This book comprises stories from Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Asia, written especially for young adults. 

This specially curated anthology of short stories from Asia explores the human spirit and lives of the common man separated by time, space and culture, and yet united in the human spirit to overcome the difficulties that they face in life. It provides an insight into the rich and diverse landscape of Asia, as well as heritage and cultural practices. It also challenges pre-conceived notions of biases and beliefs about other cultures and opens up room for discussion on the differences that define the human race.

A Tapestry of Colours 1 provides a platform for readers to develop global awareness of the landscape and the people of Asia.

This short story collection is edited by Anitha Devi Pillai (Ph.D.), an applied linguist and teacher educator at the National Institute of Education (NIE), Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, where she teaches courses on writing and literacy studies. She is a three-time recipient of teaching awards: she received the Excellence in Teaching Commendation award from NIE, NTU in 2018 and the SUSS Teaching Merit Award in 2014 and 2013 from the Singapore University of Social Sciences.

Anitha is best known for her research on the Singapore Malayalee community, completed with a grant from National Heritage Board, Singapore, for which she was conferred the Research Excellence Award from Pravasi Express in 2017. She has published academic articles and delivered keynote addresses at international conferences on heritage, culture and language.

She has also authored and edited seven books, including From Kerala to Singapore: Voices from the Singapore Malayalee Community (2017), The Story of Onam (2020), A View of Stars: Stories of Love (2021), and has also translated a Tamil historical fiction novel to English, Sembawang: A Novel (2020).