Books published by publisher Heryin Books, Inc.

Highlighting issues of environmental protection, human identity, and the pursuit of self, this remarkable modern fable brings philosophical subjects to the forefront through humor and imagination. When a brown bear awakes from hibernation, he is surprised to find that a modern factory has been built right over his den. His bewilderment only grows when a factory guard mistakes him for an unshaven human and, failing to prove his identity, is forced to become a factory worker.

Artie was a happy little lion, and Julie was a happy little rabbit—until one day Julie was sent to the grassland to eat grass, and Artie was sent to the grassland to eat . . . rabbit! Distracted from their destinations, they both discover a delicious jellyberry patch. Driven by a sudden storm into a nearby cave, they become friends before they know they are meant to be enemies. Each returns home with a new friend, a tuft of each other's fur as a keepsake, and a surprising story to tell their parents. A unique design adds depth to this clever tale—when Artie and Julie are apart their parallel stories are told on separate split pages, but when the two become friends the pages join together as well. Filled with playful art that adds a whimsical tone, this amusing story encourages young readers to overlook differences and demonstrates that fear should never be an obstacle to friendship.

Christmas at the Bear family household is slim this year, but Mother Bear and Father Bear create holiday spirit by adorning their home with decorations sewn from outgrown clothes and a tree assembled from gathered branches dusted with flour. Little Bear worries whether Santa will come and ultimately proves to be the most resourceful to ensure that gifts are under the tree. On Christmas day everyone has a present—a mended kite for Brother; a once-missing umbrella for Sister; a favorite old hat for Father; and, for Mother, a long-lost button that has been conspicuously missing from her red dress. This charming tale demonstrates that even the smallest person can give big gifts, requiring only love and ingenuity.

Seven huge, detailed, trifold posters make up this unique depiction of a small village as it changes, over two decades, from a town to a city. Each painting is executed from the same perspective, allowing viewers to easily compare and contrast the different buildings, vehicles, and people in the pictures. The large format of each image immerses viewers in the evolving landscape, serving as a discussion starter about issues from land use to urban planning. Perfect for teachers, this wordless panorama of a vanishing village will awaken concern and inspire reflection about how people live on the land.

Uniquely cinematic in form, the storyline of this brilliantly illustrated tale follows a young boy who dreams of owning a new bicycle. As he interacts with his grandfather, friends, and mother, the boy slowly discovers that reaching a dream can be a difficult task, especially when money is tight. Eventually the boy learns to make do in times of both hope and despair, and, despite struggles, he develops personal strength and compassion for others.

Filled with bold illustrations and wry humor, this twist on the ugly duckling tale places a chicken in the lead role. The chicken has no feathers and he longs to play with the other beautiful chickens in the yard, but they turn him down, ridiculing him for his bare skin. When he discovers a creative camouflage for his paltry plumage, however, the other chickens allow him to join them on a boat ride, never expecting that a surprising accident will change the way they see themselves and the (formerly) featherless chicken.

Written from the perspective of the schoolyard, this simply illustrated tale stimulates thought on issues of responsibility. When the classmates of a young boy who has been bullied all deny blame for the incident, they offer many common excuses why they declined to step in on their peer's behalf. The familiar, first-person narration of the young characters begs the question, Does it really have nothing to do with me? The story closes with a series of powerful images of global strife, making the connection between simply not stepping in to help someone and standing by while wider atrocities go on.

In a small Chinese village a stone-carved lion sits and watches as a guardian spirit and holder of the villagers' collective memory. Older people stop, stroking his head to remember the past and children walk by knowing he watches over them to keep them safe. Whimsical illustrations and inventive visual perspectives depict the lion's expressions as he recounts his memories of the villagers over the years in daylight and evening and in the changing of the seasons.

Featuring simple, humorous situations, this picture book explores a young girl’s love for imitating the adults in her life. Her mimicry is often exaggerated, which can have funny and chaotic results. When Mimi puts on lipstick just like mommy, she colors outside the lines; and when she makes soup just like grandma, her ingredients are not necessarily the tastiest. With full, fluid lines and delicate coloration, the illustrations complement Mimi’s charming naïveté and profound curiosity. Both children and parents alike will delight in Mimi’s ongoing explorations and discoveries.

In this touching and beautifully illustrated book, children will learn about death alongside Bruno, whose grandfather passes away. Throughout the narrative, Bruno's emotions mature from confusion, anger, and loneliness to acceptance. Experiencing the bewilderment that often accompanies the death of a loved one, Bruno asks, Is Grandpa just sleeping? Is he in a grave or in heaven? Why did he leave without saying goodbye? With humor and delicacy, this poignant story portrays the complexity of losing a friend and relative and teaches children that in death lies a beauty and depth to life.

With a sense of humor unique to children, this simple yet spirited picture book explores a young girl’s growing self awareness. When Mimi’s mother offers her help in a variety of situations, Mimi says “No, I want to do it myself!” Brimming with boldness and courage, Mimi expresses her desire to dress herself, pour her own milk, walk by herself, and climb the stairs by herself. Filled with charming, hand-drawn illustrations, this lively story helps children learn to explore their surroundings and enjoy the growth process.

When a young boy sends his kite up into the air to ask the world Where is Spring?, the abstract concept of the season comes to life through spare verse and lush illustration. The sparrow, the seagull, the swallow, and the sun gently open the reader's eye to the surrounding beauty of the blossoming world. The poem's rhythmic language and strong musicality take young readers on a creative journey over field, forest, meadow, and lake. Simple language and gentle repetition create a comforting, lyrical flow that is perfect for children who are learning to read by themselves.