Celebrating Chinese New Year [Paperback]

Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith (Author), Lawrence Migdale (Photographer)

Book Description

Age Level: 4 and up | Grade Level: P and up

A Chinese-American boy's family observes a cherished tradition.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-5?Hoyt-Goldsmith and Migdale have done a stellar job of bringing readers into a holiday celebration. Beginning with the pre-New Year preparations, children follow 10-year-old Ryan Leong and his family as they celebrate the Chinese New Year in San Francisco. Through big, bright photographs and a clear, easy-to-follow text, readers see the preparations and festivities and learn about the history and traditions. The author includes the symbolic meanings of the foods eaten and other customs, an explanation of the Chinese Zodiac, and an in-depth look at the Lion Dance. The book is more detailed than Kate Waters's Lion Dancer (Scholastic, 1990) and June Behrens's Gung Hay Fat Choy (Children's, 1982). The color photographs make it more inviting than Tricia Brown's Chinese New Year (Holt, 1995). Hoyt-Goldsmith's excellent book makes the Chinese New Year celebration accessible and understandable to all children.?Yapha Nussbaum Mason, Brentwood Lower School, Los Angeles
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

From Kirkus Reviews

Hoyt-Goldsmith and Migdale (Lacrosse, p. 581, etc.) introduce readers to Ryan, a young Chinese-American boy living in San Francisco, as he and his family prepare for the coming Chinese New Year. The sharp full-color photographs capture various mom ents in this important holiday: shopping for symbolic foods and flowers, a trip to the cemetery to honor ancestors, the gathering of the clan, preparing meals, attending the parade, and more. A running commentary explains the origins of the holiday that g o back almost 5,000 years, the symbolism of the rituals, the significance of the Chinese zodiac, the choice of ingredients for special meals. One of the most attractive aspects of the book (and, of course, the holiday) is the emphasis on the extended fami ly, and the honoring of those family members who have died. (glossary) (Picture book/nonficton. 6-11) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the School & Library Binding edition.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Holiday House (August 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0823415201
• ISBN-13: 978-0823415205
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 8.9 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,454 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #5 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Holidays & Festivals > Chinese New Year
  • #18 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > People & Places > Holidays & Festivals > Non-religious
  • #30 in Books > Children's Books > Holidays & Celebrations > Non-religious

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful intro to the traditions of the Chinese New Year, January 15, 2001

By 

Elizabeth Yu - See all my reviews

This review is from: Celebrating Chinese New Year (School & Library Binding)

I purchased this book when my son's first grade teacher asked me to come and and talk to the class about the Chinese New Year. This book was perfect first of all because of its bright and bold color photos. By following a young Chinese boy living in San Francisco's Chinatown you learn how a typical contemporary Chinese family prepares for and celebrates the Chinese New Year. The topics include the special Chinese foods eaten on this day and their symbolism, paying respect to ancestors, Chinese calligraphic decorations, animals of the Chinese zodiac, and of course the lion dance and New Year parade. Children will be especially fascinated by all the splendid and exotic foods listed in the family's New Year's menu. This is a wonderful book to introduce children and adults alike to the traditions and customs of the Chinese New Year.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My 1st and favorite book about the Chinese New Year, August 23, 2004

By 

KSL "emma-and-me" (Florida, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Celebrating Chinese New Year (Paperback)

This has got to be my favorite books about the Chinese New Year! The book follows a young boy and his family as their prepare for the Chinese New Year. There is so much terrific information, it's simply amazing that the author was able to do this! The photographs are absolutely stunning! A must have book!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Photo Journal and Cutural Informational Guide All in One!, March 16, 2006

By 

Rebekah Fox "nates_daisy" (CA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Celebrating Chinese New Year (Paperback)

This book is best for children with 2nd grade or above reading skills, in my opinion. The photographs are wonderful and the information provided is very detailed and helpful for gaining knowledge of this cultural event. A wonderful book!