Wai Mei Wong was born in Hong Kong and now lives in Toronto. Wong is an early childhood educator.
Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)
Courage Every Day
Illustrated by Kirsti Beautyman.
Ann Arbor, MI: Tilbury House Publishers, 2024.
PZ7.1.W644 C68 2024
Publisher’s Synopsis (From its website)
One girl’s tummy flutters with butterflies. “Have courage,” says Papa. But, she wonders, what exactly is courage? Papa lets her know that courage is the big, heroic feats–as well as the smaller everyday choices we make. With comforting, lyrical text, this story shows young readers that they too can be courageous every single day. Backmatter includes a note for parents on helping children develop their own sense of courage.
Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)
Hello, Dark
Illustrated by Tamara Campeau.
Toronto: Pajama Press, 2021.
PZ7.1.W65 H45 2021
Publisher’s Synopsis (From its website)
A little boy faces his fear of the dark by engaging in a conversation with it. Imagining the dark as a friendly shadow creature, the boy comes to the realization that the dark is not only a necessary part of life, but that it can be fun as well! The boy and his new friend play make believe, meditate, and listen to music until it’s finally time to fall asleep.
Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)
I Love Myself
Illustrated by Julia Vasileva
Victoria, BC: Orca Book Publishers, 2024.
Publisher’s Synopsis (From its website)
Even an ordinary day is full of little challenges, especially when you’re a kid. Like when you’re learning to ride a bike and you still need training wheels…so the other kids ride past you. Or when you jump in a mud puddle…but you fall in and get your pants wet. Luckily you can learn to be kind to yourself with a bit of practice.
In this sweet picture book we accompany a child through their day, from morning to bedtime, as their inner self—portrayed as a cuddly imaginary creature—supports them in their endeavors. Some are harder than others, but the positive message of the text highlights how you can love yourself through big feelings, try something different, say no, and so much more.
Fiction (Juvenile, Picture book)
Mama’s Special Wonton Soup
Illustrated by Xin Yue Zhu.
Newbury, UK: Lantana Publishing, 2025.
forthcoming Sept. 2025
Publisher’s Synopsis
One day in a village in Southern China, a young girl leaves her mama’s house to buy ingredients for wonton soup. On the way to the market, she meets a wonderful array of characters going about their daily lives.
There’s Ms. Chen pulling radishes from the fields, Mr. Li and his daughters hauling shrimp from the lake, and grandma hanging out strings of persimmons to dry in the sun.
As the girl greets each of them with “Zǎo ān,” and thanks them with “Xiè xiè,” they gift her with something special for her mama’s cooking pot. By the time the little girl reaches home, she has more food than they could possibly eat. What should the two of them do now?
This charming story of cooking, sharing, and living a peaceful rural life soothes the soul in today’s fast-paced, high-tech world.
Links
Publisher Lantana Publishing
Publisher Orca Book Publishers
Publisher Pajama Press
Publisher Tilbury House Publishers