Another Review at MyShelf.Com

A New Year's Reunion
Yu Li-Qiong
Illustrated by Shy Cheng-Liang

Candlewick Press
2011 / ISBN 9780763658816
Picture book, China (ages 3-8)
Amazon

Reviewed by Bob Walch

This picture book features a little Chinese girl named Maomao and how her family celebrates the Chinese New Year. The child's father works away from home and he only comes back to their town once a year for the New Year's holiday.

When Mambo's dad arrives she doesn't recognize him because he has grown a beard. After he goes to the barber's shop, the little girl feels more comfortable with her dad. Along with the New Year's festivities, Maomao's father works around the house painting and repairing the roof and windows.

As the New Year's celebration draws to an end he'll have to pack his bag and leave again since he can't afford to give up his job. Of course there is sadness at the parting, but Maomao gives her dad a special gift that he can carry with him to remember her by.

A nicely illustrated picture book, this story offers young readers an interesting picture of what life is like in another culture. It also underscores the importance of the Chinese New Year's celebration because it brings separated families back together for a short while.

Reviewed 2012
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