Features
- Reading level: Ages 4-8
- Cover Type: Paperback with 40 pages
- Published by: Dragonfly Books; Bilingual edition December 28, 1999
- Written in: English
- ISBN 10 Number: 0517885921
- ISBN 13 Number: 978-0517885925
-
Book Dimensions:
9.8 x 7.7 x 0.2 inches
- Weighs: 5 ounces
Product Review
"Happy Chinese New Year!" this lovely book exuberantly proclaims. Full of extraordinary, richly colorful illustrations resembling lacquered boxes, this book is as visually delicious as Demi's previous books
The Stonecutter and
The Empty Pot. Children will love closely looking at the flurry of activity associated with this important holiday. They will also appreciate the accompanying minimal, straightforward descriptions of everything from heavenly beings to candied coconut. As they learn the basics of this ancient holiday, they'll also enjoy finding their own animal sign of the Chinese New Year based on the year of their birth: "Each Chinese year is named after an animal, and each animal has certain characteristics. Because the moon's cycle begins again every 12 years, there are 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac--one for each year of the lunar cycle." The book proceeds to romp through sections such as "Sweep and Dust," "Make a Fresh Start," "Decorate!," "Paint and Parade!," and "Cook." "Pop! Pop! Pop!" explains the importance of firecrackers in the New Year celebration. This delightful, elaborate picture book is a fine introduction to the Chinese New Year.
(Ages 4 to 8)
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3?With delightful charm and simplicity, Demi offers readers a lovely look at the Chinese New Year. The vibrant, colorful double-page spreads are full of small, stylized cartoon drawings of Chinese children and adults dancing and smiling as they prepare for and participate in the festivities. The author clearly explains traditions; the always-fascinating animal zodiac; the vast array of gods and heavenly beings that are honored; and the symbolism behind special foods, signs, and rituals. Primary-grade assignments will be enriched by this jewel-toned picture-book presentation. It's just unfortunate that there is no pronunciation guide for the many words, names, and foods mentioned.?Anne Connor, Los Angeles Public Library
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Reader ReviewsThis is a simply written and beautifully illustrated book about the Chinese New Year. Through delicate line drawings and jewel like colors the author/illustrator captures the essence of Chinese mythical creatures, flora, fauna, heavenly creatures and mortals. We learn about Chinese zodiac symbols, gods, how Chinese people prepare for the New Year, why they eat special kinds of foods on New Year's Day, the symbolism of specific flowers as gifts, and the meanings of Chinese characters hung on doorways. Demi is the talented author and illustrator of many children's books with Chinese themes. This book is definitely one of my favorites.
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