Today I’m thrilled to reveal the cover of a new great Chinese New Year picture book, The Nian Monster, by my guest author is Andrea Wang. I have more Chinese New Year picture books, new and improved Chinese New Year picture book list, and a Lunar New Year picture book list by author Janet Wong too. If you need Chinese New Year crafts and activities, I have a round up too!
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I am so excited to share the cover of my debut picture book, The Nian Monster! Actually, I’m not just excited, I’m queyue, which in Chinese means “to frolic for joy,” or more literally, “to jump like a sparrow.” So picture me hopping, fluttering, and chirping, “Look! Look!”
Here’s a little bit about the book:
Xingling is ready to celebrate Chinese New Year. She and Po Po have decorated their family’s apartment with traditional red lanterns and have started the lion’s head casserole. Suddenly a horrible beast shows up at the door! Xingling has heard of the Nian Monster, but no one thought he’d ever return. With jaws as wide as caverns and teeth sharper than swords, he’s intent on devouring all of Shanghai – starting with Xingling!
Can Xingling find a way to outwit the monster and save the city in time for the holiday festivities?
I absolutely LOVE Alina Chau’s artwork! The way Xingling is luring Nian through the moon gate with a tasty treat makes me giggle every time I look at the cover. Somehow, Alina made Nian look both fearsome and cuddly at the same time. She captured Xingling’s courageous and spirited personality perfectly, too! I am eternally grateful to Alina Chau for her art, Jordan Kost for the design, and Kristin Zelazko for being such a wonderful editor. They made the book really come alive!
The Nian Monster releases on December 1, 2016. If you like, you can pre-order it now from Amazon, IndieBound, or Barnes & Noble. Or add it to your Goodreads “Want to Read” list here.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Andrea Wang grew up making dumplings and taking baths with orange peels to prepare for Chinese New Year. She loves to travel and try new foods and has tasted camel in Beijing, mantis shrimp in Hanoi, and emu in Perth. A longtime resident of Massachusetts, Andrea now lives in Colorado with her family and their dog, Mochi, named for the sticky rice dessert. Visit her at andreaywang.com.
BEST #OWNVOICES CHILDREN’S BOOKS: My Favorite Diversity Books for Kids Ages 1-12 is a book that I created to highlight books written by authors who share the same marginalized identity as the characters in their books.
This book looks fantastic! Thank you!
Hi Hayley,
I’m looking forward to reading it too! We need more Chinese New Year books!
I LOVE THE NIAN MONSTER so much!! Congrats to you, Andrea, on this splendid debut. And thanks for sharing it here, Mia!! I know you’re going to love it!!
I can’t wait to read it and to add it to my Chinese New Year list. I’m contributing this list to the Multicultural Children’s Book Day new eBook.
HOORAY!!!! I love this story and love the illustrations. I’m so excited to buy a copy (or many copies). Congratulations Andrea and Alina!
Hi Debbi,
Thanks so much for your support!
Thanks so much for hosting me, Mia! I love all the CNY book lists you’ve compiled – what a great resource!
Thanks so much for letting me host the cover reveal Andrea! I’m looking forward to reading your book!
Love this cover and the book! Can’t wait to have it in my hands!
Hi Lisa,
Me too! I love that it’s a different spin on Chinese New Year! I can’t wait to read it!
You know how I feel about this book, Andrea, What a thrill to see this fantastic (and fascinating cover) So happy for you!
Hi David,
Thank so much for supporting Andrea!
Thank you, David! Your encouragement along the way has meant a lot to me!
Thanks for your support David!
I will definitely be on the lookout for this book. It looks and sounds great and a new book about the Chinese New Year is always welcomed.
Hi Alex,
I’m excited too. There aren’t enough variety in Chinese New Year books, I’ve noticed too!
YAY for THE NIAN MONSTER! I’m so excited for you, Andrea! Thanks for sharing, Mia. Great post!
Thanks so much for sharing this exciting moment with us Sheri!
Very cute story… I liked the theme very much, I like Xingling her witty and spirited personality, the cover page is awesome.
I love the cover too!