Grumpy New Year

September 15, 2022
In this follow-up to Grandpa Grumps (2020), a Chinese family enjoys a traditional celebration. There are 10 days until the new year when this picture book opens, and the countdown begins as Daisy travels to China to visit her grandfather, accompanied by Auntie. Daisy stays awake throughout the long flight while anticipating all the fun she and Yeh-Yeh (grandpa) will have together. When her bird kite fails to take off like Yeh-Yeh's, however, and as jet lag sets in, Daisy becomes grumpy: Nothing--not the karaoke or painting or boat ride Yeh-Yeh arranged--feels as enjoyable as she had expected. Daisy's struggle to process her emotions while hoping they will not affect Yeh-Yeh will resonate with anyone who has managed both their own and others' disappointment. Eventually, Daisy succumbs to exhaustion and sleeps for well over a day, waking in time to help make zong zi (sticky rice treats wrapped in bamboo leaves). Only two days are left until the new year when Daisy's spirits finally lift during an outing to the market, where she and Yeh-Yeh share a hearty laugh. Vivid spreads alternate between vignettes and close-ups of facial expressions registering surprise, frustration, and fatigue, while atmospheric full bleeds convey a child's sense of wonder, festive fireworks, an extended-family gathering, and a bustling street parade. Cantonese and Mandarin phrases are featured; the backmatter includes two recipes. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A simpatico portrayal of holiday travel across time zones. (author's and illustrator's notes) (Picture book. 4-7)

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September 15, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 Daisy is so excited to spend Lunar New Year with Yeh-Yeh (Grandpa) in China that she can't sleep. Not on the long plane ride and not for the first few nights either. There is too much to see! But Daisy's sleeplessness gives her a big case of the grumps, making it hard to enjoy all the fun activities Yeh-Yeh has planned, from kite flying to ink painting to singing karaoke. Eventually, the little girl conks out, awakening in time to help Yeh-Yeh prepare delicious zong zi. After some house cleaning, Daisy rides to a bustling market on the back of Yeh-Yeh's bike, where her bad mood finally gives way to smiles and laughter. The night before New Year is filled with family, food, and dancing, and the big day joyously rolls in with a parade and fireworks. Moore structures her story as a 10-day countdown, and Daisy's big, conflicting feelings are entirely relatable. The holiday preparations and celebrations come to life in Yan's illustrations, which integrate humor and cultural details. Appended recipes truly make this a treat.

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Starred review from December 9, 2022

K-Gr 2-The Lunar New Year is 10 days away. Daisy knows this will be the best one yet, because she gets to spend it in China with her grandpa, Yeh-Yeh. Daisy does not want to miss anything, so despite being advised to sleep on several occasions, she stays awake instead. Over time, Daisy exhibits ever-increasing levels of grumpiness. When the big day finally arrives, Daisy worries that her behavior will lead Yeh-Yeh to second guess his choice to celebrate with her. This vibrant picture book elegantly blends a reverse counting scheme with many of the traditions surrounding Lunar New Year. The narrative itself is written for a young audience, especially as it focuses on the events that lead to Daisy's less-than-ideal behavior. However, there are moments within the text that require inferences to be made-these will engage older readers as well. Dynamic illustrations accompany the narrative, not only providing a visual representation of the myriad foods and activities surrounding this holiday, but also giving readers an excellent, balanced visual experience on each page. From endpaper to endpaper, Chinese traditions, foods, and language are infused within the book. Young readers from all backgrounds will appreciate the universal effects of fatigue and the rich details of the story. VERDICT A superb celebration of the Lunar New Year, particularly accessible to young elementary aged readers.-Mary Lanni

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