Book in focus: Sounds of Hong Kong with Tommy & Lily
“Ding! Ding!” “Beep!” “Please stand back from the platform doors! Doo doo doooos!”
Do they sound familiar to you? They are the essence of Hong Kong – the famous Tram, the Octopus card, and the bustling MTR!
More than just a children’s book, Sounds of Hong Kong with Tommy and Lily is a heartfelt tribute to our lively city, evoking cherished memories for all of us.
It all began when Liudmila Rijk Baksheeva had a unique idea. After receiving a children’s book filled with simple sounds, she envisioned creating one that would capture the daily sounds of Hong Kong instead.
“I wanted to create something special for my son and my daughter. Initially, I considered using a variety of kids’ drawings for each sound, but then I realized that having so many different styles might not come together nicely. That’s when I began searching for an illustrator, ideally someone from Hong Kong.”
While browsing Instagram, she stumbled upon the captivating artworks of Kitty N. Wong. “I decided to reach out, and to my delight, she said yes! Kitty was incredibly responsive and excited about collaborating on the project!”
Liudmila Rijk Baksheeva and Kitty N. Wong (photo ©Karling Hamill)
Liudmila put together a mood board filled with ideas about places and sounds, all seen through a kid’s eyes. “Kitty shared her initial sketches, and they were just amazing! The finished work featured in the book stays true to her original drafts.”
The entire project journey spanned nine months – much like a pregnancy, what a charming coincidence – culminating in its publication on December 24, 2024, perfectly timed for Christmas.
Originally published in English, Sounds of Hong Kong with Tommy and Lily made its debut in a bilingual edition including Cantonese in October 2025. The most recent release is the GIANT book, launched just last month, that Ludmila brings along to her public readings, making it easy to showcase the pages to her audience.
Liudmila is currently crafting her upcoming projects. The adventures of Tommy & Lily will soon continue: they may encounter an exciting new character and embark on journeys to different cities, bringing back the delightful sounds they heard.
Sounds of Hong Kong with Tommy & Lily
By Liudmila Rijk Baksheeva (author) and Kitty N. Wong (illustrator)
16 pages – Boardbook
Available online and at bookstores (e.g. Bookazine and Parenthèses) across Hong Kong.