Ho, Richard. Two New Years. Lynn Scurfield, Illus. Chronicle, 08/2023. [40]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 978-1-7972-1281-4. GRADES Preschool–3. OUTSTANDING.
One family’s joyful celebrations guide us through two New Year traditions: Rosh Hashanah in the fall and Lunar New Year in the spring. Inspired by his own multicultural experiences, Ho details the differences and the many connections between Jewish and Chinese New Year traditions. Colorful ink drawings are framed with collages reminiscent of the art of Chinese paper cutting, alternating thematic colors of blue and white with red and yellow to transition from one culture to the next. Following a visual glossary detailing the customs and symbols of both traditions, the author invites us to share our own celebrations with one another. A perfect readaloud to convey the joy of recognizing connection and similarity among us all; a complex achievement simply and exuberantly presented.
Alexandre Petrakis—San Francisco Public Library