For me, the essence of Lunar New Year is perfectly embodied in , the award-winning picture book by Yu Liqiong. I didn't discover it until 2011, and since then I have read it countless times, not just during the season but throughout the year. I've read it not just to my children but at storytelling sessions all around town, and not only in its original Putonghua but also in Cantonese and English.
The story is undeniably timeless, but "timeless" can sometimes suffer from a case of "too many times". This year, I heartily embrace change and explore other books relating to Lunar New Year.
Karen Katz is a bestselling author of lift-the-flap books for toddlers. In , Katz provides a lively introduction to the festivities surrounding Lunar New Year that even the youngest reader will enjoy. The story follows a young girl as she celebrates with her family, including watching the dragon dance at a Chinatown parade.
For a multicultural look at the Lunar New Year, author Janet S. Wong and illustrator Yangsook Choi teamed up to create , told in the first person by a Chinese-Korean. The story looks at holiday rituals through the eyes of the young narrator, as well as those of a cast of his friends from diverse ethnic backgrounds; and explains in simple terms the concepts of starting anew, and of welcoming good luck and good fortune.
Showing readers that you don't have to be Chinese to celebrate this holiday, this award-winning classic is available in English only, Chinese-English bilingual, and Korean-English bilingual editions.
Grace Lin, author of Newbery Honour novel , presents a brightly illustrated story of Lunar New Year traditions in . It follows a Chinese-American family as it prepares for the holiday, and features rituals such as sweeping the floors, making dumplings and wearing new clothes.
