Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Originally published in China, this leisurely narrative by Wang follows Zhao Di, a Chinese child, through the 15 days of the Lunar New Year celebration in the Shaanxi province as she participates in a range of activities, from receiving to smashing lanterns. Quiet, elegant passages stud the text ("Lanterns near and far bobbed like lamps on fishing boats") as Zhao Di experiences the joy of the holiday alongside sadness around the event's ephemerality. Tenderly detailed gouache paintings by Zhu render the children as small, patterned bundles frolicking against expanses of snow; brightly colored lanterns provide focal points throughout. A quiet celebration of a Northwestern Chinese tradition. An author's note concludes. Ages 3--7. (Dec.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2--In snowy northern China, children celebrate the new year by lighting candles in paper lanterns, usually given by their uncles; young Zhao Di receives her lantern and runs outside to play with friends. All of the figures are rounded, padded with multicolored, patterned winter coats, mittens, boots, hats, and scarves. Important words appear in red text, in capital letters (New Year, lanterns, Zhao Di). The story is narrated in past tense, using an odd blend of first-person plural and third person, and there is no real conflict or arc: Zhao Di enjoys the 15-day celebration and is sad when she has to smash her lantern at the end of it, but remembers New Year will come again. An author's note explains that in Shaanxi province in northwest China, smashing lanterns is a folk tradition that can be traced back to the Han Dynasty. The painterly illustrations help readers enjoy the special New Year experience. Switching between a kids'-eye view and a perspective from above, the illustrations showcase the different kinds of colorful, glowing lanterns, the way children's footprints appear behind them in the snow, and how the sky grows dark early in the evening, then fills with bright fireworks. VERDICT This work will foster discussions of unique traditions and is a good addition to holiday collections.--Jenny Arch, Lilly Lib., Florence, MA
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
A colorful wintry tale ushers in Chinese New Year over two weeks. In this picture book, the narrator recounts with nostalgia an observance of the traditional New Year in rural northern China. The snow-covered village bustles with activity as folks venture out to greet relatives and friends. "On the third day, uncles started giving LANTERNS" refers to an old custom in provincial Shaanxi--especially among maternal uncles. Palpable and immediate are Zhao Di's eager anticipation and the care with which she "walk[s] through the snow with her lantern in case she slipped or the candle blew out in the wind." Simple yet vivid close-ups depict Zhao Di and her friends, bundled head to toe and comparing lantern designs--accordion, watermelon, etc.--while braving the cold and a bunch of rowdy boys. All too soon, the 15th day arrives, signaling the end of the New Year celebrations. In a pivotal spread that shows Zhao Di sitting with her dog and chickens, readers are granted an interior view of the architecture and layout of a rustic farmhouse. In addition, the villagers' various clothing styles, headdresses, and skin tones suggest the region's diverse ethnicities and socio-economic landscapes. As the story concludes with the obligatory smashing and burning of the lanterns, Zhao Di comforts herself with the hopeful thought of lighting new lanterns next year. A charming illustration of childhood memories during the holiday season. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
