China & Taiwan
China
A New Year's Reunion
By Li Qiong Yu, Zhu Chen Liang (Illustrator)
A New Year’s Reunion. Li Qiong Yu. Illustrated by Zhu Chen Liang. Candlewick Press, 2011. Originally published in China, in 2008. ISBN 9780763667481. 40 p. (Ages 3-7). Picture book.
A New York Times Best Illustrated Children’s Book for 2011, this is the poignant story of a girl whose migrant worker father only returns home once a year at New Year’s—for just three days. The illustrations offer brightly-colored depictions of Chinese New Year traditions, but more importantly, reveal the touching relationship between father and daughter. [cr/dj]
Playing with Lanterns
By Wang Yage, Helen Wang (Translator), Zhu Chengliang (Illustrator)
Playing with Lanterns. Wang Yage. Translated by Helen Wang. Illustrated by Zhu Chengliang. Amazon Crossing Kids, 2021. ISBN 9781542029841. 40 p. (Ages 5-8). Picture book.
A White Ravens selection by first-time author Wang Yage, a literature professor, this story highlights the New Year Lantern Festival unique to Shaanxi, in northwest China. Award-winning illustrator Zhu Chengliang contrasts the bright, candy colors of bundled-up children and lanterns with the white of the snowy setting. The children’s fun in parading about with colorful lanterns lifts off the page, but is moderated by the sadness of having to crush and set aflame the lanterns on the 15th day of the New Year. [cr/dj]