January 17, 2023
Our Sacred Worth Book spotlight for January 2023 is A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling and the illustrator Dung Ho. The story underscores one family’s traditions as they prepare for the feast of the Chinese New Year or what is also known as the Lunar New Year.
Lunar Chinese New Year this year will be on January 22, 2023.
About the Book
A Sweet New Year for Ren reminds us that the celebration is a feast that brings families together. It also reminds us that every member of the family, no matter how small, can contribute to the celebration.
As the story unfolds, we see the decorations and get a front seat to the preparation of the many delicious foods that the family will eat together. These tasty foods include sea bass, long noodles, dumplings, fresh citrus, lotus root, red candy, and pineapple cakes.
All of the food is made with love and tradition. They hold secret family recipes, fun family memories, and customs that contribute to the traditions and celebration of the new year.
The book also comes with a downloadable Activity Page, and there is a recipe to make pineapple cakes so you can taste the traditional dessert too!
Questions for the Reader
We have generated some questions to talk about with your reader; please feel free to contextualize them so your little reader can be engaged as you reflect.
- What do you know about Chinese New Year?
- What does your family do to welcome the new year?
- Do you have any traditions of eating particular foods to welcome a new year or to bring good luck into a new year?
- Did you learn about new traditions or foods in A Sweet New Year for Ren?
- Are there any festivals in your community to celebrate and learn more about the Lunar New Year?
Further Reading
About Sacred Worth Books
The Sacred Worth Books database was created to honor the dignity and sacred worth of all God’s children. We are all important because God loves us. Find titles to help your young reader see themselves and learn more about the cultures, traditions, and experiences of all God’s Children. Go to Database
