As time went on Antonia grew into her role as a big sister. She enjoyed teaching her little sister things and became protective of Ananda in the sand box at the park. She learned what it meant to be a "jieh-jieh," big sister.
"My Mei Mei" was inspired by the author's daughter and her real life wish for a little sister and her struggle to find her role as a real big sister.
About the Author and Illustrator
Ed Young is the author and/or illustrator of almost eighty books. He was born in China and came to the United States to study architecture, but instead received a degree from the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles. Young won the Caldecott Medal for "Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story from China" and is the author/illustrator of two Caldecott Honor Books, "The Emperor and the Kite" and "Seven Blind Mice".
The illustrations for "My Mei Mei" are bright and beautiful. Created from pastels and torn paper, the illustrations are collages with interesting elements of design and bold patterns that will interest young readers.
Ed Young resides in Hastings-on-Hudson, New York with his family.
Final Thoughts and More Information
"My Mei Mei" is a great gift to a child whose family is adding to their home. This beautifully illustrated and written book takes a different look at another aspect of adoption, the adoptive sibling relationship and how it grows over time.
I definitely recommend "My Mei Mei". "My Mei Mei" is a great book for adoptive siblings and their families.
"My Mei Mei" is recommended for ages 4 and up.
(Published by PHILOMEL BOOKS, a division of Penguin Young Readers Group, 2006
ISBN 0-399-24339-9
