Jing Jing Tsong
Jing Jing Tsong is a New York Times bestselling children's picture book illustrator.
Jing Jing's images are a digital collage of color, traditional printmaking techniques and pattern. When not growing kale or surfing, Jing Jing spends her time translating the world through her words and pictures.
Reviews
Fake Chinese Sounds
“A Taiwanese American fifth grader confronts racist bullying. Most of the time, Měi Yīng feels no different from her friends. She loves playing soccer, eating macaroni and cheese, and searching for frogs. Other times, she feels alone: when strangers make fun of her mother’s accent, when a bully mocks her lunch, and when others watch these things happen and do nothing. Commiserating with friends from Chinese school about the racism they’ve all experienced, Měi Yīng says, “I am just SO tired of being the nice one. Why do we always have to be the nice ones?” Her conflict is ultimately resolved in an age-appropriate and satisfying way. While Měi Yīng’s bully is humanized, it’s clear that he has much work to do before he can be forgiven. For readers who share Měi Yīng’s background, this story will feel painfully accurate; for others, it will be an accessible introduction to racial microaggressions and the harm they inflict. From a calm tai chi session in the garden with Měi Yīng’s visiting grandmother to a rage-filled confrontation, Tsong’s bold, textured illustrations—rendered in grayscale with pops of red and yellow—communicate the emotional complexity of Měi Yīng’s life. Dialogue in English is expressed with white speech bubbles, while dialogue in Mandarin appears in yellow—a particularly effective device for capturing how this community switches between and mixes the two languages in their conversations. Earnest, engaging, and relatable.”— Kirkus Reviews, starred review
First Morning Sun: A Book of Firsts
“Via concise rhymes, Reid narrates a series of childhood firsts, beginning with a newborn’s “First morning sun./ First day begun,” in this joyful ode to milestones both mundane and major. Moving chronologically through traditional year-one signposts such as speech, steps, and a birthday, the book quickly ventures into toddler territory and beyond, celebrating events including “First feeling brave” during a seaside dip and “First scraped-up knee” thanks to a scooter tumble, up until the arrival of “First sibling new/ More firsts for two.” In jubilant scenes, Tsong’s digital illustrations layer thickly outlined, rough-hewn figures with largely fanciful skin tones atop vibrant batik-like patterns. When three kids swing gaily on a tire swing (“First taking flight”), they practically fly off the page. Similarly unadorned and emphatic, text and prose aptly focus attention on many affecting moments of early childhood.”—Publishers Weekly
If I Were a Tree
“Enjoy and observe nature with all your senses.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“With enchanting visuals, this contemplative picture book demonstrates not only what nature can offer but also the reward of new perspectives.” —Booklist
“This tree-focused venture will encourage young readers to meditate upon nature.” —Publishers Weekly
Trees
"A gentle, gorgeous book to share with the youngest explorers of the natural world." —School Library Journal, Starred Review
A Bucket of Blessings
"Kabir Sehgal and his mother, Surishtha, tell the story in the simplest prose; the wealth water represents is conveyed through Tsong’s artwork."—Publishers Weekly
Feathers and Hair
"An eye-catching first look for budding scientists." —Booklist