About Purple Mango Mandarin
Hi, I’m Sarah — a mom, lifelong book lover, and long-time Mandarin learner doing my best to raise two curious, bilingual kids. Writing has always been part of who I am, but I never imagined I’d write children’s books until the quiet, hazy days of maternity leave with my first child.
She wouldn’t nap unless she was held, so for hours each day I sat with her dozing on my chest, reading whatever I could reach — and letting my mind drift. In those slow, tender moments, I found myself dreaming up stories I wished existed for her: bilingual, culturally thoughtful, playful little books that made Mandarin feel accessible and joyful for both parent and child. I realized I didn’t just want to imagine those books — I wanted to create them for my daughter.
As I explored resources for raising bilingual children in the U.S., I discovered many wonderful books and tools, including several created by other moms like me. But even with all those thoughtful offerings, I still noticed a gap — an underserved space where families like ours could benefit from stories that blended Chinese language and culture with a warm, modern, American sensibility. Stories that felt welcoming to both native speakers and Mandarin learners, including parents learning right alongside their children.
That’s why I started Purple Mango Mandarin.
Although I’m not a native Mandarin speaker, Mandarin has been part of my life for twenty years. I first studied Chinese as an undergrad at Harvard, later lived and worked in Beijing and other cities in China, and I’m now raising two bilingual children. My books are created with great care, always in collaboration with a native Mandarin-speaking editor who ensures linguistic accuracy and authenticity, and a native Mandarin-speaking illustrator who brings cultural nuance to every page.
Weather is my first Purple Mango Mandarin book — the very beginning of what I hope will become a full, growing library of bilingual stories for young children. Each book is designed to support families on their Mandarin-learning journey by offering:
- Natural, everyday Mandarin
- Kid-friendly pinyin for accessibility
- Culturally thoughtful illustrations
- Warm, engaging characters
- Stories that spark connection between children and caregivers
As for the name? My daughter loved two things intensely during the year I was incubating this idea - the color purple and mangoes. When I needed a name for this little publishing dream of mine, hers felt just right — joyful, bright, and rooted in family.
My vision is to create multiple series that grow with children over time, offering families a library of bilingual stories that make Mandarin feel approachable, delightful, and part of the everyday moments that matter most.
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, gift-giver, or educator, I’m so glad you’re here.
I’m building these books for families like yours — one warm, colorful story at a time.