Let’s dive into the magic of Taiwan and embark on a literary journey through the vibrant culture. Jeanne Chang, founder of Mama Baby Mandarin, has got a fantastic collection of picture books (in English!!) that will transport you to this enchanting land, each with its own unique twist. Let’s dive into the colourful world of Hey! Taipei, Amah Faraway, I Love Boba, This Is Not My Home, and Kai the Dancing Butterfly. Buckle up, because we’re about to discover the magic of Taiwan!

Common Threads: Culture, Connection, and Exploration

These five books weave a beautiful tapestry of Taiwan’s culture, landscapes, and the heartfelt connections between people. Each story offers a glimpse into different aspects of Taiwanese life, from bustling cities to serene gardens, from savoury treats to the warmth of family ties.

• Cultural Wonders: Every book immerses readers in the rich culture of Taiwan. Whether it’s the vibrant night markets and temples in Hey! Taipei or the traditional family bonds in Amah Faraway, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the heart of Taiwanese life.

• Family and Friendship: Strong themes of family and friendship run through these stories. Amah Faraway and This Is Not My Home both explore the bonds between family members across distances and cultural divides, while I Love Boba and Kai the Dancing Butterfly highlight the joy of shared experiences and new friendships.

• Exploration and Discovery: Adventure and discovery are at the heart of these tales. Hey! Taipei invites you to explore the city’s secrets, while Kai the Dancing Butterfly takes you on a journey through Taiwan’s natural beauty. I Love Boba and This Is Not My Home celebrate discovering new foods and new homes, making every page a new adventure.

The world famous night market in Taiwan (Books of Wonder)

Unique Sparkles: Each Book’s Special Charm

While these books share common themes, each one has its own unique sparkle that makes it stand out. Let’s take a closer look at what sets them apart:

• Hey! Taipei: This book is a bustling, visual feast of Taipei’s city life. It’s perfect for curious minds eager to explore urban wonders, from night markets to towering skyscrapers. It’s all about the excitement of city exploration!

• Amah Faraway: A heartfelt journey of a young girl visiting her grandmother in Taiwan, this book beautifully captures the essence of familial love and cultural exchange. It’s a touching reminder of the ties that bind us across the globe.

• I Love Boba: This delightful tale centres around the beloved Taiwanese drink, boba. It’s a tasty adventure that celebrates food and culture, perfect for young hearts (and mature explorers) who have a sweet tooth and a love for culinary delights.

• This Is Not My Home: This story delves into the challenges and rewards of moving to a new country. It’s a poignant tale of adaptation and acceptance, making it a great read for anyone who has ever felt like a fish out of water.

• Kai the Dancing Butterfly: A whimsical journey through Taiwan’s natural beauty, this book is a celebration of nature and the enchanting world of butterflies. It’s ideal for readers who love stories about the environment and the magic of wildlife.

This small selection offers a kaleidoscope of experiences that showcase Taiwan’s rich culture, the warmth of its people, and the beauty of its landscapes. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Taipei, sipping on a sweet cup of boba, or dancing with butterflies, each story opens a door to new adventures and heartfelt moments. For bilingual or Chinese readers, Jeanne Chang has a wider range of books for you to discover! So, cosy up with these delightful books and let them whisk you away to the wonders of Taiwan.

(All front cover images: Goodreads)

Hey! Taipei

Written by Kathy Chang

2018, Garlic Crush

ISBN: 9789869648998

YouTube book intro

Amah Faraway 

Written by Margaret Chiu Greanias, illustrated by Tracy Subisak

2022, Bloomsbury Children’s Books

ISBN: 9781547607211

Author & Illustrator Chat

I Love Boba 

Written by Katrina Liu, illustrated by Dhidit Prayoga 

2020, Ingram International Inc

ISBN: 9781953281050

For Bobalicious: More books about boba tea

This Is Not My Home 

Written by Vivienne Chang, illustrated by Eugenia Yoh

2023, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

ISBN: 9780316377102

Interview with the Author & Illustrator

Kai the Dancing Butterfly 

Written by Crystal Z. Lee, illustrated by Allie Su

2022, Balestier

ISBN: 9781913891176

Read aloud with the author & her daughter

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

Books about Taiwan in Chinese and English – MamaBabyMandarin.Com. 21 May 2023, https://www.mamababymandarin.com/kids-books-about-taiwan-in-chinese-and-english/.

Greanias, Margaret Chiu, and Tracy Subisak. Amah Faraway. Bloomsbury Children’s Books, 2022.

‘This Is Not My Home’. Books of Wonder, https://booksofwonder.com/products/9780316377102. Accessed 25 June 2024.

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Eleanor Duggan is a passionate children’s book reader, a storytelling enchantress, an aspiring globetrotter, a part-time book crafter, and an impassioned foodie who is a cooking disaster. She is more known as an international school teacher-librarian and the International Association of School Librarianship (IASL) Regional Director for East Asia. She is a Taiwanese with a Belgian soul and is currently enjoying her life as a citizen of the world with her daughter and their 2 one-of-a kind cats. You may find her via The Third Culture Librarian 

GLLI Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in posts on this site are the individual author’s and are not indicative of the views of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.