Mimi Loves to Mimic: Yih-Fen Chou

Meet Mimi, the adorable toddler finding her own voice and way with aplomb and energy. Author Yih-Fen Chou explores imitation as a means of learning in Mimi Love to Mimic. Mimi reads like Mommy, makes soup like Grandma, and imitates Grandpa's manners, which have room for improvement. The endearing turn at the close shares Grandpa and Grandma imitating Mimi. Lovely!

The 8x8 format with stiff pages is great for readertotz. The highly awarded Chih-Yuan Chen's multimedia illustrations are appealing with a mild palette and simple shapes.

In Mimi Says No, Mimi asserts her independence as she makes her own way through her day. Mommy is close by and available to help, but Mimi forges onward on her own as she dresses, pours her milk, and walks to the park. A large fold-out increases the drama of an accident.

Again, text and image are tight and polished. I only would have preferred Mimi to say, "No, thanks," rather than just telling her mother, "No," repeatedly. And "I'm sorry," would have helped when she spills her milk. Of course, both ideas can be discussed during the reading with your totz.

The dust jackets refer to both books as picture books. I'd say the size and thickness of the pages skews it younger for little hands.

Find Mimi for your readertotz and be charmed. The works have been translated into fourteen languages already!

Mimi Loves to Mimic
Mimi Says No
by Yih-Fen Chou
illustrated by Chih-Yuan Chen
Heryin Books, 2010