Happy, Happy Chinese New Year! - Hardcover

DEMI

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0375826424 ISBN 13: 9780375826429

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2003

Synopsis

“In a book that is itself a celebration, Demi explains the rituals and ideas behind the Chinese New Year festival. The last 15 days of the old year are spent cleaning and preparing (‘Wash your hair and get a new haircut. Pay the debts that you owe and collect what is owed to you!’). On the eve of the new moon, a special feast is prepared. . . . The first 15 days of the new year are spent celebrating with lion dances, firecrackers, and other activities. Demi’s characteristic tiny, lively figures illustrate each page, with several spreads devoted to small, labeled pictures identifying things associated with the holiday. Infused with joy and filled with information.”—Booklist

About this title

Review:

Kung-Hsi Fa-Ts’Ai! Happy New Year! The Chinese New Year is all about fresh starts. Taking place during China’s springtime (usually January or February in the Western calendar), celebrations include sweeping and dusting, paying off debts, catching up on homework, cooking and eating, setting off firecrackers, and dancing. Acclaimed author/illustrator Demi’s delightful little ode to the Chinese New Year describes in intriguing detail each of these festivities and more. Accompanying the text are Demi’s intricate and vibrant illustrations featuring Chinese children and adults participating exuberantly in each event--even mopping floors and washing hair seem like joyful occasions! We learn about the symbols behind traditional foods: "Pork brings wealth," "Sweet-and-sour fish signifies surplus," "Fried rice symbolizes harmony and plenty." And we marvel at the gorgeous dragons, lions, kites, and door guardians that dance, fly, and stand guard throughout the days of the New Year.

Demi’s interest in Eastern traditional celebrations and lore are reflected in many of her other works for children: Buddha, Liang and the Magic Paintbrush, and another Chinese New Year title, Happy New Year/Kung-Hsi Fa-Ts'ai!. (Ages 5 to 8) --Emilie Coulter

About the Author:

Demi has long been interested in Eastern art and philosophy, which inspired her to create this book about the Chinese New Year celebration. She has written and illustrated more than 20 books for children, including The Empty Pot, Gandhi, and Kites: Magic Wishes that Fly Up to the Sky.

About this edition

• Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0375826424
• ISBN 13: 9780375826429
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 24