Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield
5 stars
A beautiful story of friendship, sharing traditions, and making new connections. This was such a sweet book.
Best friends Dandan and Yueyue spend one last Lunar New Year together before Dandan moves to America. Before she leaves, Yueyue gives Dandan a special gift and an important message. In America, Dandan has to get used a new environment, learn a new language, and cope with feeling excluded by others. But when a new friend comes along, things get a little easier and the world looks a little brighter.
There is a focus on learning new things but also holding on to various cultural elements (special clothing, food, holiday traditions). It was so special seeing the character share those traditions with a new friend. While Liu works in ways she felt different and how she struggled trying to fit into her new home at first, she also shows how friends can learn from and teach one another. She was able to learn nuances of American culture, but also share her own. A lovely example of how two people can learn from and help each other.
The illustrations are gorgeous and perfectly convey the emotions of the characters. At the end of the book is an Author’s Note containing a bit of information about Lunar New Year as well as a tutorial for making the paper snowflakes featured in the story.
This book serves as a sweet reminder of the power of friendship and how simple acts can mean so much. A beautiful story emphasizing kindness, friendship, and continued learning and sharing knowledge with others.