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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 Y... More

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

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