Dumpling Soup

Dumpling Soup

Written by: Jama Kim Rattigan
Illustrated by: Lillian Hsu-Flanders

Elementary Grades

The author uses her childhood memories to write about New Year’s celebrations in Hawaii. The book develops a sense of family warmth associated with the holiday. Because the book
is based on a personal memoir, it can be used to motivate children to write about their own memories about various family holidays.

Online Resources:
http://www.jamakimrattigan.com/

The Year of the Rat

The Year of the Rat

Written by: Grace Lin

Elementary Grades

"In this sequel to Year of the Dog, Pacy has another big year in store for her. The Year of the Dog was a very lucky year: she met her best friend Melody and discovered her true talents. However, the Year of the Rat brings big changes: Pacy must deal with Melody moving to California, find the courage to forge on with her dream of becoming a writer and illustrator, and learn to face some of her own flaws. Pacy encounters prejudice, struggles with acceptance, and must find the beauty in change."

Publishers Description

The Great Race

The Great Race

Written by: Dawn Casey
Illustrated by: Anne Wilson

Elementary Grades

"The Jade Emperor is concerned because his country does not have a calendar, and no one can tell one year from the next. He decides to hold a race across a great river, and the order in which the animals finish will determine the order of the years. The event is exciting as the creatures maneuver for position, only to be bested in the end by the clever Rat. In this retelling of the ancient legend, Casey maintains the pace well. Back matter includes information about the Chinese calendar in general, as well as the more specific Dragon Boat Festival and Moon Festival."

School Library Journal Review

Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year

Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year

Written by: Kate Waters
Illustrated by: Martha Cooper

Elementary Grades

"On the Chinese New Year, six-year-old Ernie will perform his first Lion Dance. An intimate look at a Chinese household as the family shares a proud moment with Ernie. "A strong supplement for its immediacy, its vibrant color, and its sympathetic look at a Chinese family."

School Library Journal Review
*A Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies*

Online Resources:
http://www.katewaters.com/index.html

My First Chinese New Year

My First Chinese New Year

Written and Illustrated by: Karen Katz

Elementary Grades

"In this colorful picture book, a young girl prepares for and celebrates the Chinese New Year with her extended family, describing how she makes an altar to honor her ancestors, gets a haircut, feasts with her relatives, and attends a Chinatown parade. The tale radiates warmth and quietly builds up to the dramatic dragon dance and the traditional greeting of "Gung Hay Fat Choy!" The collage illustrations, cut from paper with colorful Asian designs, also include paint and other media to capture the joyful celebrants. This is a clear introduction to the holiday that young children will enjoy in one-on-one or group read-alouds."

School Library Journal Review

Bringing in the New Year

Bringing in the New Year

Written and Illustrated by: Grace Lin

Elementary Grades

"This exuberant story follows a Chinese American family as they prepare for the Lunar New Year. Each member of the family lends a hand as they sweep out the dust of the old year, hang decorations, and make dumplings. Then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with family and friends. There will be fireworks and lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a great, long dragon parade to help bring in the Lunar New Year. And the dragon parade in our book is extra long–on a surprise fold-out page at the end of the story. Grace Lin’s artwork is a bright and gloriously patterned celebration in itself! And her story is tailor-made for reading aloud."

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.gracelin.com/

Happy, Happy Chinese New Year!

Happy, Happy Chinese New Year!

Written and Illustrated by: Demi

Elementary Grades

“In a book that is itself a celebration, Demi explains the rituals and ideas behind the Chinese New Year festival. The last 15 days of the old year are spent cleaning and preparing (‘Wash your hair and get a new haircut. Pay the debts that you owe and collect what is owed to you!’). On the eve of the new moon, a special feast is prepared. . . . The first 15 days of the new year are spent celebrating with lion dances, firecrackers, and other activities. Demi’s characteristic tiny, lively figures illustrate each page, with several spreads devoted to small, labeled pictures identifying things associated with the holiday. Infused with joy and filled with information.”

Booklist Review

Online Resources:
http://content.scholastic.com/browse/unitplan.jsp?id=20

Celebrating Chinese New Year

Celebrating Chinese New Year

Written by: Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith
Photographs by: Lawrence Migdale

Elementary Grades

"A favorite for kids - Celebrating Chinese New Year. The book follows a young Chinese-American boy and his family as their prepare for the Chinese New Year. The author includes the symbolic meanings of the foods eaten and other Chinese New Year customs, an explanation of the Chinese Zodiac, and an in-depth look at the Lion Dance. The photographs are absolutely stunning!"

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
https://www.childbook.com/Chinese-New-Year-Information-s/129.htm

Hiss! Pop! Boom! Celebrating Chinese New Year

Hiss! Pop! Boom! Celebrating Chinese New Year

Written and Illustrated by: Tricia Morrissey

Elementary Grades

"Hiss!" and "Pop!" snap the firecrackers. "Boom!" says the drum to the Lion Dancer. Chinese New Year is here! Beautiful Chinese brush painting and elegant calligraphy illustrate each moment of the New Year celebration. Share the traditions with your child, and learn a few new things too!"

Publishers Synopsis

Online Resources:
http://www.history.com/content/chinesenewyear