62) Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin

Bibliographic Citation: Lin, Grace. Bringing in the New Year. Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2008. 34 pages. ISBN: 978-0375837456.

Format: Hardcover

Author/Illustrator Sites: http://www.gracelin.com

Age Group: Ages 3-4 Years

Annotation: A family prepares for the Chinese New Year.

Reflection: Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin is my favorite story when presenting my Chinese/ English multicultural/bilingual storytime. All children are excited to learn about the Chinese culture through the story's beautiful and colorful illustrations.  The story focuses on a young Chinese girl and her family as they prepare for the Chinese New Year. The Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture because it is a time of new beginnings.  Eventhough each of the family members' names are in Chinese, children can understand because they can see that it is the little girl's mother, father, and sister.  Children can relate to the rituals depicted in the book, such as making special foods, receiving gifts, wearing new clothes, getting a haircut, and attending a parade with family and friends.  Children are excited about the firecrackers, the lion dancers that scare away the bad luck, and the surprise fold-out pages for a full lenth dragon that ushers in the New Year.  You can also go to the front and back covers and review the vocabulary used in the story.  This is an excellent introduction to the Chinese New Year for very young children.

Categorization Tags: Chinese New Year, Chinese Americans, Juvenile Fiction

11) My First Chinese New Year by Karen Katz

Bibliographic Citation:  Katz, Karen. My First Chinese New Year.  Henry Holt and Co., 2004. 32 pages. ISBN: 0805070761.

Format: Hardcover

Author/Illustrator Sites: http://www.karenkatz.com   

Age Group: Ages 2-4 Years

Annotation:  A little girl learns about Chinese New Year customs and traditions and participates in the festivities. 

Reflection:  This colorful picture book about Chinese New Year follows a little girl as she prepares for the holiday by decorating, cleaning, cooking, and watching a lion dance with her family.  The little girl learns about Chinese customs and traditions and their significance to the Chinese culture.  The book teaches children vocabulary, colors, and even a Chinese phrase “Gung Hay Fat Choy!” that means Happy New Year!  It is important for children to learn about other cultures and embrace diversity. 

Categorization Tags: Juvenile Fiction, Chinese New Year, Chinese Americans,