Lunar New Year (Celebrations & Festivals)

In this survey of preparations and celebrations around the year’s biggest Chinese festival, young Ling opens up this educational picture book with an accounting of the 15 days of Lunar New Year. With grandmother Po Po’s help, “bad luck and evil spirits” are swept away, and Ling and little sister Mei polish the statue of the Kitchen God before brushing his lips with honey. The family also fills the house with blooms, shops for new outfits, and cooks their favorite meals, making enough for departed ancestors to enjoy in the Afterlife, before a family feast begins. Yim discusses the symbolism behind each step (“We eat dumplings for wealth, noodles for long life”), while Wang relays the jovial mood with crisp color-block illustrations in hues of lucky red. The celebrations continue with lion dances and lantern-lighting—with family time at the heart of this thorough holiday accounting. Back matter includes activities and riddles. Ages 5–7. (Nov.)