Illustrator: Dung Ho
Series: Mindy Kim #2
Published by Aladdin on January 14, 2020
Genres: Chapter Book, Contemporary
Pages: 96
Format: Hardcover
Source: Publisher
I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Mindy Kim isn’t looking forward to the Lunar New Year—because this year, her mom won’t be here to celebrate with the family. Things start looking up, however, when her BFF Sally agrees to go to the Lunar New Year Parade with her. Through additional interactions with family and more friends, Mindy begins to enjoy old traditions and form new ones along the way.
Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade is a super cute book. As with book one, Mindy’s voice compelled me to keep turning the page, and adorable illustrations bring her adventures—and misadventures—to life. If book one provided us with a soft introduction to Korean culture (through the food, market, and honorifics), book two deep dives into Korean culture through traditions relating to the Lunar New Year: clothing (hanbok), more food, and games, among other traditions. Also like book one, Mindy’s dad continues to be a strong presence in Mindy’s life, supporting her and teaching her, as the two struggle with the loss of Mindy’s mom and the realities of life without her.
As I mentioned in my review of book one, this is a series that I would have loved as a kid. Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade provides a great introduction to Korean Lunar New Year traditions through a protagonist who I can see becoming a beloved household name like Junie B. Jones. Many Asian children, in particular, can relate to Mindy’s experiences as the minority and teaching her friend about her family’s traditions. I appreciate how Mindy’s experience with the Lunar New Year Parade portrays how many Asian cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year and acknowledges the reality that, sometimes, one culture may lack proper representation: which leads to the question of what we can do to resolve this issue.
Rated G
Bias Notes
As an Asian writer who wants to support other Asian writers, I’m predisposed to liking books that feature Asian characters and are written by Asian authors.
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
The cover is adorable! Our granddaughter would enjoy this.
Crystal (Kester) says
It’s a precious book. I hope your granddaughter loves it as much, if not more, than I did!
Dani @ Perspective of a Writer says
This is so adorable! I wish I had a young reader in my life because I’d recommend these books and read them with a child. I love that we’re getting more culture out there to young readers.
Crystal (Kester) says
It is such a precious book. I agree that it’s wonderful how we’re opening young readers to more culture!
Natalie Aguirre says
I would have loved to read this with my daughter when she was younger. She’s adopted from China.
Crystal (Kester) says
It’s great that more Asian #OwnVoices novels are coming out, so children can learn more about their ethnic cultures (or cultures similar to their own). I’m grateful that, while I didn’t get to read these books as a kid, I can share them with a new generation.
Danielle Hammelef says
That cover is so cute! I have to read these fun books and learn more about Korean culture.
Crystal (Kester) says
I LOVE the cover for this book. I hope you enjoy the Mindy Kim series as much as I have (or more)!