Lunar New Year Book Selections

Asian Culture and Holidays Book Selections

Lunar New Year Links

Cat and Rat: The Legend of the Chinese Zodiac

From the summary on the inside cover -
Introduces the Chinese zodiac and relates how each of its twelve signs was named for an animal selected by the Jade Emperor.

From the back cover -
"Once again Mr. Young has brought ancient folktales to life with his stunning and, in the case of 'Cat and Rat,' startling artwork."
-New York Times Book Review

"Handsome design and execution."
-Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

"Elegant and full of action."
-School Library Journal

Dragon Parade, A Chinese New Year Story

Norman Ah Sing, is a successful, newly-arrived Chinese grocer in the San Francisco of the 1850s. He is thrilled to be in the Land of the Golden Mountain - America. His delight prompts him to invite all to celebrate the lunar New Year.

Lunar New Year For Kids By Cindy Roberts 2000, 45 pages, paperback.

"Lunar New Year for Kids" is a hands-on workbook for parents and teachers. It was written for children from ages 3 to 12 years old to be used in the classroom or at home. All text is in simple English and con be read directly to the children. The art projects are designed to be easy, as well as inexpensive to reproduce for large groups. Music, physical movement, art, and food all add to the ambiance of traveling to Asia during the Lunar New Year!

Sam and the Lucky Money

Beautifully illustrated, touching story of a young boy who receives lucky money in special red envelopes (leisees), from his grandparents for the Chinese New Year. An encounter with a stranger teaches Sam to appreciate what he has and that the best gifts come from the heart.

Story of the Chinese Zodiac

The Heavenly God decided there needed to be a way to keep track of time. He decided on a big race! The first twelve animals to cross the finish line will take their rightful place in the Zodiac calendar. In those days the Cat and the Rat were very good friends, so the Cat was not suspicious of the Rat's plan for them to win the race.

This Next New Year By Janet S. Wong, Pictures by Yangsook Choi 2000, 29 pages, hardback.

Not the regular new year, January 1.

But the lunar new year, the day of the first new moon.

Just like the New Year that begins on January 1, the Chinese New Year is a time for hope, a fresh start, a second chance.

In spare, lyrical verse, Janet S. Wong speaks in the voice of a child determined to face the next new year with optimism and courage, and Yangsook Choi captures the spirit of celebration in her vibrant palette and energetic pictures.

Why Cats Chase Mice, A Story of the Twelve Zodiac Signs

A tale that teaches a valuable lesson in friendship. The story of how the cat and mouse once lived peacefully together. The competition for an honored position causes greed to break the sacred bond of friendship.

Why Rat Comes First, A Story of the Chinese Zodiac

"My father read many of these stories (about the Chinese Zodiac) to me. But the story we like best was the one he made up, which I adapted for this book," says Clara Yen in her note about the story.

Chinese New Year's Dragon

A young Chinese American girl takes the reader through her family's preparation for the Chinese New Year, the excitement of entering a brand new year Chinese style.

This book includes a cassette tape.

Sorry, this book is out of print and out of stock.

Dara'a Cambodian New Year

Dara's household is bustling with activity beacuse it's April 13th, the Cambodian New Year's Eve. Everyone is excited except for Dara's grandfather, he is homesick for Cambodia. Dara figures out a way to cheer him up by giving him a special New Year's Eve gift.

This book includes a cassette tape.

Sorry, this book is out of print and out of stock.

Is This the Year of the Dragon? Flip Book

8.5" x 11" teacher's book. A pictorial flip book of the Chinese zodiacs developed for kindergarten children to learn how to read. Includes suggestion sheet for flip book use.

Sorry, this book is out of print and out of stock.

Tet: The New Year

Ms. Tran decides to have a Tet celebration at their apartment for her students. Everyone showed up early to help with the preparations except Huy. This year is the first Tet away from Vietnam for Huy and his father. Being alone in a new country Ms. Tran decided to invite Huy and his father to join the celebration..friends should be with friends to celebrate Tet.

This book includes a cassette tape.

Sorry, this book is out of print and out of stock.

Floating Lanterns & Golden Shrines Celebrating Japanese Festivals By Rena Krasno Illustrated by Toru Sugita 2000, 50 pages, hardback.

Stand quietly in a park on a frosty night while temple bells ring in the New Year. Take a turn pounding mochi. Cheer for your favorite kendo fighter, or picnic under blooming cherry trees, Join a circle of dancers celebrating the spirits of the dead. Throw beans to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck or follow a noisy temple procession.

In Japan, people cherish their long history and their shared traditions. At any time of year, there's something to celebrate. Festivals honor nature, ancestors, children, and ancient beliefs. There are holidays to honor modern times, and others to contemplate the past. Join in! You will surely be welcome!

Kneeling Carabao & Dancing Giants: Celebrating Filipino Festivals

From the back cover -
Mabuhay! Welcome! Come join celebration!

You can watch a parade of flower-wreathed water buffaloes, listen to the sonorous music of the kulingtang, feast on tropical fruits and flavors, dance the tinikling, or carry a sparkling bamboo lantern in a Christmas procession. There's always something to celebrate, somewhere, in the Philippines. For thousands of years people from Asia, the Middle East, and Europe came here, bringing their ideas, ways, and celebrations. In the Philippines all these people have created their own history, and their own unique stories and customs. Come share some of their special holidays!