Celebrating Lunar New Year!
The Lunar New Year of 2024, begins on February 10th, heralding a period of renewal and hope as communities worldwide come together to celebrate the of the Year of the Dragon. Beginning on the first new moon of the lunar year and ending on the first full moon, the new year launches two weeks of festivities that bring families and communities together to participate in age-old customs that have been passed down through generations. The books selected here honor the rich cultural traditions observed throughout the world celebration of the joy and optimism that a new year brings.
Joyful Reading!
Lunar New Year
Written by Natasha Yim, Illustrated by Jingting Wang
Ling, the narrator of this book, along with her sister and grandmother, share their preparations for the Lunar New Year. Ling identifies each of the activities and describes the purpose for each activity: they “clean the house from top to bottom” to “sweep away bad luck and evil spirits,” and “hang red lanterns in front of our houses …The glow of the lanterns guides our ancestors back to heaven and chases away the darkness.” Jingting Wang’s colorful illustrations capture the joyful energy of the family’s preparations and celebration. The book includes a 16-page “factivity” section that provides additional details about Lunar New Year celebrations in China and beyond. Activities include riddles, instructions for making red envelopes, and a recipe for dumplings, providing a range of opportunities to engage children with material from the book. Have fun!
A Sweet New Year for Ren
Written Michelle Sterling, Illustrated by Dung Ho
Little Ren is bursting with excitement for the upcoming Lunar New Year! As her family prepares for the celebration, Ren is eager to help, but is repeatedly told that she is “still too little” to participate. Ren is especially hoping to make her beloved pineapple cakes. With some help from her older brother, she is finally able to make the pineapple cakes for the family’s celebration. Dung Ho’s richly colored, vivid illustrations capture the energetic activities of Ren and her family as they prepare their home and the food for their New Year festivities. A recipe for Ren’s beloved pineapple cakes is included at the end of the book – a wonderful way to bring the book to life for young readers. Happy baking!
The Lucky Red Envelope: A Lift-the-Flap Lunar New Year Celebration
Written and Illustrated by Vikki Zhang
Society of Illustrators' 66th Annual Gold Medal
This beautifully illustrated book follows the activities of young Yue’s family as they prepare for the celebration of the Lunar New Year. Each double-page spread follows Yue and her family as they tidy up their home, watch a fireworks display, make offerings to their ancestors, and come together for a traditional reunion of their family on the eve of the New Year during which they exchange lucky red envelopes. Vikki Zhang’s vibrant, intricate illustrations document the family’s activities, featuring 144 flaps (12 per spread) that lift to reveal the inside of objects on the flap, while others explain a new concept, and some ask readers to search for objects. One of the spreads features flaps listing birth years that reveal the animal corresponding to the Chinese Zodiac. This highly interactive book is sure to provide hours of exploration and fun.
Beyond the Books
The Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art provides a comprehensive Lunar New Year Celebration website that includes insights into traditions and celebrations, music, and art exhibits for children and adults. 10 Festive Crafts to Celebrate the Lunar New Year provides a number of arts and craft activities for children, many of which can be made with household items and simple art supples (paint, construction paper, etc.).