicate balance of teamwork and the damage pride can cause. The conflict between Leila, Hashim, Ah Beng, and Ganesh feels real and relatable, and the sadness that follows when friendships dissolve is portrayed with such sincerity. It's a powerful reminder of how important communication and humility truly are.
In Norman the Seal’s story, the author captures the tension between responsibility and avoidance in the most entertaining way. Norman’s laziness is humorous at first, but the consequences are meaningful and instructive. Sebastian’s emotional burden, Zac’s misplaced enthusiasm, and Henry’s hesitation create a layered narrative that children will enjoy and adults will appreciate.
The remaining stories, especially the hummingbird tale, are equally poignant. They address everything from deception to identity to assumptions. Cecelia’s aggressive behavior hidden behind beauty delivers a powerful message about judging character, not appearance. This book is thoughtful, engaging, and full of heart. A wonderful read for all ages.
December 3, 2025
A Powerful Collection of Fables Filled With Emotion and Meaning
Every once in a while, a storybook comes along that feels both timeless and necessary, and Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land fits that description perfectly. S.M. Chua has combined creativity, emotional intelligence, and moral wisdom into stories that are irresistibly charming. The writing has the innocence of children’s literature but the depth of adult reflection, a rare and beautiful balance.
The penguin story is a standout. It takes readers through the unraveling of a friendship, and a business, due to ego, envy, and unresolved conflict. Children will be entertained by the idea of penguins selling fish, but adults will see reflections of workplace drama, miscommunication, and damaged trust. The author subtly captures how easy it is for small disagreements to grow into lasting divides.
Norman the Seal’s story is another highlight. His excuses, procrastination, and laziness are portrayed with humor, but the message behind the story is a serious one: teamwork fails when one member refuses to pull their weight. Sebastian’s helplessness is relatable, and the emotional weight of the impending deadline is captured with impressive clarity.
The last stories, featuring Kevin, Carter and Gabby, and Cecelia, add depth, variety, and emotional richness to the book. Whether it’s a story about jealousy, love, anger, or identity, each one teaches a lesson with kindness and grace. This book is beautifully written, emotionally intelligent, and powerfully timeless. A must-read.
Every once in a while, a storybook comes along that feels both timeless and necessary, and Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land fits that description perfectly. S.M. Chua has combined creativity, emotional intelligence, and moral wisdom into stories that are irresistibly charming. The writing has the innocence of children’s literature but the depth of adult reflection, a rare and beautiful balance.
The penguin story is a standout. It takes readers through the unraveling of a friendship, and a business, due to ego, envy, and unresolved conflict. Children will be entertained by the idea of penguins selling fish, but adults will see reflections of workplace drama, miscommunication, and damaged trust. The author subtly captures how easy it is for small disagreements to grow into lasting divides.
Norman the Seal’s story is another highlight. His excuses, procrastination, and laziness are portrayed with humor, but the message behind the story is a serious one: teamwork fails when one member refuses to pull their weight. Sebastian’s helplessness is relatable, and the emotional weight of the impending deadline is captured with impressive clarity.
The last stories, featuring Kevin, Carter and Gabby, and Cecelia, add depth, variety, and emotional richness to the book. Whether it’s a story about jealousy, love, anger, or identity, each one teaches a lesson with kindness and grace. This book is beautifully written, emotionally intelligent, and powerfully timeless. A must-read.
November 24, 2025
Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land is an extraordinary collection of stories that is both captivating and deeply meaningful. SM Chua’s talent for storytelling shines through in every page, bringing to life a delightful cast of animals, each with their own quirks, adventures, and life lessons. From penguins full of mischief to a showy magpie and two loving skunks, the book is filled with heart, humor, and insight.
The narrative flows effortlessly, engaging readers of all ages with its charm and elegance. I was instantly drawn to the world SM Chua created, one that is imaginative yet relatable, where each story carries a powerful message about kindness, love, and courage. The balance between playful adventures and meaningful morals makes this book both entertaining and enriching.
The emotional resonance of the book is remarkable. I found myself laughing, feeling warmth, and even pausing to reflect on the morals of each story. SM Chua has a rare gift for writing that speaks to both the heart and mind, making each lesson memorable and impactful without ever feeling forced or preachy.
This is a book I will treasure and revisit often. Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land is a celebration of imagination, compassion, and the joy of storytelling. It’s perfect for young readers, adults reading aloud, or anyone seeking a heartfelt collection of stories that inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.
The narrative flows effortlessly, engaging readers of all ages with its charm and elegance. I was instantly drawn to the world SM Chua created, one that is imaginative yet relatable, where each story carries a powerful message about kindness, love, and courage. The balance between playful adventures and meaningful morals makes this book both entertaining and enriching.
The emotional resonance of the book is remarkable. I found myself laughing, feeling warmth, and even pausing to reflect on the morals of each story. SM Chua has a rare gift for writing that speaks to both the heart and mind, making each lesson memorable and impactful without ever feeling forced or preachy.
This is a book I will treasure and revisit often. Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land is a celebration of imagination, compassion, and the joy of storytelling. It’s perfect for young readers, adults reading aloud, or anyone seeking a heartfelt collection of stories that inspire, entertain, and leave a lasting impression.
December 3, 2025
Emotionally Rich, Thought-Provoking, and Wonderfully Creative
From the very first page, Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land draws you into a world where animals reflect human behavior with an honesty that is both moving and entertaining. S.M. Chua’s storytelling is elegant, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Each story delivers a message that lingers, inviting readers to reflect on their own choices, emotions, and relationships.
The penguin story is a powerful metaphor for the challenges of business, partnership, and pride. The downfall of “Fish And Sale,” triggered by envy and hurt feelings, mirrors how human relationships can crumble under the same pressures. The sadness of former friends passing each other every morning without speaking is an image that stays with you.
Norman the Seal’s tale is both funny and painfully real. His laziness and endless excuses lead to chaos, stress, and ultimately failure. It serves as a humorous but poignant reminder that hard work and accountability are essential to teamwork. Sebastian’s struggle is written with a gentleness that makes readers empathize deeply.
Kevin the Magpie’s story may be the most emotionally striking, highlighting the dangers of comparison and the desire for attention. And the hummingbird story adds a darker twist, reminding us that beauty does not always equal kindness. These stories are more than fairy tales, they are emotional lessons wrapped in creativity. A brilliant and heartfelt book.
From the very first page, Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land draws you into a world where animals reflect human behavior with an honesty that is both moving and entertaining. S.M. Chua’s storytelling is elegant, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Each story delivers a message that lingers, inviting readers to reflect on their own choices, emotions, and relationships.
The penguin story is a powerful metaphor for the challenges of business, partnership, and pride. The downfall of “Fish And Sale,” triggered by envy and hurt feelings, mirrors how human relationships can crumble under the same pressures. The sadness of former friends passing each other every morning without speaking is an image that stays with you.
Norman the Seal’s tale is both funny and painfully real. His laziness and endless excuses lead to chaos, stress, and ultimately failure. It serves as a humorous but poignant reminder that hard work and accountability are essential to teamwork. Sebastian’s struggle is written with a gentleness that makes readers empathize deeply.
Kevin the Magpie’s story may be the most emotionally striking, highlighting the dangers of comparison and the desire for attention. And the hummingbird story adds a darker twist, reminding us that beauty does not always equal kindness. These stories are more than fairy tales, they are emotional lessons wrapped in creativity. A brilliant and heartfelt book.
November 24, 2025
SM Chua has created a true work of art with Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land. This book is a collection of whimsical yet meaningful stories featuring a charming cast of animals that each teach an important life lesson. From the mischievous penguins to the flamboyant magpie and the sweetly devoted skunks, each story is perfectly crafted to entertain and inspire.
The writing is vibrant, engaging, and deeply imaginative. I found myself completely absorbed in the faraway land and captivated by the adventures of these unforgettable characters. The humor is clever without being overbearing, and the morals are presented in such a heartfelt way that they feel earned and genuine. This book has a rare combination of emotional depth and playful fun.
What stands out most is the emotional connection I felt with the characters. SM Chua understands the human heart, using animal characters to reflect our own challenges, joys, and relationships. Each story resonated with me on a personal level, offering moments of reflection and insight that are valuable for readers of any age.
I wholeheartedly recommend Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land to anyone who loves stories that entertain, inspire, and teach. It is a beautifully written book that will remain with you long after you close it, a timeless collection of tales that brings joy, wisdom, and a sense of wonder to every reader.
The writing is vibrant, engaging, and deeply imaginative. I found myself completely absorbed in the faraway land and captivated by the adventures of these unforgettable characters. The humor is clever without being overbearing, and the morals are presented in such a heartfelt way that they feel earned and genuine. This book has a rare combination of emotional depth and playful fun.
What stands out most is the emotional connection I felt with the characters. SM Chua understands the human heart, using animal characters to reflect our own challenges, joys, and relationships. Each story resonated with me on a personal level, offering moments of reflection and insight that are valuable for readers of any age.
I wholeheartedly recommend Once Upon A Time, In A Faraway Land to anyone who loves stories that entertain, inspire, and teach. It is a beautifully written book that will remain with you long after you close it, a timeless collection of tales that brings joy, wisdom, and a sense of wonder to every reader.
December 2, 2025
S.M. Chua has crafted a brilliant, emotionally rich book that blends humor, wisdom, and charm. Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land is filled with stories that teach, inspire, and gently correct without ever feeling heavy-handed. It is a rare achievement to make life lessons this entertaining and this accessible to young minds and adults alike.
The penguin story is a perfect example. What begins as a lighthearted tale about four penguin friends running a business turns into a deeply meaningful reminder of the consequences of pride, poor communication, and stubbornness. Children may read it as a funny penguin fight, but adults will see their own workplace and social conflicts reflected back at them.
Norman the Seal’s story is equally striking. His laziness and endless excuses show how procrastination hurts everyone involved, and the ending, earning a low grade, drives the message home in a realistic, relatable way. It's a lesson many young readers will instantly understand, yet the storytelling keeps it light and engaging.
The story of Carter and Gabby is surprisingly emotional. Their misunderstanding feels painfully human, and the message about communication is beautifully delivered. And the hummingbird story? Stunning. It’s a gentle but powerful lesson about not judging based on appearances. This book is heartfelt, wise, and absolutely worth reading.
The penguin story is a perfect example. What begins as a lighthearted tale about four penguin friends running a business turns into a deeply meaningful reminder of the consequences of pride, poor communication, and stubbornness. Children may read it as a funny penguin fight, but adults will see their own workplace and social conflicts reflected back at them.
Norman the Seal’s story is equally striking. His laziness and endless excuses show how procrastination hurts everyone involved, and the ending, earning a low grade, drives the message home in a realistic, relatable way. It's a lesson many young readers will instantly understand, yet the storytelling keeps it light and engaging.
The story of Carter and Gabby is surprisingly emotional. Their misunderstanding feels painfully human, and the message about communication is beautifully delivered. And the hummingbird story? Stunning. It’s a gentle but powerful lesson about not judging based on appearances. This book is heartfelt, wise, and absolutely worth reading.
December 3, 2025
A Stunning Collection of Moral Tales That Stay With You
S.M. Chua’s Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land is an enchanting masterpiece. Each story delivers a meaningful life lesson through simple yet powerful narratives that resonate with readers of all ages. The writing is vivid, heartfelt, and full of warmth, making it both enjoyable and deeply educational.
The penguin story immediately draws readers into a world of ambition, misunderstandings, and fractured friendships. It highlights how pride and ego can destroy trust and unity. The tension between the four penguins feels so real that readers can’t help but reflect on their own relationships and how easily communication breakdowns occur.
Norman the Seal’s story is a perfect example of humor mixed with honesty. His lack of responsibility serves as an important lesson for children about commitment and teamwork, while adults will instantly recognize the emotional drain that comes from carrying a partner’s workload. It’s funny, relatable, and incredibly well-written.
Kevin the Magpie, the skunks, and the hummingbird stories add emotional depth and variety to the collection. Each tale brings its own unique moral, whether about love, attention-seeking, assumptions, or character. These stories work together to form a beautifully crafted anthology that is both entertaining and transformative. A brilliant read.
S.M. Chua’s Once Upon a Time, In a Faraway Land is an enchanting masterpiece. Each story delivers a meaningful life lesson through simple yet powerful narratives that resonate with readers of all ages. The writing is vivid, heartfelt, and full of warmth, making it both enjoyable and deeply educational.
The penguin story immediately draws readers into a world of ambition, misunderstandings, and fractured friendships. It highlights how pride and ego can destroy trust and unity. The tension between the four penguins feels so real that readers can’t help but reflect on their own relationships and how easily communication breakdowns occur.
Norman the Seal’s story is a perfect example of humor mixed with honesty. His lack of responsibility serves as an important lesson for children about commitment and teamwork, while adults will instantly recognize the emotional drain that comes from carrying a partner’s workload. It’s funny, relatable, and incredibly well-written.
Kevin the Magpie, the skunks, and the hummingbird stories add emotional depth and variety to the collection. Each tale brings its own unique moral, whether about love, attention-seeking, assumptions, or character. These stories work together to form a beautifully crafted anthology that is both entertaining and transformative. A brilliant read.
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