Picture books designed for preschool and primary school children serve to enrich their imaginations, awaken their creative potential, increase their knowledge, enhance their love for literature, art and science, and bring joy to their hearts.

Of all the artists in the field of illustrating children's picture books, Cheng Ming-ching is considered the greatest pioneer. His colorful childhood and wide experience in children's art education have led him to dedicate himself to the field for the past 15 years.

Cheng spent a carefree childhood at Liuchangli, a district of Taipei whose main features were green rice fields and a meandering creek. His memories of wandering through the fields to catch butterflies, dragonflies, fish and pond snails became sources of inspiration for his painting.

After graduating from the Taipei Municipal Chien Kuo High School, Cheng enrolled in the Department of Art at the Taipei Municipal Junior Teachers' College, where he specialized in water color and oil painting. At the age of 20, he was assigned to teach at Shihting Primary School in Taipei County, and started his 25-year career as a teacher of children's art.

At first, Cheng taught children to draw lines and shapes as a form of play, and encouraged them to find inspiration in nature. This is turn influenced his own painting style, and the world of children came to dominate his paintings.

In 1965, Cheng joined the editorial staff of Hau Hsueh Sheng (Good Student) magazine, and started to paint for picture books. After long research, Cheng made progress in his work and gradually built up his confidence. Since 1968, he has published such picture books as "Ten Brothers," "Little Paper Boat Look at the Sea," "Small Whale Going out to Sea," "Small Animal Children's Songs," "I Saw It," and "Banban and Booboo."

On Children's Day this year, Cheng held an exhibition in Taipei at which 80 of his masterpieces were displayed. The show was warmly received by children and adults alike. His early works are dominated by simple lines and monochrome. Later, he adopted the techniques of collage and rotary press, and such materials as paperboard to achieve a colorful and varied visual effect.

Each of his paintings has its own unique features. For instance, in the painting titled "Giraffe," Cheng used a red background and orange sun to represent the searing heat of Africa. The emphasis on the long neck of the giraffe symbolized its aspirations and hopes. "Bird," a painting based on a children's poem depicts a brightly colored bird nesting in a blossom-laden tree, with stars in a red sky and grassy meadows as background.

The techniques of woodcut and rotary press have been used to give "Small Whale Going out to Sea" a three-dimensional effect. In "Party for Fruits," Cheng has animated pears, oranges, grapes and bananas in silhouette as if they were running to attend a party. In "Polluted Earth," Cheng uses bold lines to represent the population explosion and the problem of air pollution. The situation is so critical that even the sun is hidden.

As well as doing his own illustrating, Cheng has collected more than 500 picture books from all over the world. He said enthusiastically: "I am glad that painting has become a favorite pastime for children. During holidays, children can be seen sketching in such scenic spots as the Taipei New Park and the Botanical Garden. Public and private institutions sponsor all kinds of painting activities and exhibitions for children. It is not surprising that many children in the Republic of China have won medals in international competitions."

Cheng also pointed out that some picture books are meant to enable children to enjoy the simple beauty of nature while others give deeper insights. The former category includes nursery stories and legends; the latter, history, geography, science, art and music. He suggested that parents put equal emphasis on both types when choosing picture books for their children.

[Picture Caption]

1. The long neck of the giraffe symbolizes its aspirations and hopes. Cheng Ming-ching painting (2) and instructing children (3). 4. The three-dimensional effect of "Small Whale Going out to Sea."

From above left: Cheng's masterpieces: Night, Morning, and two paintings from the book I Saw It.

1. Cheng represents pear, pineapple, banana, grapes and oranges as if they are running to attend a "party for fruits." 2. In "polluted Earth," Cheng uses bold lines to represent the population explosion and the problem of air pollution. 3. "Bird," a painting based on a children's poem.

Cheng Ming-ching painting （2）

and instructing children （3）

The three-dimensional effect of "Small Whale Going out to Sea.

Cheng's masterpieces.

Cheng's masterpieces.

Night, Morning, and two paintings from the book I Saw It.

Night, Morning, and two paintings from the book I Saw It.

Cheng represents pear, pineapple, banana, grapes and oranges as if they are running to attend a "party for fruits.

In "polluted Earth," Cheng uses bold lines to represent the population explosion and the problem of air pollution.

"Bird," a painting based on a children's poem.