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.
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