The Big Bad Wolf Book Sale 2026 comes to Penang at the Gurney Paragon Mall from Feb 26 to March 8, 2026.
On offer are a treasure trove of books on a myriad of topics. Present to launch the opening was Penang State Exco for Tourism and Creative Economy, YB Wong Hon Wai.
Also present was Ms. Khor Tze Ming, Executive Director of Hunza Properties Bhd; Puan Norlina Ahmad, Director of the Penang State Library, Ms. Karen Sim, Marketing & Communication Manager of G Hotel Group, Ms. Anne Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Anovia Banquet Art Centre, representatives from Han Chiang University College of Communication and other guests.
A vibrant lion dance performance along with the Lou Sang ceremony at the book showcase.
In his address, Wong expressed his delight in seeing Gurney Paragon Mall being transformed into something quite magical, a world built entirely of books.
“Bringing over one million books with discounts of up to 95 percent, running for ten full days with free admission for everyone, this event is more than just a book sale. It is a celebration of access to knowledge. It is a celebration of ideas. It is a celebration of opportunity.
“Big Bad Wolf began with a simple but powerful mission: to make books accessible to all, regardless of background. Over the years, it has grown into a global literacy movement travelling across countries and cities. Penang is proud to continue being part of that journey.
“As the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, I see this event not merely as a sale but as a creative ecosystem in action. Books are part of the creative economy. Publishing is part of the creative economy. Writers, illustrators, designers, printers and distributors are all part of this value chain,” said Wong.
He also shared that he has also written a few hundred column articles as well as a few hundred speeches and press statements.
“In order to write well, we must read widely. Books, newspapers and magazines have always been my companions. I encourage everyone to write about their own observations and life stories. With platforms such as social media, sharing experiences and knowledge has become very easy and accessible to all.
“Tourism today is about creating diverse and meaningful experiences. Big Bad Wolf reflects how retail, education and culture can come together to create positive economic and social impact. Events like this attract families, students and visitors from within and beyond the state while reinforcing Penang’s commitment to lifelong learning and creativity.