Lin's Light

by Maya Lee

Lin’s special light shone bright!
Everywhere she went, everyone noticed her light.
It was gentle and strong, firm and kind,
determined and soft, all at the same time.
But one dark eve, the time came for Lin to leave…

Lin’s Light is a bilingual children’s book about loss and light, grief and hope.

With warm, vibrant illustrations and a simple, lyrical text, thirteen-year-old creator Maya Lee tells the tale of Lin, a kind, thoughtful girl whose light shines so brightly through her generosity and care, this light remains in all those around her even when she is gone.

This storybook was inspired by the life and legacy of YeeLin Tseng, a good friend of Maya’s who tragically passed away due to a drunk driver. Just like Lin, YeeLin walked through life with a radiant light that, Maya believes, remains (and shines!) in all those around her.

Lin’s Light can be used as a kid-friendly resource in schools, libraries, bookstores, and homes everywhere to hold space for gentle conversations about grief and loss, to nudge us towards thoughtful kindness, and lastly, to sustain as one of YeeLin’s many legacies — one of love and care.

26 pages, Paperback

Published January 20, 2022

About the author

Maya Lee is a Seoul-based young creative. She was born in Boston, USA, and has lived in the United Kingdom and Korea. She is a pizza-loving middle schooler who enjoys exploring new cities, reading a good book and getting lost in arts & crafts projects.

Reviews

[Jin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful, kind story about grief written in an accessible, gentle way for children. One of the few bilingual children’s books I’ve come across — written in both Eng/Korean, Eng/traditional Chinese. Amazing work by a thirteen-year-old author!

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great way to talk to kids about a very grim topic in a way that is gentle and on their level. Also a wonderful portrayal of legacy, and how those we love don't really leave us, but are carried on in the myriad of ways we honour them in our own lives. YeeLin would have loved this book, and would have been proud of the light being spread across the globe in her memory.

[Sarah J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young author's tribute, beautiful! The bright colors and illustrations are very sweet. In a time when there is significant loss around us, this book reminds me of the bright legacies our loved ones leave. Thank you for the gentle reminder and comfort.

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy-to-read children's book that captures grief but also remembrance of a loved one in a beautiful yet simplistic way. A personal story that allows resonation with all.

[Adrianne Wang · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book talks so beautifully about a life of a beautiful, loving, caring soul that shone and is still shining so bright. It’s a book that is packed with so much in just a few pages. The drawing, the writing…everything about this book teaches us, whether you are a young child, or an adult reading this, how to live and to carry on this light and legacy of Lin. It’s my hope that everyone who reads this book feels this light and love that Lin had for everyone! Lin is forever loved and always missed and I hope those of you who read this will remember her too!