Kids’ Book Picks for the New Year

What are your family’s New Year traditions? As we say goodbye to 2022, Kim Tano and Madeline Shier, the children’s book buyers at Powell’s City of Books, showcase how the new year is celebrated across the world with fun and interesting festivities, foods and more. Look for these titles at the Burnside, Hawthorne or Cedar Hills Powell’s locations, or order online.

Black-Eyed Peas and Hoghead Cheese

By Glenda Armand and illustrated by Steffi Walthall

Nine-year-old Frances loves preparing the New Year’s Day meal with her grandma, because it means stories about her ancestors, her family history, her cultural heritage, and the soul food they’re making. Inspired by Armand’s childhood, the book includes a family recipe for pralines at the end — yum! Great for ages 5 and up. $18.99.

It’s Diwali

By Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal and illustrated by Archana Sreenivasan

This beautifully illustrated book looking at the celebration of Diwali is sure to delight, and provides an excellent first overview of the Hindu Festival of Lights for those unfamiliar with it. With a simple rhyming story and more details about foods and traditions in text boxes throughout, this book has something to offer for toddlers and elementary-schoolers alike. Great for ages 3 and up. $18.99.

A Sweet New Year for Ren

By Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Dung Ho

Ren hopes this year she’ll be old enough to help make the pineapple cakes with her busy festive household in this lovely picture book about family and the traditions of Chinese New Year. It’s written by the author of When Lola Visits and illustrated by the picture book artist for Eyes That Kiss the Corners. A recipe for delicious pineapple buns and information on Chinese New Year traditions are also included. Perfect for ages 4 and up. $18.99.

The Lucky Grapes: A New Year’s Eve Story

By Tracey Kyle and illustrated by Marina Astudillo

Rafa is very excited to be in Spain to celebrate the New Year. There will be fireworks, music, and for the first time, he’ll celebrate the chiming of midnight with the Spanish tradition of eating 12 grapes. Written by a Spanish teacher and sprinkled with Spanish words in the text, The Lucky Grapes really feels like you’re celebrating the joyous holiday right alongside the characters and under the stars at the plaza! Great for ages 3 and up. $18.99.