"The Godfather of Taiwanese Children's Picture Books" Zheng Mingjin passed away at the age of 95

Zheng Mingjin, a veteran children's writer and picture book writer, passed away on the 26th. Pictured here is his speech to the guests when he was awarded the Special Contribution Award of the 49th Golden Tripod Award in 2025.

The godfather of Taiwanese children's picture books and picture book writer Zheng Mingjin, winner of the Golden Tripod Special Contribution Award, passed away in his sleep on the 26th at the age of 95. The family members said in a low-key manner that Zheng Mingjin had a living will, his posthumous affairs had been settled, and he would be buried in the Jinbaoshan family cemetery in the future.

Zheng Mingjin was born in Taipei City in 1932 and graduated from the Art Department of Taipei Normal University. He has been an art teacher in an elementary school for 25 years. He has multiple roles of writing, translating, editing, and recommending and promoting. He has an enlightening position in the promotion of children's picture books. So far, nearly 50 illustrations and picture books have been published, and many of his works are known as Taiwanese children's book classics.

Zheng Mingjin has promoted the development of picture books in Taiwan throughout his life, introducing excellent picture books from various countries, and serving as book selection, translator and consultant. He also participated in the editing of "Primary School Illustrated Magazine" and other book series to expand children's reading horizons, and compiled the "Outstanding Picture Book Illustrators Series" to promote picture book creation and art education. Zheng Mingjin not only laid the foundation for Taiwanese picture books, but also profoundly influenced future generations of creators, setting an example for the creation and promotion of children's books.

Zheng Mingjin also introduces famous domestic and foreign picture writers in newspapers and magazines, is invited to write introductory reviews for picture books, and is active in giving lectures and teaching appreciation of picture books across Taiwan. This has led to many large-scale international painting exchange events and serves as a judge for competitions. He has been named the "Godfather of Taiwanese Children's Picture Books" by the children's book industry.

Zheng Mingjin's family told the Central News Agency reporter that according to Zheng Mingjin's repeated instructions before his death, "he wanted to leave quietly without a farewell ceremony" and not to trouble others. They hoped to wait until everything was dealt with before making any external announcements.