Jiu Er was a well-known sculptor in China before she began creating children’s books, with exhibitions that include World of Women’s Art Exhibition in Beijing, the Dongyang International Woodcarving Festival, and the 60th anniversary in commemoration of Mao Zedong’s Speech during the Yan’an Forum on Literature and Art. Her first picture book, My Sister’s Big Pumpkin, made the “Top 50 Books for the Public” list in China; and in 2016, she became the first Chinese illustrator to appear on the prestigious International Board on Books for Young People Honour List for Don’t Skip Rope With a Frog.