Let your child choose their own adventure!

When she couldn’t find a choose-your-own-adventure that could spark her daughter’s curiosity and interest, Singaporean BILLIE MOON (a pen name) created The Magic Crystal book. Besides enabling parents to bond with their children, she hopes the interactive book will spark conversations on courage, curiosity, decision-making, and emotional resilience. Plus, there’s a special discount on the book for Expat Living readers!

What’s The Magic Crystal book about?

It’s an interactive book with a choice-driven adventure, inviting children to step into the role of the hero. With nine immersive realms and eight different endings, every choice shapes the journey, fostering decision-making skills, resilience and emotional intelligence.

The idea for this book started when I wanted to introduce my daughter to choose-your-own-adventure books. I bought several to read with her but they were either too simple or too dense to hold her interest. Seeing the gap, I created one to help her fall in love with choose-your-own-adventure books, just like I did.

But The Magic Crystal is also a multi-sensory experience. Hand-painted watercolour illustrations captivate visual learners and spark the imagination. Playful rhymes help young readers stay engaged while reinforcing language rhythm and pattern recognition.

There are also hands-on activities like downloadable crafts that extend the adventure beyond the pages. These encourage children to build, imagine and explore so that they don’t just read but also experience The Magic Crystal book.

What inspired you to write this choose-your-own adventure book?

I wanted to teach my daughter that life is a game and she’s the one holding the controller – that her choices matter and courage is about moving forward despite fear.

Growing up, I didn’t have someone to tell me that I could do anything I put my mind to. Looking back, I realised how much potential was left unexplored simply because I didn’t believe in myself.

When I became a mother, I wanted to raise my daughter to know that it’s okay to take risks and learn along the way, and that kindness and critical thinking are just as important as courage.

I created The Magic Crystal to pass on these values not just to her but to every child. Every choice matters in this interactive book. I wanted children to see the impact of their decisions in real time and that life is a series of choices that shapes who we become.

What would you like readers to take away from this interactive book?

I hope young readers walk away knowing that they have the courage to shape their own paths. Much like this book, life is an adventure where every choice leads somewhere magical.

I want the book to also inspire curiosity and wonder in children, to ask questions about the world, history and how things work. That’s where the real magic happens.

For parents, I hope The Magic Crystal becomes a bonding tool with their children. Or a conversation starter that fosters open discussions about emotions, resilience and curiosity with their children in a way that doesn’t feel forced.

What was one highlight and one lowlight while writing this choose-your-own-adventure book?

The biggest highlight was every time I finished illustrating a chapter and I showed it to my daughter. Seeing the look on her face as she recognised herself in these whimsical worlds was the best feeling ever. She would light up and dive into the story as if it were her own adventure. That’s when I knew I had created something truly special.

The lowlight was overcoming my own fear of drawing. I’ve struggled with ADHD and perfectionism my whole life. I almost hired an illustrator because I was convinced my art wouldn’t be good enough. But I knew that if I wanted my daughter to see what courage looks like, I had to lead by example. It turned out beautifully! This is a lesson that’s now woven into the choose-your-own-adventure book itself: the magic isn’t in being flawless, but in daring to create despite fear.

Are you already planning another book?

I’m expanding The Magic Crystal into a living book series of interactive stories for children aged 6 to 12 years. Each story will dive into themes like stoicism, resilience, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, critical thinking, decision-making and personal boundaries.

These shorter, choice-driven adventures will offer young readers a chance to make decisions and explore different outcomes. The stories will help children understand concepts like how to stay calm in chaos, make smart choices and bounce back from setbacks.

The book is designed to empower kids to navigate life’s challenges with courage and confidence.

Where can we buy The Magic Crystal?

The Deluxe Hardcover Edition with foil effects and finishes is available at magicponybooks.com. Expat Living readers receive a 15% discount with the code EXPAT15, valid through to 30 June. The first 50 readers who purchase the book also receive a free handmade acrylic bookmark.

The book also available in Singapore at Kinokuniya, Basheer Graphic Books, Cat Socrates, Chio Books and Natventure, while the Standard Edition is on Amazon US in paperback, hardcover and ebook.

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