The day was a Thursday, and it was my lunch time. I was trying to not eat too many red onions, as I had paired my tuna sandwich with sour cream and onion chips. (Thank the good person who invented antacids!) I was also trying to read The Tray of Togetherness by Flo Leung. Which is appropriate as Leung was telling us about the Lunar New Year treats one girl and her family were serving during their New Year Party. And not only do they talk about the food, but they talk about all the preparations that happen as well.
While the idea is simple, it is far from simplistic. And the artwork helps push this along with supportive images. The illustrations are not overly popping with colors, but they do not lack anything. The details are nice, but basic, and not overly busy. While we read, we learn about traditions, family, and community. Overall, this is a nice, cozy book.
It might not become a classic story, nor is it my favorite book on the subject, but I will be purchasing copies (though it is currently out, it was another online reader copy that found its way to me thanks to Edelweiss). It is a good introduction to the subject, focusing on something that we all can relate and understand. Food and family. Most people have a Christmas, Hanukkah, or Thanksgiving meal (not to mention other holidays and/or holiday weekend picnics), and food is as important to those events as it is to this New Year Celebration.
