The Chinese New Year—the Year of the Monkey in 2016—offers younger readers the chance to learn more about this international celebration.
Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year–which runs from Sunday, Feb. 7 through Monday, Feb. 22 this year—is a wonderful example of the amazing ability of human cultures to take lemons and make lemonade.
According to legend, long, long ago in China, villagers near the mountains lived in fear. Every spring, a huge, terrible monster called the Nian would awaken and ravage their small community, stealing people—especially children—and wrecking homes. The people tried leaving food offerings for Nian, hoping to protect themselves.
A local god took pity upon the poor villagers and told them how to fight back: The Nian was afraid of loud noises and didn’t like the color red. The people covered their houses in red cloth and paper—and when the monster approached, they banged pots, pans, drums and lit firecrackers.
The Nian fled and was never seen in the village again. Just to be sure, the villagers repeated their ritual every year. The tradition spread through all of China and gradually became the noisy, colorful, happy celebration of food, family, friends, and new beginnings that it is today.
There are many excellent picture books about Chinese New Year. Here are five of my favorites:
“A New Year’s Reunion”
Written by Li-Qiong Yu
Illustrated by Zhu Cheng Liang
Ages 4-8
Maomao and her mom prepare for the arrival of her dad, who must work far away and can come home only for the New Year holiday.
“Celebrating Chinese New Year”
Written by Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith
Photography by Lawrence Migdale
Ages 6-12
San Francisco fourth-grader Ryan Leong and his family show us how they celebrate the holiday in the U.S. Also includes a glossary and index.
“Crouching Tiger”
Written by Ying Chang Compestine
Illustrated by Yan Nascimbene
Ages 5-11
Vinson can’t decide: Is his visiting grandfather cool or embarrassing? The old man knows a martial art—but it’s tai chi, not kung fu. And he wants them both to wear special jackets to the Chinese New Year parade. How weird is that?
“D Is For Dragon Dance”
Written by Ying Chang Compestine
Illustrated by YongSheng Xuan
All ages
A gorgeous alphabetical introduction to Chinese New Year activities and symbols done in brilliant acrylics, latex and watercolors. Includes some enlightening notes from the author.
“This Next New Year”
Written by Janet S. Wong
Illustrated by Yangsook Choi
Ages 4-8
A very excited young boy can hardly wait for the lunar New Year. The twin themes of this book—the author is a Chinese-Korean-American poet—are that you don’t have to be Chinese to enjoy a holiday that honors all the best in life; and that “cleaning house” and optimism bring rewards. Includes a touching author’s note.
#RAKfamilytime: Chinese New Year in the Valley
Phoenix Chinese Week is a series of cultural, social and educational events highlighting the diverse culture of China. This annual three-day culture and cuisine festival runs Friday, Feb. 12 through Sunday, Feb. 14 at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix and features Chinese art, food, dance, entertainment, history and heritage.
Gong Xi Fa Cai! Happy New Year!
