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Dear Reader,
The story of Mei-Mei (pronounced May-May) was initially inspired by a Chinese folklore known as "Learning to Walk in Handan”.
In the original tale, a man from Handan learns a peculiar way of walking during his travels to Chu. However, when he returns to Handan and demonstrates the walking style, he is met with ridicule. It turns out, the purpose for the movements was to navigate slippery rocks and uneven ground. It was a sensible solution to unsafe conditions that didn’t make sense in other environments.
The story of Mei-Mei builds upon this folklore, emphasizing the importance of mindful exploration and understanding before imitating others. Mei-Mei's desire to fly like the birds and her subsequent journey of learning reflect the timeless message of the original tale. The story celebrates the beauty of tradition while encouraging children to approach their dreams with open hearts and minds, ultimately finding their own unique flair.
Mei-Mei in Mandarin means little sister, which is a nod to my twin sisters and the unique difficulties they experienced differentiating themselves from one another growing up. Other influences came from the captivating narratives of "Siku’s Song," "Trying," and "The World Needs Who You Were Made To Be”.
Please consider leaving a review on Amazon to help others know what to expect.
Sincerely,
Jaybie D.
Reviewed by Doreen Chombu for Readers' Favorite
Mei-Mei: Flying With Flair is a heartwarming children’s picture book written and illustrated by Jaybie D. and it follows Mei-Mei, a young fairy who comes from a long line of magnificent flying creatures. She loves to fly and wishes to continue her family's legacy. Unfortunately, she cannot seem to find her special flying style. So, she embarks on a journey to discover her specialty but ends up learning a peculiar flying skill that makes her stressed and uncomfortable. The other fairies laugh at her, and she feels sad. After having a meaningful conversation with Ms. Hoo, a wise owl, Mei-Mei decides to patiently hone her flying skills, learning gradually from traditional styles and finding confidence in herself. Join Mei-Mei as she embarks on an adventure to find her unique flying style.
Mei-Mei's journey is a delightful and relatable tale of self-discovery, reminding readers that finding one's unique strengths and style takes time, patience, and practice. The struggles of Mei-Mei to find her special flying style will resonate with young readers and encourage them to celebrate their individuality. Jaybie D. presents the story in a way that is relatable to children and their struggles of trying to fit in while also staying true to themselves, making it a powerful tool for empathy and self-reflection. The story not only introduces children to various birds but also highlights their unique flying styles, making it an engaging and educational read. It also has interactive questions and search-and-find activities. Finally, the colorful illustrations are eye-catching, bringing the characters and the scenery to life. Mei-Mei: Flying With Flair is a must-read for anyone on a journey of self-discovery and identity.
