Inspiring Young Readers

posted on 01 Feb 2026

Welcoming the Lunar New Year by Lara Lee, illustrated by Natelle Quek

This is a welcome addition to the still rather sparse selection of picture books about festivals from a range of cultures. Many schools now celebrate the start of each Lunar New Year and in dreary January it is always cheering to see colourful decorations in the windows of some homes.

I liked the way that this story depicts a happy extended family as they prepare for New Year festivities. The detailed and vibrant illustrations show a lively boy, Ren trying hard to make his contribution by sweeping away the crumbs and bad luck to ‘ bring good fortune.’

When he spies something red with jade coloured eyes peeking from a box, he is intrigued. I loved to see him and his dog roaring across two pages with the flamboyant dragon. The illustrator has managed to covey his physical energy and excitement as his imagination takes him through mountains and water. When he falls over, we can feel and hear the clatter as ‘A burst of glittering dragon scales flew into the air’.

Although Ren is very upset, his smiling and practical mother reassures him that the dragon can be fixed. Helped by munching a freshly baked peanut cookie (recipe included at the end of the book), they make a list of what they need. And so the adventure begins as they begin their quest to find all the necessary items. The turn of the page shows a glorious blossom filled street outside and then the orange marigold filled flower shop interior. Here Ba Phan greets them with a tray of delicious looking treats, a tradition which she explains:

‘Back home, in Vietnam, we invite friends and family to an Tet, which means ‘ eating the New Year’

The story continues with a visit to Pak Susanto’s fabric emporium where they are given a slice of spiced layered cake which is the traditional New Year treat in Indonesia. Next they go to Mrs Lin’s beautiful lantern shop where they are offered a plate of sesame cookies that are a traditional symbol of happiness in Chinese New Year celebrations.

They eventually return home feeling well-fed and hopeful. The dragon is carefully repaired and the end of the busy day is shown with the family enjoying a glorious New Year’s Eve Reunion feast. Once again, the rich combination of evocative text and detailed illustrations build the festive atmosphere. The final pages show firework celebrations and then the splendid New Year parade with Ren and his mum dancing with the impressive dragon.

I strongly recommend this beautiful, informative picture book that will hopefully inspire lots of art and craft work, cooking and discussion about different customs and celebrations. I now understand that all Chinese New Years are Lunar New Years but not all Lunar New Years are Chinese. Published by Walker Books in plenty of time for 17th February, it should be available from your local independent bookshop, who will order it if not already on their shelves.

 

Karen Argent

February 2026