Maisy’s Chinese New Year (A Maisy First Experiences Book) – Lucy Cousins, Candlewick Press, (9781536215649), 2020
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 1- 5 (5 is excellent or a Starred review) 3
Genre: Picture Book
What did you like about the book? Maisy and her friends introduce young readers to Chinese New Year. Maisy follows tradition by sweeping her house, wearing lucky red clothing and preparing a festive celebration. She is joined by Tallulah, Charley and Cyril as well as Tiger, Ostrich and Penguin. The signature bright and bold gouache illustrations are filled with many Chinese touches including red paper lanterns, a chrysanthemum branch, dumplings, bamboo, and a traditional blue and white vase. Maisy and her friends receive red envelopes filled with money, listen to the story of the Chinese Zodiac and watch fireworks and a parade that features a dragon. The book includes illustrations of the wheel with the 12 animals of the zodiac and a final illustration shows some of the traditional items included in the story. This is a fun introduction for young readers to the traditions of Chinese New Year.
Anything you didn’t like about it? No
To whom would you recommend this book? This is a perfect choice for introducing children to Chinese New Year. Pair it with Bringing In the New Year by Grace Lin, Dragon Dance by Joan Holub and The Great Race by Dawn Casey.
Who should buy this book? Public Libraries and pre-school and elementary school libraries
Where would you shelve it? Picture Books
Should we (librarians/readers) put this at the top of our “to read” piles? No
Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City: Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, MA
Date of review: 12/28/2020
Youth Services Book Review 
You must be logged in to post a comment.