China has an incredibly diverse and long history, which means there are many stories and exciting cultural events to understand. One in particular, that we enjoy every fall, is the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. To gain insight into what this festival represents, have fun reading this story with your little ones and learn about this important piece of Chinese history and culture.
Newbery Honored author-illustrator Grace Lin explains what this festival is all about, and does a wonderful job emphasizing the importance of family. In this story, each family member prepares treats for everyone to enjoy under the moonlight, while surrounded by beautiful paper lanterns. Here they indulge in pomelo fruits, round teacups with delicious Chinese herbal tea, and of course, mooncakes; the thin circular pastries with sweet red bean or lotus seed filling.
Families gather on the grass to spend time talking to one another. Everyone has the opportunity to think about something that they are thankful for and what they wish for in the future. These thoughts are secretly sent up to the moon.
Image via Goodreads
Lin includes a detailed explanation for teachers and parents to gain further understanding around this tradition. There is a deeper meaning behind the food which is consumed and the time of year this holiday is celebrated. A child's questions can be answered quickly, as the customs around the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival are detailed throughout the story. This is the perfect book to read with your little one during the annual holiday.
Lin is the author of over twenty Chineseinspired picture books and novels. This extensive range allows for children to continue enjoying her work as they grow older and become more ophisticated readers. She has been nominated for many awards and landed herself on the New York Times bestseller list. If you enjoy this title, it is well worth checking out her other works. It is evident how much time and effort goes into each illustration and text description; this is an author who truly connects with her culture and puts her heart and soul into sharing it with the world.
[Cover image via Amazon]
Suitable for children ages 3-7; Available via Amazon.cn
Kendra Perkins is Head Librarian at an international school. She was coordinator for the Shanghai Librarians Network and Ambassador of China for the International Librarians Network. Find her at www.TheInspiredLibrarian.com
