About BC Books Online
BC Books Online was created for anyone interested in BC-published books, and with librarians especially in mind. We'd like to make it easy for library staff to learn about books from BC publishers - both new releases and backlist titles - so you can inform your patrons and keep your collections up to date.
Our site features print books and ebooks - both new releases and backlist titles - all of which are available to order through regular trade channels. Browse our subject categories to find books of interest or create and export lists by category to cross-reference with your library's current collection.
A quick tip: When reviewing the "Browse by Category" listings, please note that these are based on standardized BISAC Subject Codes supplied by the books' publishers. You will find additional selections, grouped by theme or region, in our "BC Reading Lists."
Description
From its beginnings as a farming celebration marking the end of winter to its current role as a global party featuring good food, lots of gifts and public parades, Chinese New Year is a snapshot of Chinese culture. Award-winning author and broadcaster Jen Sookfong Lee recalls her childhood in Vancouver and weaves family stories into the history, traditions and evolution of Chinese New Year. Lavishly illustrated with color photographs throughout.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 9 to 12
- Grade:
- 4 to 7
- Reading age:
- 9 to 12
Awards
- Commended, BC Books for BC Schools
- Commended, CCBC Best Books
Editorial Reviews
"With cozy memories of her own childhood celebrations, Chinese-Canadian Lee successfully sets the tone—the text provides information, but it also acknowledges the very personal aspects of holidays and traditions…Lee capably conveys the diverse, dynamic nature of this holiday, from past to present to future. A thoughtful, thorough reference."
— Kirkus Reviews
"Chinese New Year: A Celebration for Everyone provides a satisfying, well-rounded account of Chinese New Year…Readers will be attracted to the book as it offers a good balance between factual information about Chinese people's history and more experiential descriptions about Chinese culture and communal life…The book's numerous photos complement and enhance the text by providing a good visual reference which will be particularly useful for readers who have never visited China or who are unfamiliar with Chinese cultural traditions and history…A good resource for a social studies unit about Chinese or Asian culture…As a whole, Sookfong Lee's book is a welcome nonfiction addition to children's literature. Highly Recommended."
— CM Magazine
"I highly recommend this very personal, yet informative book full of the enchanting stories and diverse peoples of Chinese New Year. A treasure for all generations, around the globe!"
— Paul Yee, Governor General's Award–winning author of <i>Ghost Train</i>
“Offers substantive information about the holiday and its celebration...Excellent color photographs and intimate personal anecdotes are highlights.”
— The Horn Book Online
"This wide-ranging, informative book describes the multi-faceted roots, history and evolution of Chinese New Year. Jen Sookfong Lee weaves together engaging personal anecdotes about family and food with fascinating facts about Chinese customs, traditions, and history, providing a window into a special event that over 20 percent of the world's population celebrates annually in 119 countries all over the world. Readers will enjoy the stories and photographs as much as the delicious recipes! Here's a book for the whole family to savour!"
— Fiona Tinwei Lam, author of <i>The Rainbow Rocket</i>
“A comprehensive and engaging go-to book for fans of the holiday as well as schools and libraries...There is something for everyone to get out of reading Chinese New Year.”
— Good Reads with Ronna blog
"Chinese and non-Chinese individuals reminisce about how they celebrated the holiday growing up. Their uniquely personal stories make this book stand out…Kids who think they know about this holiday will be surprised at the new things they learn."
— Booklist
"[Readers] will find bright photos on every page, engaging personal stories, and informative sidebars."
— School Library Journal
"Jen Sookfong Lee's Chinese New Year: A Celebration for Everyone comes together as a semi-autobiographical book blending history, family traditions and recipes. Informative accounts of China's political and cultural past are intermixed with stories of the immigration experiences from different family members. Lee not only shares how family traditions were passed on to her but then passes on these same traditions to readers through recipes and childhood memories. The glossy photographs portraying cultural celebrations worldwide act as a colourful and vivid backdrop for the books message which is Chinese New Year is a celebration for everyone."
— Resource Links
