Linda Talley

A heedless young duck with poor manners, Meiling learns to be more thoughtful when she follows her human boy, Song Hai, to the market. It is the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival, and he must buy everything his family needs - mooncakes, lanterns, and many other items - for their celebration. Observing his politeness to others - the way he helps the elderly Mrs. Li, the way he shares his snack with his friend - Meiling learns the right way to behave, even as she learns about the festival that is about show more to occur...

I thought I recognized the illustrative style, when I stumbled across Thank You, Meiling during my search for Mid-Autumn Moon Festival books, and sure enough, the artist involved is none other than Itoko Maeno, whose work on such picture-books as Papa Piccolo and Minou I found so very lovely. The artwork here is likewise beautiful, and very appealing. The story from Linda Talley, who appears to have worked on a number of books with Maeno, is engaging, offering both a lesson in good manners and a bit of information about the traditions associated with the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Recommended to picture-book readers seeking either stories about the festival or titles teaching etiquette. show less

The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and the prose flowed beautifully. The information given regarding bees was woven flawlessly throughout the story, teaching children very valuable lessons.

The illustrations were absolutely gorgeous and the prose flowed beautifully. The information given regarding bees was woven flawlessly throughout the story, teaching children very valuable lessons.