“You know Christmas is coming when you see lights like ribbons of stars shining in the dark—glittering, shimmering, everywhere glimmering, on trees and fences, windows and doors, all around the neighborhood!” A young girl tells her baby brother about all the preparations that mean Christmas is on its way. A letter mailed to Santa, hunting for the perfect Christmas tree, caroling, cookies, and much more all mean Christmas is almost here. And when it comes to presents, the little girl notes, there is something special this particular Christmas: “YOU. And that is the best present of all.” Anne Bowen’s delightfully detailed picture book is warmly illustrated by Tomek Bogacki. (Ages 3–7)

It’s New Year’s Day, and a young Korean girl celebrates by donning the new clothes her mother has made for her. Vivid illustrations and simple text lead readers through the process as the young girl puts on each item of clothing. Endnotes provide information about the Lunar New Year and the customs of dressing up on New Year’s Day. In addition, there is a diagram of the young girl with each of the clothing items labeled. 2008 USBBY Outstanding International Books List, CCBC Choices, and Notable Books for a Global Society. nlh, mjw

Originally published as The New Year’s Best Clothes in Korean by Sakyejul Publishing Korea, in 2006.

The New Year is the start of everything new? Follow a young Korean girl as she dresses and prepares for celebrating the Lunar New Year. A New Year, a new day, a new morning. New clothes. We start the year with new things. New things, for the year-older me.