WHO WE ARE
Fifie and Norlin founded Alcove Works from a simple but powerful belief that stories truly matter. With a lifelong love for children’s books and many years of experience in education, they came together with a shared dream to create stories that spark imagination, nurture curiosity, and bring the joy of reading into everyday family life.
Growing up surrounded by books, they experienced firsthand how stories can open doors to new worlds and new ideas. A good story invites children to explore, to laugh, to ask questions, and sometimes to see themselves reflected in the characters they meet along the way. This belief inspired them to begin creating books that capture the wonder of childhood and the warmth of stories shared together.
Through Alcove Works, Fifie and Norlin set out to craft stories that feel meaningful and memorable. Their books are created with the hope that children will feel a sense of joy, comfort, and excitement each time they turn the page. They want their stories to become part of the familiar moments that families cherish, especially the gentle bedtime ritual when a child asks for just one more page.
Over the years, they have seen how thoughtfully written stories can nurture empathy, strengthen confidence, and encourage children to see the world with kindness and curiosity. Stories have the quiet power to help young readers understand emotions, discover new ideas, and imagine possibilities beyond their everyday experiences.
At the heart of Alcove Works is the belief that the stories children grow up with can shape how they see themselves and the world around them. Through every book they create, Fifie and Norlin hope to inspire young readers to dream, to explore, and to carry the magic of storytelling with them as they grow.
Because the stories we hear as children often become the stories we carry with us for life.
FIFIE, CHIEF BOOK PERSON
Fifie believes childhood should be filled with wonder, imagination and stories that stay long after the last page is turned.
With a Master’s in Education and over 20 years in Early Childhood Education, she has built learning spaces from the ground up, from founding PlayDays Playschool to nurturing Play Alcove, a homeschool community rooted in curiosity and joy.
She has read thousands of stories aloud and understands that the right book does more than entertain. It comforts, inspires and quietly shapes a child’s world.
Today, she leads Twinkl Singapore while continuing to champion meaningful literacy experiences. At home, her neurounique daughter’s love of books remains her constant reminder of why stories matter.
Alcove Works was born from that belief, that every child deserves books that invite them in and make them want to stay.
NORLIN, CO-CHIEF BOOK PERSON
Norlin is a children’s book author, educator and passionate advocate for bilingual literacy.
With an MA in Language Studies and 18 years of teaching experience, she understands both the art of storytelling and how children develop language and confidence. Her years in the classroom shaped her belief that stories build more than vocabulary. They build identity, empathy and voice.
She is the creator of the widely loved Ally’s Adventures series and the founder of Poppet’s World, both rooted in the belief that language learning should feel joyful and empowering. Her work has been recognised multiple times by the Lee Kuan Yew Fund for Bilingualism, affirming her commitment to meaningful bilingual education.
Through her advocacy platform @buddingbilinguals, she encourages families to nurture language growth at home in simple and playful ways.
Her books have appeared on The Straits Times bestseller lists and are found in preschools across Singapore. For Norlin, however, success is measured by the child who asks to hear the story again.
She believes all reading counts. Picture books, chapter books, comics and everything in between. If a child is reading with joy, it matters.
At Alcove Works, she brings that conviction into every story created, ensuring each book feels welcoming, affirming and alive.
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