Tomorrow, millions of people around the world will be celebrating Lunar New Year. Although it’s commonly called Chinese New Year, there are other Asian communities who also observe this important holiday with their own set of traditions.

Since there are only a handful of picture books about Korean Lunar New Year in particular, I was especially happy to see this new title by Michelle W. Park and Hyewon Yum.

In Let’s Celebrate Korean New Year! (Random House BFYR, 2024), we meet Madeleine and Eloise, two sisters getting ready for their Lunar New Year party. As the big sister, Madeleine takes the lead in briefing Eloise about party attire, food, and games.

The story opens with Madeleine trying to rouse Eloise at dawn. Sleepy Eloise groans in protest, but Madeleine is raring to go. “First, we need hanboks!” She explains they need to wear traditional Korean clothing for the party, then helps Eloise put on her chima (skirt) and colorful jeogori (jacket).

Next, they race downstairs, where they see that their mom has already laid the charae-sang (ceremonial table) with delicious foods such as apples, oranges and persimmons as an offering to their ancestors. Before Eloise can grab an orange, Madeleine pulls her into the kitchen to help wrap dumplings.

Madeleine demonstrates how to fill a dumpling wrapper with a mixture of pork, glass noodles, garlic, scallions and soy sauce before carefully folding it. Unfortunately, Eloise’s earnest attempts aren’t very successful, with a ripped wrapper and too much filling. Impatient Madeleine takes over, assuring a disappointed Eloise that she can help next time.

Eloise then offers to share one of their mother’s freshly fried dumplings with Madeleine, but she turns it down. No time to eat — she must set up the Yutnori game in the next room before the guests arrive!

After Madeleine explains how Yutnori is played, Eloise wants to try throwing a few sticks. But Madeleine says they must instead make “a beautiful card so everyone knows how much we love them when they get here!” The girls work together cutting and coloring.

The doorbell soon rings, with family and friends filling the house with laughter. But something’s wrong — Madeleine forgot to write the poem she reads to her family every year. No worries, Eloise offers to help, reassuring Madeleine they still have time.

Just as they’re finishing up, their mother calls. The girls then perform the traditional bow to their elders after wishing everyone a Happy Lunar New Year. Finally, Madeleine reads their poem, which mentions all the wonderful traditions of the holiday, the best part of which is spending time with family.

This charming story is a delightful introduction to Seollal and a captivating study in sibling dynamics. Single-minded Madeleine takes her big sister role quite seriously, making sure she shows Eloise exactly how it’s done. Little Eloise is compliant and determined, showing off her sweet side as she offers to help a worried Madeleine write the poem. I imagine readers who have “bossy” older siblings will fully appreciate Eloise’s thoughtful gesture.

Hyewon Yum’s winsome colored pencil illustrations exude joy and love. The bond between the sisters is palpable, and I like how Yum captures their personalities with telling facial expressions and body language. Eloise is especially endearing with her pigtails, rosy cheeks, and little tongue licking her lips. You can’t help but root for her in the dumpling-wrapping sequence; she tries so hard only to produce a “lumpy, clumpy mess.” You can just feel her dismay as big sister takes over.

The pictures show Madeleine is clearly in charge as she dresses Eloise, directs every move, and proudly displays her perfectly wrapped dumplings before reading the poem at the end. She’s a self-assured big sister through and through, but not so big that she doesn’t appreciate her baby sister’s help and reassurance.

Young readers unfamiliar with Seollal will find the customs interesting and enjoy the warm, comforting feelings of family togetherness so integral to the celebration. Who would not want to feast on homemade dumplings and play a fun and lively game with relatives? Whatever they’re doing, Madeleine and Eloise enjoy it even more because they’re doing it together.

Back matter includes a craft activity and a recipe for mandoo (dumplings). Yum.

Sehaebok mani badeuseyo! Happy Lunar New Year!

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LET’S CELEBRATE KOREAN NEW YEAR!
written by Michelle W. Park
illustrated by Hyewon Yum
published by Random House BFYR, December 2024
Picture Book for ages 4-8, 32 pp.
*Includes Glossary, Lunar New Year Activity and Dumpling Recipe

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*Interior spreads text copyright © 2024 Michelle W. Park, illustrations © 2024 Hyewon Yum, published by Random House BFYR. All rights reserved.

**Copyright © 2025 Jama Rattigan of Jama’s Alphabet Soup. All rights reserved.