THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HELPER

Jia wants to help with the family's Chinese New Year celebration in this holiday story superbly narrated by Stephanie Sheh. Her unique voicing of each family member adds liveliness when they tell Jia that she's too young to help this year. Jia's disappointment is palpable after each rejection. But Sheh infuses joyous energy in Jia when she finds herself under the dancing lion and one of the dancers asks her to join them as the lion's mouth. Jia must catch the swinging cabbage, tear it up, and throw the shreds for the lively crowd to catch. Sheh shines when Jia is unmasked after the dance ends. She closes with the author's explanation of traditions surrounding the holiday and the meaning of the lion dance. S.D.B. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2025]