Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lively, informative story about one family's Lunar New Year.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
A young girl explains how her family prepares for and celebrates "the biggest Chinese festival of the year" in LUNAR NEW YEAR. Preparations involve Ling's whole family. For example, they clean the house, buy new outfits, pick fresh flowers, polish the Kitchen God, paint poetry banners, and cook delicious dishes. The family celebration goes on for 15 days. During that time, they honor ancestors, share a Reunion dinner, enjoy lucky money envelopes, attend a New Year parade, and hang lanterns for the last day of the holiday. Ling also explains the symbolism of each tradition. The cheerful illustrations add color and detail. Extensive end pages cover the history of Chinese New Year, greetings in Mandarin and Cantonese, the Lunar Calendar and Chinese Zodiac, and some DIY activities—for example, how to "create your own riddles" for the Lantern Festival, make pot stickers, craft lucky envelopes for children, and more.
Is It Any Good?
A delightfully informative nonfiction picture book presents the "biggest Chinese festival of the year" with respect and enthusiasm. Young Ling leads the way, explaining her family's preparations and celebrations in the nonfiction picture book entitled Lunar New Year. Especially notable is the emphasis on what particular traditions mean and what they symbolize. The cheerful art parallels Ling's narration, providing color and detail. For young readers learning about Lunar New Year for the first time, this charming book gives a one-stop introduction to an important East Asian holiday. Readers who already celebrate the holiday will enjoy comparing how they celebrate to Ling's family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Lunar New Year and think about favorite holidays that they celebrate. Do you have a favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite? How do you celebrate?
Ling and her family feel grateful for good luck and a new beginning. Do you ever feel gratitude? What are you grateful for?
Ling and her family work together as a team to prepare for and celebrate the Lunar New Year. Do you enjoy teamwork? Have you had a chance to work with a team at home, school, sports, or somewhere else?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Jingting Wang
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Holidays
- Character Strengths : Gratitude , Teamwork
- Book type : Non-Fiction
- Publisher : words & pictures
- Publication date : November 7, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 5 - 7
- Number of pages : 48
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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