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Recommended Reads #18

Lunar New Year

RecommendedReads #18Lunar New Year
This year, the Lunar New Year begins on Saturday, January 25th and continues until February 4th. It is celebrated across Southeast and East Asia, especially in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. This year marks the start of the Year of the Rat.

Bringing in the New Year, by Grace Lin

In a brightly colored board book, perfect for the youngest child, Newbery Honoree Grace Lin tells the tale of a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each family member lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it's time to celebrate. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade at the end!

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac, by Dawn Casey

And they're off! Thirteen creatures in China have come to the river to join in the Emperor's race. Who will win the ultimate honor of naming the first year of the new calendar? And what will happen to the thirteenth animal? Join Rat, Monkey, Dragon and all the others in this exciting race to the finish.

The Nian Monster, by Andrea Wang

Tong tong! The legendary Nian monster has returned at Chinese New Year. With horns, scales, and wide, wicked jaws, Nian is intent on devouring Shanghai, starting with Xingling! The old tricks to keep him away don't work on Nian anymore, but Xingling is clever. Will her quick thinking be enough to save the city from the Nian Monster?

My First Chinese New Year, by Karen Katz

Chinese New Year is a time of new beginnings. Follow one little girl as she learns how to welcome the coming year and experience all the festivities surrounding it.