Chinese New Year, 2005
The following reviews were presented in our 2005 Chinese New Year feature.
Reviews
Chinese New Year
Alice K. Flanagan
Illustrated by Svetlana Zhurkina
Reading adviser, Linda D. Labbo
Celebrate the Chinese New Year by attending the dragon dances and giving gifts of melon seeds and oranges! This book, which is part of the "Holidays and Festivals" series, focuses on the numerous ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year. The text is organized topically and covers everything from a story of how the Chinese New Year began to a section about familiar sights during the festivities. The contents are fairly thorough and go into detail about the myriad of ways a Chinese a household prepares and decorates their home for the festivities as well as the symbolic meaning of various images and activities. The book is informative and easy to read. New vocabulary is in bold type. While the text does mention the significance of firecrackers and dragons, the book also provides a more intimate look at the way the Chinese New Year is celebrated within the family. In keeping with the more personal look at the festivities, most of the illustrations depict family members watching or assisting others. Adults and children alike will learn something new from this engaging read. 2004, Compass Point Books, $22.60. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Rihoko Ueno (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7565-0479-1
Chinese New Year
David F. Marx
All the excitement of this culturally rich holiday, the Chinese New Year, is portrayed through colorful photos and easy-to-understand text for young readers. It explains that this holiday lasts for two weeks, during which families decorate their homes with flowers. New Year's Eve is also heavily celebrated with fireworks and extravagant parades. The Chinese have other special traditions during this time as well, such as saving a place at their dinner tables for loved ones that are not there. Bright, lively dragons are another important symbol, and are seen weaving through the streets during the Chinese New Year. Married women can also be found making their way home, for one day is set aside for them to travel to visit their families from childhood. Beautiful lanterns light up a festival that is celebrated within this holiday on another special night. And just as fireworks brought in the beginning of the Chinese New Year, so they wrap up the holiday as well at the end of the two weeks. Each photo shows the brilliance of these aspects, from red lanterns to richly painted faces, sure to spark interest in any young reader. Part of the "Rookie Read-About Holidays" series. 2002, Children's Press, $19.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Cherie Ilg Haas (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-516-22267-8
ISBN: 0-516-27375-2
Happy, Happy Chinese New Year!
Demi
In this book, the reader learns about various traditional activities for celebrating the Chinese New Year. For the most part, the text is simple and direct. Each illustration is accompanied by a few sentences about an activity and its significance, e.g., the firecrackers make noises to scare away evil spirits. However, there are a few sections, such as a page about the symbolic meaning of different foods served for the New Year's Eve feast, where the print is tiny and may be difficult to read. Nonetheless, the book is informative and it is written in a way that includes the reader in the story. The text is peppered with injunctions to do as the people in the illustrations are doing, thereby making the reader a participant in the celebrations. The illustrations are detailed and full of young children enjoying the celebrations or helping their elders with numerous chores. Each picture is lively and in keeping with the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year. 2003, Crown Publishers/Random House Children's Books, $8.95. Ages 4 to 6. Reviewer: Rihoko Ueo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2004; H.W. Wilson
ISBN: 0375826424
Chinese New Year
Kieran Walsh
This perfect little information book explores the traditions and history of Chinese New Year, offering some Chinese vocabulary along the way. Folklore surrounding the holiday is particularly well represented. It is refreshing to see such a title that only attempts to cover one specific topic, and covers it very well. Bright, recent, exciting pictures of Chinese and Chinese American youth will surely be attractive to young readers. At 24 pages (plus a glossary, Web site directory and bibliography), this is definitely a skinny book, which nevertheless seems to cover the important points with a nice flair. The only weak spots are lack of photo credits and a skimpy Web site section (a preliminary search revealed that there are many sites devoted to the topic). This is still, however, a highly recommended item for schools, public libraries, and families with an interest in multicultural awareness. The book is part of the "Holiday Celebrations Series." 2003, Rourke Publishing, $19.27. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Kate Pourshariati (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5895-2215-X
Chinese New Year
Lola M. Schaefer
Consulting Editor, Gail Saunders-Smith
Consultant, Xiaohong Shen
One way to understand a different culture is to learn about its holidays. A straightforward text and plenty of full-color pictures describe and illustrate Chinese New Year and how it is celebrated. Kids learn that not everyone uses the same calendar. The Chinese New Year celebration marks the season for planting and a time to sweep out the old and bring in the new. People celebrate with parades, fireworks and special foods and kids usually receive money for good luck. The closing pages contain a short glossary, a few books and Internet sites and a word list/index. Part of the "Holidays and Celebrations" series. 2001, Pebble Books/Capstone, $13.25. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7368-0660-1
Celebrating Chinese New Year
Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith
Photographs by Lawrence Migdale
What is the history behind Chinese New Year? Why is it sometimes called the Lunar New Year? Why do the Chinese use animals in their zodiac? The answers to these and other questions are answered in this detailed book. Follow ten-year- old Ryan as he and his family prepare for the Chinese New Year through neighborhood shopping trips, meal preparations, decorations, and other exciting customs. Lawrence Migdale's color photographs accompany Ryan and his family, allowing readers a view into an ancient culture. This book is a great source of information for any child who may be doing a report on China. Category: Multicultural; Non-Fiction. Grade Level: Primary (K-3rd grade); Intermediate (4th-6th grade); Adult/Parent. 1998, Holiday House, under 40 pages. Ages 5 to 12. (BookHive).
Gung hay fat choy! The traditional New Year's greeting, which means "may you prosper", is just one of the many interesting facts found in this beautifully illustrated, well-researched hardcover book. Set in contemporary San Francisco, the story shows how ten-year-old Ryan Leong and his Chinese-American family prepare for their celebration. The holiday lasts two weeks, so there is much to do. Ryan helps his mother shop for special ingredients like shark's fin, and helps his father cook special foods that will bring everyone good luck. He writes New Year's messages in Chinese on bright red paper to decorate the walls at home. His holiday includes ceremonies to honor ancestors, red envelopes full of lucky money, dazzling parades with Lion Dancers and much more. Spectacular full-color photos and lively text give young readers a great introduction to Chinese traditions and culture. 1998, Holiday House, $16.95. Ages 4 to 10. Reviewer: Dianne Ochiltree (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Adventuring with Books: A Booklist for Pre-K--Grade 6, 12th Edition, 1999; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 1999; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Eureka! California in Children's Literature, 2003; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, Third Edition, 2001; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 1999; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Awards, Honors, Prizes:
Carter G. Woodson Book Awards Honor Book 1999 Elementary United States
ISBN: 0823413934
Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year
Kate Waters and Madeline Slovenz-Low
Photographs by Martha Cooper
Six-year-old Ernie Wan is celebrating his first Lion Dance on the streets of New York. We meet the Wan family in this handsome photo essay. Chinese traditions are explained simply for young readers. This spirited event makes the reader want to join in the celebration. 1991 (orig. 1990), Scholastic, $14.95 and $3.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Jan Lieberman (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Kaleidoscope, A Multicultural Booklist for Grades K-8, 1994; National Council of Teachers of English; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
ISBN: 0-590-43047-5
ISBN: 0-590-43046-7
Chinatown
William Low
Written in the first person, a young Chinese-American boy takes us on a tour of Chinatown, where he lives with his parents and grandma. Through the simple, natural text and bright oil paintings, we accompany the boy and his grandma on their daily walk through Chinatown as they visit the street cobbler, herb shop, seafood restaurant, and outdoor market. Chinese New Year celebrations are described at the end of the book. This would be a good multicultural book for a very young audience. 1997, Holt, $15.95. Ages 3 to 7. Reviewer: Gisela Jernigan, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8050-4214-8
Sam and the Lucky Money
Produced by Paul R. Gagne
Adapted and directed by Ray Messecar
Sam has received "lucky money" to spend for Chinese New Year. On his trip to Chinatown he sees a colorful dragon weaving through the streets. As fire crackers burst in the air he hears the pounding of drums and the clashing of cymbals creating a festive mood throughout Chinatown. In a variety of shops he spies many items that he wishes to purchase. But his encounter with a homeless man helps him to decide what to do with his money. The narrative, the sounds and the vivid visuals add a nice quality to the story. A study guide is also included that can be used by parents and teachers as a basis for discussion and activities on decision making and Chinese customs and celebrations. 1999, Weston Woods Videos, $60.00. Ages 4 to 8. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-7882-0711-3
When the Circus Came to Town
Laurence Yep
Drawings by Suling Wang
This two-time Newbery Honor author has used an actual memoir from 19th-century Montana to weave a tale of two who see themselves as outcasts--nine-year-old Ursula and Chinese cook, Ah Sam. Young Ursula is a smallpox survivor, but her face still shows embarrassing scars. Since Ah Sam is not a U.S. citizen, others treat him as though he doesn't "belong." The two become fast friends at the stagecoach station Ursula's parents run in Whistle, MT, where Ah Sam makes "the fluffiest pancakes in the West." When he succeeds in bringing a longed-for circus to his young friend, she forgets herself long enough to become a happy and useful part of it--and then organizes her own version of a snowbound Chinese New Year celebration to give him in return. Black-and-white drawings add the perfect nostalgic touch, and the inclusion of printed music and words to Ursula's favorite song, "Sweet and Low," introduces the dimension of sound into the story. Its focus on creating community and then feeling you belong to it is sorely needed in our multicultural, often dysfunctional and divided society. Having read the book, kids will look at their families and neighborhoods with new eyes and see them as places where respect and imagination work their own three-ring magic. 2002, HarperCollins Children's Books, $14.95 and $14.89. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Earlene Viano (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2003; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2003; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, 2003; National Council for the Social Studies NCSS; United States
Publishers Weekly Book Review Stars, December 2001; Cahners; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
California Young Reader Medal, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-5; California
Children's Crown Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 3-6; United States
Louisiana Young Readers' Choice Award, 2005; Nominee; Louisiana
Massachusetts Children's Book Award, 2004-2005; Nominee; Grades 4-6; Massachusetts
South Carolina Book Awards, 2003-2004; Nominee; Children's Book Award; South Carolina
ISBN: 0-06-029325-X
ISBN: 0-06-029326-8
Dragon Feet
Marjorie Jackson
Pictures by Mark Mitchell
Come celebrate Chinese New Year with Yi-Yen and her brother Chen. The very simple text describes some of the holiday traditions including the gift of new money and the wonderful parade of the Good Luck Dragon. The watercolor illustrations show a happy family and the bustle of activity in Chinatown. An endnote gives a few facts about this 5000-year-old holiday. 1996, Richard C Owen, $3.00. Ages 4 to 7. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
The customs of the Chinese New Year celebration are featured in this early reader in the publisher's "Books for Young Learners" series. The book is intended for guided reading at the beginning of grade one and will serve for independent reading later in the school year, according to the publisher's guidelines. Chinese terms and expressions are intermingled as a family prepares for the coming of the New Year. The Good Luck Dragon parade is the culmination of the event. The watercolor illustrations carry the energy of the celebration and match the text well. 1996, Richard C Owen Publishers, $5.00. Ages 5 to 6. Reviewer: Jacki Vawter, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5727-4018-3
Sam and the Lucky Money
Karen Chinn
Initially disappointed that his Chinese New Year money is too meager to buy desired toys, Sam generously decides to share his gift with a homeless stranger. Vibrant paintings capture details of Chinatown-bakery, dancing lion, Chinese characters on signs. 1995, Lee & Low, $14.95 and $6.95. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Mary Quattlebaum (Children's Literature).
Every year, Sam's grandparents celebrate the Chinese New Year by giving him "lucky money": brand new dollar bills, each inside a special red envelope called a leisee. This year he got four dollars, and he can spend it any way he wants. So Sam and his mother go to Chinatown, a place so crowded with New Year's shoppers that Sam accidentally steps on a homeless man, barefoot and dirty. It doesn't take long for Sam to discover that four dollars won't go as far as he'd like--not even close to enough for the basketball he's got his eye on. On the way back home a frustrated and pouting Sam again meets the homeless man. And he realizes that to this dirty, barefoot human being four dollars is a fortune. This book's beautiful watercolor illustrations mesh perfectly with the text to capture the color, bustle, and excitement of Chinatown at New Year's. Overall, Sam and the Lucky Money is a wonderfully subtle story about the importance of money and the rewards of giving charity. 1995, Lee & Low, $14.95. Ages 5 to 7. Reviewer: Armin A. Brott (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Notable Books for a Global Society, 1996; International Reading Association; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
Sharing Cultures: Asian American Children's Authors, 2001; ALSC American Library Association; United States
ISBN: 1880000539
Chinese New Year
Tricia Brown
Photographs by Fran Ortiz
The book describes the customs of the traditional holiday of the Chinese New Year as they are celebrated in Chinatown. The text is well written with unique details, insights, and translations of pertinent Chinese terms. Each component of the New Year Festival that lasts for several weeks is carefully explained. Readers learn about Kitchen Gods, decorations, banquets, the Chinese lunar calendar and many more elements of this complex holiday that celebrates the new growing season and new life. The photographs capture each element of the festival with wonderful stills of different families as they celebrate and shots of the food, the parade, and the decorations. This informative, engaging look into an important holiday would be a useful tool in the classroom. 1997 (orig. 1987), Henry Holt, $6.95. Ages 5 to 10. Reviewer: Alexandria LaFaye, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 0-8050-0497-1
This Next New Year
Janet S. Wong
Pictures by Yangsook Choi
Through a young boy's eves we experience the joys and anticipation leading up to the lunar New Year, the Chinese New Year. Lunar New Year is celebrated at a different time each year because it depends on when the new moon occurs. It is a time for hope and a second chance. A time to reach for your dreams. The protagonists best friends, a French and German boy and another who is part Hopi and part Mexican also celebrate the Chinese New Year. Lots of preparation is required. The boy helps his mother clean. He cleans himself and even flosses his teeth in preparation for the big holiday. When it arrives he promises to be brave and not cover his ears and hide his face during the lighting of the firecrackers. He is ready for his second chance, no negative thoughts. It is a new beginning. Yangsook Choi brings the celebration vividly to life with her bright, vibrant pictures. 2000, Frances Foster Books, $16.00. Ages 3 to 5. Reviewer: Leila Toledo (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, 2001; H.W. Wilson; United States
Recommended Literature: Kindergarten through Grade Twelve, 2002; California Department of Education; California
ISBN: 0374355037
The Runaway Rice Cake
Ying Chang Compestine
Pictures by Tungwai Chau
Generosity and kindness are rewarded in this engaging Chinese tale. It is Chinese New Year's Eve and the poor Chang family only has enough rice flour to make one nián-gão, a New Year's rice cake. The three brothers' stomachs are rumbling and the scent of the cooking rice cake is truly tantalizing. When Momma takes it out of the steamer, the rice cake takes on a life of its own and speedily races away. With the family in pursuit, the rice cake evades the vegetable seller, fisherman and even the lion dancers, but then it bumps into an old woman. Respectful of their elders, the family offers part of their rice cake to the hungry woman. She ends up eating it all. Like all good fairy tales, when the family returns home, their neighbors have brought a little food to share and magically, the dishes begin to overflow and the Chang's table becomes a banquet for all. The children even receive new red silk outfits to bring them good fortune in the upcoming year. The pastel illustrations have enough detail to set the tone and to capture the dismay and final joy of the children and their parents. A good choice to introduce Chinese New Year and the tail end of this Year of the Golden Dragon. 2001, Simon & Schuster, $16.95. Ages 5 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Best Books:
The Best Children's Books of the Year, 2002; Bank Street College of Education; United States
Children's Catalog, Eighteenth Edition, Supplement, 2002; H.W. Wilson; United States
State and Provincial Reading Lists:
Black-Eyed Susan Book Award, 2002-2003; Nominee; Picture Books; Maryland
ISBN: 0-689-82972-8
Silk Peony, Parade Dragon
Elizabeth Steckman
Illustrated by Carol Inouye
Mrs. Ming owns a dragon farm, and the dragon, Silk Peony, is her pride and joy. But negotiating a fair rental price for Silk Peony to march in the New Year's Day parade turns out to be quite a task. First the mandarin is rude, then he bargains mercilessly, and finally he won't cough up! In the end, happily, Mrs. Ming gets her way in this original fable. 1997, Caroline House/Boyds Mills Press, $14.95. Ages 6 to 10. Reviewer: Uma Krishnaswami (Children's Literature).
ISBN: 1-5639-7233-6
To view Chinese New Year features from a previous year, click here
Updated 2/1/05
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