Big Feelings. Gentle Stories. Growing Hearts.
The Story Behind the Stories
It was bedtime. Again.
I was feeding my three-month-old son.
My eldest stood by the bedroom door, tears streaming down his little face.
“Mummy, put down the baby and read for me,” he cried.
“Why don’t you have time for me anymore?”
My heart shattered into a thousand pieces.
I went to cuddle him, my newborn still in my arms.
As I held him close — breathing in his little-boy smell of yesterday’s adventures and tomorrow’s dreams — I realised something simple, yet profound:
There were no picture books on our shelf for this moment.
No stories that said:
“Yes, this is hard.”
“Yes, you are allowed to feel angry.”
“And yes — you are still infinitely and wholeheartedly loved.”
That night, I started writing my first picture book for my eldest son - and for every child learning to find their place in a growing family.
That night, Mama Jing Writes was born.
Hello
Hi, I’m Jing - though most people know me as Elva.
In my day-job I work as a lawyer, but at home I’m simply Mama Jing — keeper of snacks, storyteller of fantastical stories, and night guardian against both imaginary monsters and big feelings.
My stories are inspired by our blended family life:
Where Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is sung in both Mandarin and English.
Where our celebrations and bedtime stories blend across cultures.
Where Mama’s meditation mat shares space with Lego explosions.
Having grown up in China and moved to Australia for university, I’ve learned that while our traditions may differ, the language of a parent’s love — and a child’s heart — is universal.
Through my picture books, I hope to embrace big feelings, welcome change, celebrate family and honor the richness of diverse idenitites.
Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.
Mama Jing
