A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling and Dung Ho

A children's book about Chinese new year and lunar new year.

A kids’ book about Chinese new year and lunar new year.

I’m very, very excited to share my next book — A SWEET NEW YEAR FOR REN!

Little Ren looks forward to the preparation for and festivities of Lunar New Year, but she is always too little to help make the delicious pineapple cakes that are her favorite. She watches family members rolling out the dough and loves the mouth-watering smell. Watching and waiting, when will Ren be old enough?

Growing up, I loved hearing my father tell stories about his childhood in the Philippines, and to this day, I still do. A SWEET NEW YEAR FOR REN was inspired by our Chinese heritage, by stories of my dad celebrating Lunar New Year as a boy and by my family’s love for traditions and beautiful times spent together throughout the years.

Pineapples symbolize good fortune and prosperity in Chinese and Taiwanese cultures. Pineapple cakes originated in Taiwan and are often given as gifts wherever Lunar New Year is celebrated. In Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia, pineapple tarts are also baked and enjoyed during Lunar New Year. A recipe by my dear friend and food writer/artist Bonnie Eng is included!

Thank you to all of the wonderful individuals who have brought this story to life including incredible illustrator Dung Ho.

ACTIVITY SHEETS

🖍 Free downloadable activity sheets for A Sweet New Year for Ren are available on Simon & Schuster’s website.

PRAISE FOR A SWEET NEW YEAR FOR REN

Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year 2023

10 Board Books and Picture Books to Celebrate Lunar New Year on School Library Journal

22 Best Lunar New Year Gifts to Give for 2023 on Good Housekeeping

10 Delightful Lunar New Year Books for Kids on Parents.com

“The palette of radiant reds, golden yellows, and budding greens reflects shades traditionally associated with the holiday and reinforces the warmth and love of this family-focused celebration.” ― Kirkus Reviews

“The palette ... reinforces the warmth and love of this family-focused celebration.... A delightful charmer that touches on practices associated with Lunar New Year and highlights a variety of foods.” ― School Library Journal

“A lavish description of Lunar New Year foods… A note to readers: don't read this book on an empty stomach, or you'll be hungry!” — Booklist

“Ho’s softly bright, digitally rendered art colors the pages with the same enthusiasm and fullness as Sterling’s crisply sensate prose, which follows the family’s bustling preparations including Ren’s scrambling for groceries with Mama.” — Publishers Weekly