Bringing in the New Year

by Grace Lin

Eager anticipation of a holiday is a universal experience of childhood, and the young... read more

Eager anticipation of a holiday is a universal experience of childhood, and the young girl counting down the preparations for a family celebration of Chinese New Year is no exception. She’s a happy participant as her parents and siblings get ready for the big event. “Jie-Jie sweeps the old year out of the house. / Ba-Ba hangs the spring-happiness poems. / Ma-Ma makes the get-rich dumplings. / Mei-Mei gets a fresh haircut. / And I put on my new qi pao dress for the New Year feast. Now will the New Year come?” The holiday arrives with loud firecrackers, bright lanterns, special foods, and a lucky dragon. Boldly-colored gouache illustrations and a very brief text invite young children to share in the holiday celebration. A two-page note at the book’s end provides additional explanation of Lunar New Year customs and traditions. (Ages 3–7)

© Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison, 2009

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