Additional information
by Debbie Barnett (Author)
This book was created as a gentle introduction to American Mah Jongg for young children, families, caregivers, and anyone curious about the game. Its purpose is not to teach rules or
scoring, but to build familiarity and comfort with the tiles themselves.
For children, this book can be used to:
- Learn the names of the tiles
- Practice counting, color recognition, and matching
- Develop patience, turn-taking, and social skills
- Create positive early experiences with Mah Jongg
For families, this book offers a way to share Mah Jongg across generations - reading together, pointing out tiles, and enjoying simple moments around the table.
There is no right or wrong way to use this book. Pages may be read in order, out of order, or revisited again and again. The goal is simply connection - through color, shape, memory, and shared time.
Mah Jongg has a remarkable way of bringing people together.
This book is designed for young learners, typically ages 4-6, and for intergenerational use with families and caregivers.
The next book in the series is intended for older children, approximately ages 6-9, and introduces simplified gameplay that builds naturally on the tile recognition learned here. It is my hope that this book helps begin that journey - one tile at a time.
The Mah Jongg Magic Series:
This book is the first in the
Mah Jongg Magic series.
Each book is designed to grow with the reader - from learning the tiles to playing the game.
Book 1 introduces the tiles of American Mah Jongg.
Book 2 will introduce how to play the game in a simple, age-appropriate way.
The My First Mah Jongg Card, shown on the following page(s), can be introduced when your child is ready to begin grouping tiles - without the added challenge of matching Dragons to Suits. To begin, you can have your child help turn all the tiles right side up and sort them into groups: Suits, Dragons, Flowers, Winds, and Jokers. Please note that some guidance will be needed when working with Jokers, since they can never be used as pairs. Once the tiles are sorted, you can begin building hands using the My First Mah Jongg Card.
The card is designed to be removable if desired, but it may also remain in the book for continued reference.
