LaMotte, Lily. Chloe’s Lunar New Year. Michelle Lee, Illus. HarperCollins, 01/2023. 40pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 3. $18.99. 978-0-06-307651-8. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
In a somewhat bittersweet addition to the recent stream of books about celebrating Lunar New Year, the main character Chloe and her little brother, Noah, are helping prepare for Lunar New Year dinner by cleaning house, clearing out things like everyone’s old shoes (except for A-má’s worn, soft slippers), setting the table, decorating red envelopes, and cooking foods such as traditional turnip cake, whole fish, and hot pot, along with western favorites such as sweet apple pie. Auntie Le and Uncle Tony (a white guy with red hair) arrive with a traditional greeting and more treats. After dinner, Chloe places a piece of pie below her A-má’s photo on the family altar. This along with the mentions of A-má throughout the story allow readers to infer that she has recently passed. Back matter includes an author’s note and a recipe for Fortune Cake (Huat-Kue), while the endpapers feature watercolor family photos of A-má, Chloe, and Noah.
Rachael Reiley— Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District