Chloe’s Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte, Michelle Lee
Published by HarperCollins on January 3, 2023
ISBN: 0063076519
Pages: 40
Genres: Cultural / African American, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
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Chloe, her smaller brother, and her parents prepare for the annual Lunar New Year celebration with Taiwanese traditions taking place on the night of the reunion dinner: sweeping out the old, new shoes, good-luck oranges, turnip cake, good-luck fish, fortune cake, red envelopes, and remembering those who have died. But it also incorporates an American dish of apple pie representing two cultures. There is a recipe for Fortune Cake in the back; readers need rice flour (not glutinous rice flour) and a steamer in order to make them.

An uncle with red hair and beard are part of this family reunion. There are many references to a beloved grandmother (A-má), for whom the hot pot is made, but she is only present in the family photos. Add to any collection where Lunar New Year books are popular or if there is a need to build up cultural holiday books. This is a loving book to add to the collection.

Reviewed by Barb Rehmeyer, Liberty Library