Kids and families around the world will welcome the Year of the Monkey in 2016. Why, you may ask? It's Chinese New Year, and it's time to celebrate!
Clean your house to make room for some good luck, then decorate it with red paper and wishes for wealth, happiness and a long life in the next year. Other traditions include delicious family reunion dinners, festive parades filled with dragons and firecrackers and the giving of money in red paper envelopes.
Get in on the sights, sounds and smells of the festivities with one of these great reads.
Fiction
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas: In this twist on Goldilocks and the Three Bears, little Goldy Luck is only supposed to deliver a plate of turnip cakes to her panda neighbors. Can you guess what happens when the pandas aren't home?
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas is also available as a downloadable video.
A New Year's Reunion: Maomao's father works far away and can only return home for a few glorious days during Chinese New Year. What happens when it's time for Papa to leave again after the family's celebration?
The Runaway Wok: On the day before Chinese New Year, Ming comes back from the market with a singing wok determined to help his needy family. This humorous tale includes information about Chinese New Year symbols and a recipe for fried rice.
Informational
Monkeys: Celebrate the Year of the Monkey by learning more about monkeys! This beginning reader features full-color photos and informational text about monkey habitats, behavior and more.
Ms. Frizzle's Adventures: What an adventure! In the midst of their Chinese New Year festivities, Ms. Frizzle and her students travel back to 11th century China, where they learn about daily life and customs of the time.
Paper Crafts for Chinese New Year: Tune into your creative side by making a variety of paper crafts to help you celebrate Chinese New Year. A materials list and clear instructions are included for each project.
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