Book Review: 'A New Year's Reunion' by Yu Li-Qiong

✰✰✰✰✰ Little Maomao's Papa builds houses in far away places. He only visits his family once a year during Chinese New Year. At first Maomao doesn't recognize him, but as the days go by, Maomao and her Papa spend time together. They make sticky rice balls, hear firecrackers, and watch the dragon dance. Papa also fixes things around the house, and they enjoy time together as a family. All too soon, Papa must return to work, and it will be another year before the little girl can see him again.

The Bottom Line: There is a paucity of children's books featuring Asian characters and holidays. Filled with vibrant illustrations and large text, this tender story is a fantastic introduction to the celebration of the Chinese New Year. While the family featured in this book is fictional, millions of migrant workers in China make this journey annually during the holiday. This is the perfect selection for classroom story time for kids in grades Pre-K - 2.

Details: A New Year's Reunion written by Yu Li-Qiong & illustrated by Zhu Cheng-Liang. Hardcover picture book published by Candlewick Press in 2008. Unpaged. ISBN: 978-0-7636-5881-6