cover image Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year

Tricia Brown. Henry Holt & Company, $14.95 (48pp) ISBN 978-0-8050-0497-7

This creative duo previously teamed up for the noteworthy photoessays Someone Special, Just Like You and Hello Amigos! This newest entry is an exceptionally informative and lively introduction to Chinese New Year customs and traditions as practiced by families in San Francisco's Chinatown. A well-designed book, the black-and-white photos complement the information-packed text and give readers a strong sense of the importance and meaning of this celebration to the Chinese-American community. Very traditional families with strong ties to Chinese culture and religion are depicted along with more secular, less traditional variations of the holiday observance. More information about an important ethnic minority is needed; this book admirably fills part of that void. Ages 5-9. (October)