The mission of the Mermaids International Rescue Alliance (MIRA) is to guard the ocean and protect the sea creatures. There are many mermaid members in MIRA from all over Asia, such as Princess Hwangok (Korea), Roro (Indonesia), Jiao (China), Ningyo (Japan), Songkhla (Thailand), Duyung (Malaysia), Sovann Macha (Cambodia), Sirena (the Philippines), and Mei (Taiwan). Mei’s Mermaid Mission is an exquisitely illustrated picture book that follows Mei as she travels all over the Asia Pacific region to gather the team of heroic mermaids in order to stop the pirate from polluting. Can Mei and the MIRA mermaids stop the pirate in time? Over twenty sea animals and over twenty locations in Asia are introduced in this story, as well as Asian mermaid mythologies in the book’s backmatter. Children and adults will delight in this cultural story emphasizing empathy, friendship, collaboration, and environmental protection.

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*Interview with author Crystal Z. Lee*

Crystal Z. Lee grew up in a bilingual household in Taiwan and in California. She is an avid traveler and has visited over thirteen countries in Asia. Her favorite travel memories include hiking the forests of Borneo, boating in Phuket, cruising down the Yangtze River, chasing butterflies in Taiwan, attending literary festivals in Hong Kong, and visiting family in Singapore. Crystal is the author of children’s books A Unicorn Named Rin and Kai the Dancing Butterfly. Her poetry was recently included in the UK anthology, Tabula Rasa. She is also the author of a novel, Love and Other Moods.

​connect with the author: website ~  instagram ~ goodreads

Tell us about your writing and publishing journey.

I started writing my first novel, Love and Other Moods, when I was still living in Taipei and Shanghai. Later when we moved back to California, I started taking publishing and writing courses at Stanford University. The pitching journey was challenging. I was first working with a US indie press and had landed a literary agent, but later I parted ways with both amicably. Then a British press accepted my manuscript and I’ve stayed with them since! My next three books were children’s picture books: A Unicorn Named Rin, Kai the Dancing Butterfly, and Mei’s Mermaid Mission. I also dabbled in other forms of literature such as poetry. Last year my poetry was accepted into a UK anthology, Tabula Rasa.

What advice would you give to students who are aspiring writers?

Keep a journal; start as soon as you can form sentences. Read as much as you can. Be open to reading about unfamiliar cultures and places. And stay curious!

How can Mei’s Mermaid Mission be utilized as an educational resource?

One of my mottos in selecting children’s books is “read the world.” Mei’s Mermaid Mission is for any student interested in learning about environmental protection, endangered marine animals, Asian mermaid mythologies, and unique destinations in Asia. It’s a book that can be utilized for multicultural studies, for animal science, and ecological studies.

Mei’s Mermaid Mission references names from mermaid mythologies in Asia. Tell our readers about some of them.

In Cambodian and Thai mythology, Sovann Macha was a golden mermaid who led a pack of mer-warriors.

In Korean lore, there is a love story between King Eunhye and a mermaid princess, Hwangok. Princess Hwangok lived in Busan and patiently kept vigil for Eunhye by the shore.

My book references names from mermaid mythologies that have permeated the Asia Pacific region, some of them for centuries. I’ve always been fascinated with the underwater world so writing this book was a wonderful journey.

Reading your book is like taking a geography lesson! There are over 25 locations mentioned in the Asia Pacific region. Do you have a favorite?

I adore all of these majestic vistas, so it’s hard to choose a favorite, but here are some places I think are extraordinary:

  • Belum Rainforest: Located near the border of Malaysia and Thailand, Belum Rainforest is one of the world’s oldest rainforests (even older than the Amazon and Congo). It hosts over ten of the world’s most threatened mammals, including Malayan tapirs and Indian elephants.
  • Orchid Island: Also known as Lanyu, Orchid Island is part of Taiwan and home to the Indigenous Tao people. The Tao people have a strong maritime culture and local legends of mermaids.
  • Coral Triangle: Indonesia is at the center of the Coral Triangle and boasts one of the richest marine biodiversity in the world. Over 75% of the world’s coral species are found in the Coral Triangle.
  • Sea of Stars: Part of the Maldives, the Sea of Stars is renowned for its bioluminescence, which occurs when light is emitted by planktons. The Maldives is one of six places in the world to regularly witness this natural phenomenon.

Mei’s Mermaid Mission highlights some of the rare animals and sea creatures that call Asia Pacific home. They are all unique and I hope my book can be a conversation starter on animal protection.

  • There is also a sprinkling of history in your book. Tell us about the historical figures that make an appearance.
  • Zheng He: A Chinese mariner and diplomat from the 15th century Ming dynasty, Zheng He (also known as Cheng Ho) commanded over 300 ships that sailed as far as Africa. Zheng He led grand expeditions about a century before the European maritime powers. At the time, Zheng He commanded the largest, most advanced fleet in the world. Today, there are statues and monuments dedicated to him in Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Taiwan, Oman, etc.
  • Madame Ching: Also known as Ching Shih, Madame Ching is recognized as history’s most successful female pirate. Roaming the South China Seas over 200 years ago, Madame Ching commanded hundreds of ships and at one point entered into conflicts with major world powers such as the Portuguese empire, Chinese Qing dynasty, and the East India Company.

Meet the Illustrator: Allie Su

Allie Su was born and raised in a village in Yunlin county, Taiwan. She attended Nanhua University in Chiayi city, majoring in Visual Arts. Allie once lived in Korea for some time, volunteering in the area of animal protection. She loves kimchi, Korean saunas, Incheon’s snowy winters, and taking boat rides to Yeouido. She believes in bringing joy to people through art. Allie has worked as a children’s art teacher and a professional illustrator. She also illustrated a picture book about Taiwan, Kai the Dancing Butterfly.

Title:  Mei’s Mermaid Mission 

Author: Crystal Z. Lee

Category: Children’s Fiction (Ages 3-7), 42 pages

Genre: Children’s Picture Book

Publisher: Balestier Press

​Publication Date: Mar 1, 2024.

Content Rating: G

Scroll down for information on the giveaway!

Enter to win two physical books: MEI’S MERMAID MISSION and Crystal Z. Lee’s novel, LOVE AND OTHER MOODS!

One (1) winner will receive a copy of Mei’s Mermaid Mission and Crystal Z. Lee’s novel, Love and Other Moods!

(USA only, ends April 12, 2024)

*Click the link to be taken to the entry form*

https://gleam.io/4dXO8/meis-mermaid-mission-by-crystal-z-lee-book-tour-giveaway