[Author Biography]

Yih Fen Chen

A mother of two, Chou has for many years been editor-in-chief for a children’s book publisher. She received a second Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Wisconsin. Her Ph.D. thesis dealt with the relationship between young children’s favorite picture books and their cognitive development. Chou is the author of Mimi Says No, Mimi Loves to Mimic and Albert’s First Flight.

[Illustrator Biography]

Chih Yuan Chen

Chen’s artwork is a treasure trove of childhood fun. Images come to life through his skillful layering of a variety of media, including watercolors, pastiche and pencil. Chen’s works have received the Publishers Weekly Best Children’s Book Award, 2009 NCTE Best Children’s Picture Book, ALA Notable Book distinction, and have even reached the New York Times "Top 10" bestseller list.

Book Review

Mimi is a small molelike child with a purple dress, yellow hat, and big personality. As her mother gently urges Mimi to let her help with tasks like getting dressed, pouring milk, and using the slide, Mimi asserts her independence--"NO I'll go up the ladder myself!" Her determination results in spills, disappointment, and tears--the last of which is remedied with a hug. The soothing mixed-media illustrations and characters' animated actions make it an endearing lesson about consequences, while assuring unconditional love. Available simultaneously: Mimi Loves to Mimic. Ages 3–5. (Sept.) 

---------- Publishers Weekly    

The adorable Mimi is a typical toddler just on the edge of finding her independence, but still needing a bit of assistance now and then from Mommy and Daddy, even Grandma and Grandpa. She’s good at throwing her toys in the trash can, but hasn’t yet figured out how to put on lipstick (which is a good thing).

She tries to read like Mommy reads, but reading “lots of books” for Mimi means catching up on her naps. Her trumpet-tooting isn’t quite like Daddy’s but she loves trying loudly. While Grandma makes soup, Mimi makes her own version with dirty socks for her little puppy. She slurps just like Grandpa, much to Grandma’s dismay and both get impatiently shushed! Mimi’s also great at sharing kisses, just like Mommy!

---------- BookDragon    

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.

---------- ReaderTotz