Welcome, as we begin our morning, I wanted to share a children’s book Charlie I read yesterday in our Homeschool Reading Class. Two New Years by Richard Ho (Author), Lynn Scurfield (Illustrator) I received in exchange for this review.
Charlie and I enjoyed looking at the cover of Two New Years which reminded us of a Chinese painting. In the design on the side of the book you can see s gold star. Charlie wanted me to let you know there is a little boy playing a Ram\s horn. Charlie would like to find a Ram’s horn for his Homeschool Music Class. Lord helps me I’m going to need Earplugs. How about you?
Two New Years is also a teaching book as Charlie learned about Rosh Hashanah and which we can add to our Homeschool Lesson Plans when studying Holidays. Would you like to join us for this class? Lunar New Year which takes place in Spring and can be added to our Lesson Plans on Seasons of the year.
Charlie and I learned one of the Holidays follows the Jewish Calander and one the Chinese Calander which Charlie didn’t know. Did you? We also learned the Countries they were started in and no, I am not going to tell you. You need to pick up a copy of Two New Years if you want to know which Countries.
As your studying you will learn about different traditions, cultures and people. As well as how they can be the same. I like how Two New Years reminds us families get together just like here. Like us they celebrate with meals. Just like in our Country there is Firecrackers. Remember all of your blessings as you read Two New Years.
Charlie and I discussed Two New Years, and we believe this book is for youngers Elementary students but anyone of any age can learn from this book if they take the time to read the story. With back-to- school right around the corner and a New Year coming faster than we know all teachers and staff should pick up a copy for their room. Along with librarians. Charlie and I’ve added Two New Years to our Homeschool Library and Charlie will be sharing the story with the children he reads to this yead.
About:
This warm and welcoming New Year celebration invites readers to learn about Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year traditions and to reflect on the rich blends of cultures and traditions in their own lives.
For this multicultural family, inspired by the author’s own, Two New Years mean twice as much to celebrate! In the fall, Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year, offers an opportunity to bake challah, dip apples in honey, and lift voices in song. In the spring, Lunar New Year brings a chance to eat dumplings, watch dragon dances, and release glowing lanterns that light up the sky.
With bright, joyful prose and luminous illustrations, Richard Ho and Lynn Scurfield invite readers of all backgrounds to experience the beauty of two New Year traditions, paying homage to the practices that make each unique while illuminating the values of abundance, family, and hope that they share.
Full of opportunities to reflect on the rich blends of cultures and traditions in our lives, this moving picture book is a beautiful reminder that, at heart, our celebrations might not be so different after all.
TWO BEAUTIFUL NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS: This book is brimming with opportunities for readers to learn about cultures different from their own—from Jewish readers learning about Lunar New Year, to Chinese readers learning about Rosh Hashanah, to readers from other cultures being invited to experience both!
A WELCOMING READ: This content-rich picture book encourages readers of all backgrounds to reflect more deeply on the blending of traditions in their own families and communities.
A GORGEOUS GIFT: Vibrant illustrations and a lyrical narrative with strong backmatter will make this a treasured gift.
Perfect for:
- Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
- Teachers, educators, and librarians
- Lunar New Year and Rosh Hashanah gift giving
- Readers seeking celebrations of different cultures and faiths
- Anyone who appreciates beautifully illustrated, multicultural picture books
About the Author: Richard Ho
Richard Ho is a children’s book author who was once, himself, a child.
At least that’s what his parents tell him.
During his childhood, he harbored perfectly reasonable career aspirations: professional basketball player, astrophysicist, and Jedi master. When he “grew up,” he studied English and literature in college, worked as a magazine journalist, and eventually became a scriptwriter and editor for an educational website. At some point (probably after his own children arrived on the scene), the thought of writing children’s books popped into his head. He hasn’t been able to shake it loose since.
His first picture book, Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars, was published by Roaring Brook Press in 2019.
Richard is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. In his wildest daydreams, he is also a member of the New York Knicks, the American Astronomical Society, and the Jedi Order.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cate
