Harper Collins Australia

January 2024

ISBN: 9780063076518
ISBN 10: 0063076519
Imprint: HarperCollins US
RRP: $29.99

While I’ve always celebrated Lunar New Year in my libraries, one in particular, where we had a significant Asian population, it was always a huge, colourful and exciting event. Having new books to share, as well as the older ones, is always welcome. This is the second new book on this topic in just a few months (I reviewed Our Family Dragon back in November) so now there are two more to add to your LNY kitbag (see below for more resources).

This one from the US relates a family’s preparation for their special reunion feast, in which ā mā is included, even though she is no longer with them. It’s a special time for all the family to celebrate and welcome in the new year with all its incoming luck and joy.

Your Asian children will be able to make connections to these rituals, and share their own experiences, while those who are not Asian will gain insight and understanding of other cultural customs. This one has a point of difference in that it centres specifically on the Taiwanese customs and traditions, for example, oranges for luck, (daikon) radish and fortune cakes, and fish for happiness, peace and health. Definitely the recipe for fortune cake included at the end, is very tempting indeed!

It’s a lovely and gentle book with sweet illustrations, including fabulous ‘family snapshot’ endpapers.

There is a wealth of resources you will easily find to accompany your celebrations. For craft ideas, Red Ted Art have always great, inexpensive and simple ideas, but I have also often bought kits which the kiddos always love. I highly recommend it to you for your seasonal collection 🐉🐉🐉🐉🐉 -definitely 5 dragons!.