Mingmei Yip began writing and painting during her childhood in Hong Kong. Her first newspaper article was published when she was fourteen; the next year she was admitted to the prestigious Hong Kong Chinese Contemporary Artists' Guild, becoming its youngest member. For many years her paintings appeared regularly in Hong Kong exhibitions. She has also written daily columns for several newspapers as well as two volumes of short stories and essays, one of which was illustrated with her Zen paintings. Yip's painting has been praised not only for its striking colors and dynamic composition but also for making traditional Chinese motifs exciting and accessible to all ages. A one person show of her paintings of Guan Yin, the Chinese goddess of compassion, was held in New York City in Fall of 2002. Mingmei resides in New York. www.mingmeiyip.com
Yip's writing is clear and accessible to children, and the bright pastel illustrations are appealing. An attractive addition for larger collections. -- School Library Journal Children will be drawn by the abundant colorful illustrations and the short, straightforward retellings. -- Booklist Yip's paintings emulate classic Chinese silkscreen renderings, especially the serene nature images of The Frog Who Lived in a Well. -- Publishers Weekly