A moving picture book to read when we’re missing family far away, set during Lunar New Year.It’s Lunar New Year, a time when families come together for a wonderful feast, and a father longs to be with his daughter—but she lives in another country. As he imagines how his daughter is spending the festivities, he recalls fond memories of time spent with her, feeling a sense of loss and dislocation. While he misses her deeply, he also recognizes her need to move away, grow up, and become herself. New Year is a stunning portrait of leaving home, finding independence, and loving those who are many miles away.
With so many families living far apart, readers will relate to the universal message of missing our loved ones and dreaming of being together again.
An excellent resource for teachers, librarians, and parents for starting conversations about:- The traditions and importance of Lunar New Year
- Understanding the complex feelings that come from family and friends living far away
- How to cope with feelings of loneliness and missing loved ones
An Aldana Libros Book, Greystone Kids
"A moving, lovely cri de coeur from a father, whose daughter has moved to another country. The sense of loss and dislocation is countered by acceptance of the child's need to move away, grow up and become herself. This book would have great resonance in the Chinese diaspora--but also in any diaspora. The loss that is entailed in leaving home, while at the same time the recognition of why it is sometimes necessary is beautifully and lovingly portrayed. This book is especially timely now when so many families are forced to be apart even on traditionally essential family festivals."--
“Gentle, heartfelt … [This book’s] universal themes of family and separation are especially resonant as we cope with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
—Booklist
“[A] story about home, independence, and love … brought to life with stunning watercolor illustrations.”
—Quill & Quire
“Lovely artwork… A sentimental holiday story told by a parent as he learns to let go.”
—Kirkus Reviews
