The Tray of Togetherness

An unnamed child, portrayed with tan skin and brown hair, looks forward to a Lunar New Year celebration in this anticipatory picture book about “celebrating the new moon that begins each brand-new year.” Preparing to feast with family and friends, and to share “the lucky sweets that fill our Tray of Togetherness,” the narrator accompanies adult caretakers—cued as an intergenerational, interracial family—out with the mission of stocking the eight-section tray. Leung details the significance behind each treat: “Tangerines mean gold. Look, we’re rich!” and candied coconut stands “for strong family ties.” Treats are shared on the snowy walk home before residents and guests, portrayed with varying skin tones, appear decked out in traditional lucky red. Leung’s rosy hues and dot-eyed characters aptly carry the message of togetherness in the Lunar New Year via a sweet family tradition and reiterative text. An endnote gives background on the Cantonese wordplay associated with the tray’s treats. Ages 3–7. (Nov.)