Mimi Loves to Mimic by Yih-Fen Chou, illustrated by Chih Yuan Chen
Mimi Says No by Yih-Fen Chou, illustrated by Chih Yuan Chen
These two books capture the essence of being a toddler and the ups and downs of their days.
In Mimi Loves to Mimic, Mimi copies whatever the grownups in her family are doing. She throws things away, puts on lipstick, plays the trumpet, makes “soup” and even shushes people. When Mimi kisses her mother after being kissed, the other adults share some kisses too. Just like Mimi.
In Mimi Says No, Mimi does the classic toddler trick of saying no to absolutely everything. She wants to dress herself, pour her own milk, walk alone, and slide down the slide on her own. But when she ends up getting hurt a little, she finds her own way to get a hug from her mother.
Chou’s words are brief and simple. Yet they have a wonderful rhythm to them, refrains that repeat, and a steady structure that toddler will enjoy. Chen’s art may have readers wondering just what kind of creature Mimi is, but that only lasts for moments before the story pulls you in. The art is friendly, clear and very child friendly. Children will see themselves in the picture books, but they are not here to teach lessons. Rather they are a celebration of toddlerhood itself.
These books have been translated into 14 languages from their original Chinese. Their appeal is universal and will surely find a place in American toddler’s reading. Appropriate for ages 2-3.
Reviewed from copies received from Independent Publishers Group.