Uncle Peter's Amazing Chinese Wedding

This picture book is an adorable peek into a Chinese-American wedding, which combines many elements of both cultures- symbolic gifts are given, special foods eaten, and traditional outfits worn, but flower bouquets are tossed and guests feast on an American-style wedding cake. The protagonist, Jenny, who is the groom's only niece, is worried that his relationship with his new wife will leave no room for her, and causes mischief throughout the wedding, but is eventually mollified with a genuinely sweet gesture of Stella, the bride. This is an excellent way to show how cultures can combine to create absolutely beautiful celebrations.

My 5 year old daughter loves to have me read this book to her. It is a frequent request at bedtime. I felt the book covered many Chinese wedding traditions at a level a child from 3 to 8 could easily understand. I learned that the tea ceremony symbolized the acceptance of the daughter-in-law into the family because now she served the tea as a family member, rather than being served the tea as a guest. The artwork is bright and colorful, very appealing to young children. The book also helped my daughter understand that adding family members can expand the love, not take it away.

Jenny is worried she will no longer be Uncle Peter's number-one-girl. He is marrying her future Aunt Stella. Jenny learns the wedding is not a sad occasion but a happy one. Uncle Peter has room in his heart for Jenny and Aunt Stella. Join Jenny and witness many Chinese wedding traditions. Why does the bride wear red? What is the significance of the color red? Why are people jumping on the candy covered bed? These questions and many more are answered in this delightful story.