Ruby's Chinese New Year

December 1, 2017

PreS-Gr 2-Chinese New Year is a time for family to get together. Sadly, this year, Ruby's grandmother isn't able to travel, so Ruby decides to draw a letter and deliver it herself. Along the road to her grandmother's, this bright young girl meets a succession of animals who decide to join her. Their journey presents obstacles, but thanks to cooperation and generosity, it all ends in celebration. Festive colors and pleasantly rounded digital images create a warmhearted tone that readers will love. Lee naturally weaves New Year's traditions into the narrative, demonstrating their inclusion, even if their importance isn't explained. While this story about a girl going to see her grandmother is original, it does incorporate elements from the zodiac myth; not only do the animals appear in their numerical order, the role of the river, and the cat's misfortune are also recounted. Some extra information about the Chinese New Year and the zodiac is appended along with a few easy-to-make crafts. VERDICT An inviting adventure about the Chinese New Year, and the importance of spending it with family and friends. Best shared one-on-one and in small groups.-Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2017
If Grandmother can't come for Chinese New Year, Ruby will bring Chinese New Year to her!Ruby, a brown-haired, gray-eyed, freckled girl, decides to visit her grandmother, who is "unable to travel." In keeping with their traditions, Ruby draws a beautiful picture of their celebrations as a gift for Grandmother, and she starts off on her trek. Along the way, she meets Cat and Rat, Ox, Tiger, and Rabbit, and many more who decide to join her. Ruby eventually gathers all of the animals in the Chinese zodiac, added cumulatively and in their correct order, who help her manage a mishap and, in the end, contribute toward the Chinese New Year feast with Grandmother. The relationship between Grandmother and granddaughter is sweet, but the obstacles between them don't ring quite true--why can't Grandmother visit? Why does Ruby jump into a pond instead of walking around it? Perhaps the most compelling piece of this story is the backmatter, the "Legend of the Chinese Zodiac," indicating that Ruby's journey is a retelling that can't quite stand alone. Chou's digitally painted art brings color to the story, but it also mirrors the text's lack of depth and richness. The book's inclusion of instructions for three related activities will please crafty readers and educators.Another Chinese New Year book perhaps worth adding for its extras. (activity instructions) (Picture book. 4-8)

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January 1, 2019
The Chinese Zodiac animals (plus Cat) join Ruby on her journey to spend Chinese New Year with her grandmother. Brightly colored digital illustrations include visual cultural markers and draw on Chinese aesthetics, elevating the festive (if somewhat predictable) narrative. The book includes directions for three related crafts and a brief description of the Chinese Zodiac legend. A welcome #OwnVoices addition to collections seeking Chinese New Year picture books. Holiday craft directions appended.

(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)