My First Chinese New Year

When I was invited to read a book about Chinese New Year to young readers at my kids' school(K & PreK), this book was my personal pick. Adorable story and illustrations about a family of three generations celebrating Chinese New Year, MY FIRST CHINESE NEW YEAR contains all essential festive elements of this important holiday. From cleaning the house to make way for good fortune, getting new haircuts and clothes, cooking the big banquet for family reunion, getting that lucky red envelopes and finally going out with everyone to watch the dragon and lion dance on the street, this book has it all and will surely delight a classroom full of curious minds. Spice it up with paper lion puppet and red envelopes with candies inside for the class and you are surely in the spirit of Chinese New Year celebration!

Not many Chinese New Year books out there for the tiny ones. Wish this was a board book, but otherwise it is very sweet. Lovely artwork.

The book follows a young girl and her family as their prepare for the Chinese New Year. They decorate the walls, cooked traditional foods, and give red envelopes filled with money. They also get new clothes and fresh hair cut. The believe that they must start the new year fresh and clean. Finally it's time for the parade! The family has lots of fun watching the floats and paper lanterns. The book was written with bold text. Not many words are on each page keeping the attention of even the smallest listeners. Yes This is a wonderful book to introduce children and adults alike to the traditions and customs of the Chinese New Year.

This is an easy book to read to my two year-old. The pictures are simple and bright, and the text is easy without being "dumbed down." The story has the little girl and other members of her extended family going through the tasks of getting ready for and participating in the Chinese New Year celebration. The lion dancers and dragon in the parade caused a little concern, but I explained that the lion and dragon were just people in costumes (which my daughter points out everytime we read the book). At the end, we like to say, "Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy New Year!"