A New Year's Reunion by Zhu Cheng-Liang-OPTIONAL

Cheng-Liang, Zhu.  Li-Qiong, Yu.  A New Year’s Reunion, 40 pgs.  Candlewick Press, 2011.  $15.99.  Inside cover:  “Maomao’s  father works far away and comes home only at Chinese New Year.  When Papa arrives, Maomao hardly recognizes him at first.  But before long, the family is making sticky rice balls, hearing firecrackers, and watching the dragon dance in the street.  Maomao loves doing ordinary things with Papa- getting a haircut, fixing things around the house, and sleeping tucked between her parents.  But all too soon it is time for Papa to go away again.”  This book explores the different celebrations surrounding Chinese New Year and is informative in that way.  We were sad while reading this story knowing that Maomao’s father would be leaving soon.  I am sure this is true of some families, but it wasn’t a very uplifting story. This book could be used in a unit celebrating Chinese New Year.  Pre-K.  EL (K-3).  OPTIONAL.  Reviewer: SL.