The Chinese New Year Helper
by Ying Chang Compestine (Author) Ginnie Hsu (Illustrator)
A young girl finds an exciting role for herself at the Chinese New Year celebration in her family's restaurant. At last, she isn't being told that she's too young to help!
Jia's family is busy preparing for the Chinese New Year feast at their restaurant in Chinatown, and Jia wants to take part. But each time she tries to help she's told that she's too young: too young to be in the kitchen, too young to light the lanterns, too young to carry the plates. And then the feast begins, and something wonderful happens. When Jia is scolded for getting too close to the exciting lion dance, one of the dancers swoops her up and into the costume, and suddenly she's a part of the performance--a crucial part that saves the show. Never again does her family tell her that she's too young to help!
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Publishers Weekly
A child attempts to assist with Chinese New Year celebrations in this bustling holiday picture book. As Jia's family prepares for the new year at their business, Chinatown's biggest restaurant, Jia offers assistance to each member. But every time--in the kitchen, dining room, and even outside--the child is met with the same answer: "You are too young." In a sour mood, Jia continues to feel disappointment as friends and family arrive, and even a sumptuous feast ("dumplings, fish, meatballs, rice cakes, and eight treasure rice puddings") isn't enough to lift the mood. But when the lion dancers arrive, clad in a brilliant golden costume, Jia is thrilled--and even more so when the lion dancers swoop the child up and into the festivities. Against the backdrop of Hsu's gouache and digital art, which depicts myriad cultural details, Compestine uses easy, descriptive prose to detail a series of traditions while affirming the power of involving children at any age. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones. An author's note concludes. Ages 3-7. (Dec.)
Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.
Kirkus
Celebratory and inspiring, especially for youngsters tired of being told they’re too young to contribute.
JUV011020 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - Asian American
JUV017080 - Juvenile Fiction | Holidays & Celebrations | Other, Non-Religious
