A New Year's Reunion. Yu Li-Qiong (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
Maomao’s papa works far away from home and only comes home for the Chinese New Year, January 23. Maomao hardly recognizes her papa when he arrives, but before no time the family is making rice balls, listening to firecrackers, and watching the dragon dance the streets. Although Maomao loves doing everyday things such as cuddling and fixing things around the house, this soon comes to end because her papa has to leave again for work. This is a great text to read on January 23- the Chinese New Year. I have never been in a classroom and there not be at least one Chinese student. Even if their isn’t, this is a great story to read and have the children compare and contrast the way they celebrate New Years to Maomao’s. Both the author Yu Li-Qiong and illustrator Zhu Cheng-Liang are Chinese. I think its safe to say that maybe one of both of them probably experienced something close to what Maomao is experiencing. A New Year's Reunion is a sweet story about a family where one parent isn't always around because of work and their special time of year is the Chinese New Year. Many kids will be able to relate to the main character and her kind of family. They can also talk about different traditions they have in their home. It also gives the opportunity to talk about other cultures, particularly Chinese new year which can produce many fun activities for them to do like making their own chinese lanterns, flowers, red (money) envelopes, deserts, banner with new year wishes. I can also tie science into it by going over the moon cycle and why it is important for the Chinese new year.
What do You think about A New Year's Reunion. Yu Li-Qiong (2011)?
A feel good read for kids and adults. Loved the illustrations
—Ashi
