Mei Li facts for kids
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| Author | Thomas Handforth |
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| Illustrator | Thomas Handforth |
| Country | United States |
| Genre | Children's picture book |
| Publisher | Doubleday |
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Publication date
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1938 |
Mei Li is a special children's book written and illustrated by Thomas Handforth. It was published by Doubleday in 1938. This book is famous because it won the Caldecott Medal in 1939 for its amazing illustrations. The Caldecott Medal is a very important award for children's picture books in the United States.
Contents
What is Mei Li About?
This story follows a young girl named Mei Li during the exciting Chinese New Year celebrations. She goes to the festivities with her brother, San Yu. Mei Li wants to show everyone that girls can enjoy all the fun activities too. She tries to prove that the New Year celebrations are for everyone, not just boys.
Exploring Chinese New Year Traditions
The book takes readers on a journey through many traditional Chinese New Year customs. Mei Li experiences the lively markets and sees many interesting sights. She also learns about the importance of family and community during this special time.
The Journey of Mei Li
Mei Li's adventure is full of discovery and challenges. She meets different people and sees many exciting things. Her goal is to participate fully in the celebrations. This helps her to show everyone that girls are just as capable and important.
Who Was Thomas Handforth?
Thomas Handforth was an American artist and author. He was born in 1897 and passed away in 1949. Handforth was known for his beautiful drawings and his love for different cultures. He spent time in China, which inspired him to create Mei Li. His experiences helped him to draw the story's setting and characters very accurately.
Handforth's Artistic Style
Handforth's illustrations in Mei Li are very detailed and expressive. He used a unique style that captured the energy of the Chinese New Year. His artwork helped the story come alive for young readers. The Caldecott Medal recognized his outstanding artistic talent.
Why is Mei Li Important?
Mei Li is important for several reasons. It was one of the first American children's books to feature a strong female character from a different culture. The book also helped introduce American children to Chinese traditions. It showed that children from all backgrounds can be heroes in their own stories.
The Caldecott Medal's Impact
Winning the Caldecott Medal brought a lot of attention to Mei Li. This award helps highlight books that have excellent illustrations. It encourages more people to read and appreciate the art in children's books. The medal also helps new books become popular and reach more young readers.
