D is for Dragon Dance

March 1, 2006
PreS-Gr 2 -In this alphabetical celebration of the Chinese New Year, a boy and a girl prepare for the festivities with their family. Each page or full spread, representing one letter, includes such headings as -A is for Acrobats, - -I is for Incense, - and -P is for Peking Duck. - One- to two-sentence subtitles under some of these headings explain the traditions. The -Z is for Zodiac - page includes a circular chart to allow children to find their own Chinese sign. The back matter includes an author -s note on the traditions surrounding the New Year, an artist -s note on the calligraphy appearing in the background, and a recipe for dumplings. While Compestine -s text is well researched, many of her subtitles are written in an uneven tone, vacillating between a second- and third-person voice. The art makes up for the patchy text and depicts the vibrancy and color of the celebrations as they occur in modern China. Done in watercolor, acrylic, and latex, it features stylized, richly colored figures layered on subtle, full-page calligraphic designs. Young readers will enjoy observing the antics of a playful cat on each spread. Overall, this vivid introduction is sure to fascinate youngsters new to the traditions of this holiday." -Rachel G. Payne, Brooklyn Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2006
K---Gr. 1. This warm, often charming, but not entirely successful ABC book comes from the creators of " The" " Story of Chopsticks" (2001), " The Story of Noodles" (2002), and other fiction titles about aspects of Chinese culture. This, too, gives some intriguing glimpses into Chinese traditions, in particular New Year's customs. Occasionally the examples are a bit cryptic for kids: "V is for veneration. Families venerate their ancestors during New Year's." The artwork, however, is cheerful and bright, rather stylistic, with appealing repetitive details that will draw kids right in--a little boy and girl preparing for the celebration can be found on nearly every page, as can a small, scampering yellow cat. Traditional cultural symbols, architectural backdrops, and clothing give a sense of both community and ordinary life during a special time of year, and it's hard to miss the textured backdrops behind the pictures, which, as an endnote explains, replicate Chinese characters in four different calligraphic styles. A tempting recipe for dumplings concludes this attractive addition to the multicultural shelves.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)