A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book of 2011!

Maomao's dad works many miles away, but he is coming home for New Year!

Little Maomao's father works in faraway places and comes home just once a year, for Chinese New Year. At first Maomao barely recognizes him, but before long the family is happily making sticky rice balls, listening to firecrackers, and watching the dragon dance in the streets below. Papa gets a haircut, makes repairs to the house, and hides a lucky coin for Maomao to find. Which she does! But all too soon it is time for Papa to go away again. This poignant, vibrantly illustrated tale, which won the prestigious Feng Zikai Chinese Children's Picture Book Award in 2009, is sure to resonate with every child who misses relatives when they are away--and shows how a family's love is strong enough to endure over time and distance.

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Two things make this Chinese New Year story remarkable-Zhu's meticulously observed gouaches and the family's poignant backstory...Yu and Zhu create a memorable portrait of China's most joyous holiday and a testimony to the love that holds Maomao's family together.
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)

This bittersweet and poignant story not only tells of a family celebrating a holiday, but also explores the trepidation and joy of a reunion... The story of an absent parent returning only during special occasions is one that speaks to more and more American children. The celebrations and traditions might differ, but the story of missing distant family is universal.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

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Yu Li Qiong was born in Anqing in the People's Republic of China in 1980. She holds a BA in literature from Nanjing University and an MA in dramatic art. Yu Li Qiong lives in China.

Zhu Cheng Liang was born in Shanghai in 1948. He studied fine arts at Nanjing Art Institute and is currently deputy chief editor at the Jiangsu Fine Arts Publishing House. His achievements include an Honorable Mention by UNESCO's Noma Concours for his illustrations in Flashing Rabbit-shaped Lamp. Zhu Cheng Liang lives in China.

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