"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
Demi's celebration of Chinese New Year provides a short set of insights on how the Chinese prepare for their celebration from cleaning the home to cooking, preparing for planting, and making ready for a fresh start. The lively, whimsical drawings are classic Demi and provide easy insights into the Chinese New Year's meaning.
Informative book!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 23 years ago
This is a nice introduction to chinese new year. I will use it as a informational guide and have my Chinese-Vietnamese students look it over to facilitate a discussion about their new year. Thanks.
Simply written and beautifully illustrated
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
This is a simply written and beautifully illustrated book about the Chinese New Year. Through delicate line drawings and jewel like colors the author/illustrator captures the essence of Chinese mythical creatures, flora, fauna, heavenly creatures and mortals. We learn about Chinese zodiac symbols, gods, how Chinese people prepare for the New Year, why they eat special kinds of foods on New Year's Day, the symbolism of specific flowers as gifts, and the meanings of Chinese characters hung on doorways. Demi is the talented author and illustrator of many children's books with Chinese themes. This book is definitely one of my favorites.
A Great Classroom Stimulant
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Need an excuse to explore ethnic and religious holidays and practices? This is your vehicle. The interesting and exciting practices surrounding Chinese New Year can so easily be compared in writing, drama and story-telling of many other cultures. You cannot go wrong with this book.
Very cultural, brilliantly written & illustrated!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
I highly recommend this book to anybody who wants to learn about the Chinese tradition and culture when celebrating the lunar New Year. I especially recommend it to the younger Chinese-American parents who want their children to learn about the value & meaning of celebrating Chinese New Year. Next to our older Chinese parents and grandparents, this book is absolutely wonderful in explaining how Chinese New Year is celebrated!
Happy, Happy Chinese New Year! Mentions in Our Blog
Guò nián hao! 8 Books to Help You Celebrate the Lunar New Year!
Published by Ashly Moore Sheldon • January 24, 2020
Tomorrow is the Lunar New Year, a major holiday in China and several other East Asian countries. Check out our list of eight books to help you celebrate! These are mostly kids' books with a cookbook thrown in for good measure.
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