Author’s Virtual Visit: Karina Zhou and Kai’s Tea Eggs
Exploring Heritage Through Kai’s Tea Eggs
This January, HongDe Elementary had the privilege of hosting a virtual author visit with the talented Karina Zhou. It was an inspiring event that left students excited about storytelling, heritage, and individuality.
Meet Karina Zhou
At just 19 years old, Vancouverite Karina Zhou has made a significant impact in the world of children’s literature. Her debut book, Kai’s Tea Eggs, began as a winning entry in the picture book illustration contest Je suis un petit auteur-illustrateur. Inspired by her childhood experiences in White Rock and Surrey, Karina’s story beautifully captures the importance of embracing one’s cultural heritage.
Exploring Kai’s Tea Eggs
Kai’s Tea Eggs tells the story of Kai, a spirited child who learns to embrace her Chinese heritage with the help of Ming, a magical dragon. The book reflects Karina’s experience of bringing tea eggs to a multicultural event at her elementary school—a day that helped her celebrate her identity and culture.
During the visit, Karina read her book aloud, captivating students with Kai’s journey and Ming’s wisdom. The vibrant illustrations and heartfelt message resonated with everyone.
Student Engagement
Our students had the chance to ask Karina questions about her story, inspiration, and journey as an author. They were eager to hear about how she developed her characters and how her childhood memories shaped the book. Karina’s responses encouraged students to explore their unique identities and celebrate what makes them special.
A Book for All
Kai’s Tea Eggs is now available in the HongDe school library! This beautifully illustrated story is perfect for families to read together, sparking conversations about culture and individuality.
Why Events Like This Matter
At HongDe, we prioritize opportunities that help students connect with meaningful stories and inspiring individuals. Karina’s visit aligned perfectly with our commitment to fostering multicultural understanding and a love for learning.
Karina Zhou’s visit was a memorable start to 2025 at HongDe, leaving our students inspired to embrace their stories and celebrate their uniqueness. Stay tuned for more exciting events this year!
FAQ
Kai’s Tea Eggs is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Kai, who, with the help of a magical dragon, learns to embrace her Chinese heritage and celebrate her uniqueness.
Karina Zhou is a Vancouver-based author and illustrator who created Kai’s Tea Eggs at 19 years old. She drew inspiration from her childhood experiences and her love for storytelling.
The virtual visit provided students with an opportunity to engage with an inspiring author and explore themes of cultural heritage, individuality, and storytelling.
