A New Year’s Reunion

Share this title with your child!

A New Year’s Reunion is appropriate for children of all ages.

Image result for a new year's reunion

Summary:

A New Year’s Reunion from author Yu Li Qiong and illustrator Zhu Cheng Liang is an endearing story of a Chinese family celebrating the New Year with a special reunion. Little Maomao’s father is a migrant worker, his job is so far away that he only comes home once a year, for the new year celebration. Maomao hasn’t seen her father since last year and is excited and nervous to have him home again. They quickly form a rekindled bond and enjoy their time together. But all too soon it is time for her father to go back to work. The timeless words and beautiful illustrations are sure to resonate with every child who misses relatives when they are away–and shows how a family’s love is strong enough to endure over time and distance.

Practice this Comprehension Strategy-Making Connections:

As you read A New Year’s Reunion ask your child questions about their own experiences. Do you celebrate Chinese New Year? Does your family have any special New Year’s traditions? Do you have a family member that travels for work? If so, how does your child feel when that family member leaves and returns? Books can be mirrors where your child can see their own life reflected and they can be windows giving your child a glimpse into someone else’s life and experiences. By relating to the text in this way, your child will be more engaged in the entire book sharing experience.

Do this with your child:

After you read A New Year’s Reunion you and your child may want to join in the celebrations. You can enjoy a traditional Chinese meal like the one prepared in the story and make decorations for the event. Here’s a guide to make Chinese lanterns. Have fun!

If you’re interested in sharing A New Year’s Reunion with your child you can find it from Candlewick Press here. You can like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for more inspiration.

Click here to learn more about Raising A Reader and the work we do to promote early literacy and family engagement. 

Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Related Posts

02.10.2025 News

The Crisis in Children’s Reading: How We Can Reverse the Decline

By Michelle Torgerson, CEO of Raising a Reader  The latest national assessment of educational progress results reveal a sobering reality: American children’s reading skills have reached new lows with little sign of post pandemic recovery.  As reported in The New York Times, 40% of 4th graders and 33% of 8th graders now perform at a below basic level in reading and ...

Read More

The Power of Family Connections: Helping Children Thrive Through Shared Reading 

At Raising a Reader, we know that families play a crucial role in a child’s early learning journey. Research consistently shows that strong family connections—especially through shared reading—can boost a child’s confidence, school readiness, and love of learning. Why Family Connections Matter Studies show that when families feel confident and engaged in their child’s educational journey, children are more likely ...

Read More