Book Details:
Book Title: Mei's Mermaid Mission by Crystal Z. Lee
Category: Children's Fiction (Ages 3-7), 42 pages
Genre: Children's Picture Book
Publisher: Balestier Press
Publication Date: Mar 1, 2024.
Content Rating: G
Book Description:
The mission of the Mermaids International Rescue Alliance (MIRA) is to guard the ocean and protect the sea creatures. There are many mermaid members in MIRA from all over Asia, such as Princess Hwangok (Korea), Roro (Indonesia), Jiao (China), Ningyo (Japan), Songkhla (Thailand), Duyung (Malaysia), Sovann Macha (Cambodia), Sirena (the Philippines), and Mei (Taiwan). Mei's Mermaid Mission is an exquisitely illustrated picture book that follows Mei as she travels all over the Asia Pacific region to gather the team of heroic mermaids in order to stop the pirate from polluting. Can Mei and the MIRA mermaids stop the pirate in time? Over twenty sea animals and over twenty locations in Asia are introduced in this story, as well as Asian mermaid mythologies in the book's backmatter. Children and adults will delight in this cultural story emphasizing empathy, friendship, collaboration, and environmental protection.
Author Interview:
Reading Mei’s Mermaid Mission is like taking a geography lesson!
There are over 25 locations mentioned in the Asia Pacific region. Do you have a favorite?
I adore all of these majestic vistas, so it’s hard to choose a favorite, but here are some places I think are extraordinary:
Belum Rainforest: Located near the border of Malaysia and Thailand, Belum Rainforest is one of the world’s oldest rainforests (even older than the Amazon and Congo). It hosts over ten of the world’s most threatened mammals, including Malayan tapirs and Indian elephants.
Orchid Island: Also known as Lanyu, Orchid Island is part of Taiwan and home to the Indigenous Tao people. The Tao people have a strong maritime culture and local legends of mermaids.
Coral Triangle: Indonesia is at the center of the Coral Triangle and boasts one of the richest marine biodiversity in the world. Over 75% of the world’s coral species are found in the Coral Triangle.
Sea of Stars: Part of the Maldives, the Sea of Stars is renowned for its bioluminescence, which occurs when light is emitted by planktons. The Maldives is one of six places in the world to regularly witness this natural phenomenon.
Mei’s Mermaid Mission references names from mermaid mythologies in Asia. Tell our readers about some of them.
In Cambodian and Thai mythology, Sovann Macha was a golden mermaid who led a pack of mer-warriors.
In Korean lore, there is a love story between King Eunhye and a mermaid princess, Hwangok. Princess Hwangok lived at Busan and patiently kept vigil for Eunhye by the shore.
My book references names from mermaid mythologies that have permeated the Asia Pacific region, some of them for centuries. I’ve always been fascinated with the underwater world so writing this book was a wonderful journey.
Your book can also be a resource for children interested in animal science, since it mentions nearly thirty animals! Which ones stand out for you?
Giant pacific octopuses are highly intelligent creatures that have nine brains; they have been known to recognize and hug people.
Dugongs are gentle marine mammals that help our earth’s climate by protecting seagrass meadows.
Komodo dragons are native to Indonesia and some scientists believe they are the closest living relatives to dinosaurs.
Saolas are one of the world’s rarest mammals and are also known as Asian unicorns. They resemble antelopes are native to Vietnam and Laos.
Mei’s Mermaid Mission highlights some of the rare animals and sea creatures that call Asia Pacific home. They are all unique and I hope my book can be a conversation starter on animal protection.
There is also a sprinkling of history in your book. Tell us about the historical figures that make an appearance.
Zheng He: A Chinese mariner and diplomat from the 15th century Ming dynasty, Zheng He (also known as Cheng Ho) commanded over 300 ships that sailed as far as Africa. Zheng He led grand expeditions about a century before the European maritime powers. At the time, Zheng He commanded the largest, most advanced fleet in the world. Today, there are statues and monuments dedicated to him in Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Oman, etc.
Madame Ching: Also known as Ching Shih, Madame Ching is recognized as history’s most successful female pirate. Roaming the South China Seas over 200 years ago, Madame Ching commanded hundreds of ships and at one point entered into conflicts with major world powers such as the Portuguese empire, Chinese Qing dynasty, and the East India Company.
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read in so I almost always add a bit of history in my books!
Have you been to some of the places mentioned in Mei’s Mermaid Mission? Which is your most memorable trip?
I’ve visited over thirteen countries in the Asia Pacific region, so yes, I’ve been on many trips in Asia! I grew up in Taipei, lived in Shanghai for years, and took annual trips to Japan and Singapore. I loved traveling to Korea’s Jeju Island, hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, seeing historic relics in Vietnam.
Meet the Author:
Crystal Z. Lee grew up in a bilingual household in Taiwan and in California. She is an avid traveler and has visited over thirteen countries in Asia. Her favorite travel memories include hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, cruising down the Yangtze River, chasing butterflies in Taiwan, attending literary festivals in Hong Kong, and visiting family in Singapore. Crystal is the author of children's books A Unicorn Named Rin and Kai the Dancing Butterfly. Her poetry was recently included in the UK anthology, Tabula Rasa. She is also the author of a novel, Love and Other Moods.
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Meet the Illustrator:
Allie Su was born and raised in a village in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She attended Nanhua University in Chiayi city, majoring in Visual Arts. Allie once lived in Korea for some time, volunteering in the area of animal protection. She loves kimchi, Korean saunas, Incheon's snowy winters, and taking boat rides to Yeouido. She believes in bringing joy to people through art. Allie has worked as a children's art teacher and a professional illustrator. She also illustrated a picture book about Taiwan, Kai the Dancing Butterfly.
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