Children's Book Publishers

The symbols and activities of the Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year come to life in these children's picture books about the fifteen-day celebration of the Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year that takes place at different times each year between late January and late February. These books provide a fascinating look at this holiday as it is celebrated in the United States, Korea, and in China.

1. Celebrating Chinese New Year
What's it like to celebrate Chinese New Year in the United States? This delightful 32-page book by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith documents the celebration of fourth grader Ryan Leong and his family, who lives in San Francisco. The crisp, colorful photographs by Lawrence Migdale show Ryan and his family as they prepare for the holiday and the text explains the reasons for the various activities. The book includes both a glossary and an index.

(Holiday House, 1998. ISBN: 0823415201)

2. New Clothes for New Year's Day
This charming picture book from South Korea is the story of a little girl who is getting ready to celebrate Solnal, the first day of the Lunar New Year, by putting on her special new holiday clothing. In words and artwork author and illustrator Hyun-Joo Bae portrays the little girl's joy in her new clothes as she carefully dresses herself in the colorful clothing, including a long crimson skirt, embroidered socks, rainbow-striped jacket, flowered shoes, furry vest, winter hat, and lucky bag. At book's end, there is more information about the Lunar New Year in Korea.

(Kane/Miller, 2007. ISBN: 9781933605296)

3. Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan's Chinese New Year
This factual story, done in picture book format, is about the first Lion Dance of a young boy who lives in Chinatown in New York City. While the focus is on Ernie Wan's preparations for, and enjoyment of, the Lion Dance, authors Kate Waters and Madeline Slovenz-Low include a lot of other information about how Ernie and his family celebrate Chinese New Year. The color photographs by Martha Cooper illustrate many of the holiday activities.

(Scholastic, 1990. ISBN: 0590430467)

4. Sam and the Lucky Money
This picture book by Karen Chinn stresses the joy that comes from giving to others. Sam and his mother celebrate Chinese New Year's day with a visit to Chinatown where Sam plans to buy himself something special with his "lucky money," a New Year's gift. The watercolor illustrations by Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu capture all of the excitement of the celebration in the bustling streets of Chinatown. Despite the temptation of sweets from the bakery and the frustration of not having enough money for a basketball, Sam ultimately decides to give his money to a poor old man.

(Lee & Low Books, 1995. ISBN:9781880000533)

5. Happy, Happy Chinese New Year!
This book by author and illustrator Demi is enfused with the joy of the Chinese New Year, both its preparations and celebrations. With simple text and captivating illustrations, Demi provides an overview of the activities in which the Chinese participate before and during Chinese New Year. I would recommend this book for four- to eight-year-olds as well as for adults who enjoy Demi's artwork.

(Crown Books for Young Readers,2003. ISBN: 0375826424)