Chinese New Year is Saturday, January 28th, 2017. It’s the year of the rooster!
Are you born during the Year of the Rooster? Years of the Rooster include 1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017, and 2029. Your Rooster personality can be described as:
Hardworking, resourceful, courageous, talented and confident. Roosters are extroverts, outspoken, honest, and loyal. Roosters are also described as active, amusing, popular and attractive.
To celebrate Chinese New Year, I have an Upcycled Rooster Egg Holder craft which will hold our naturally dyed red eggs! Next, I’ll show you how to fold an easy origami chicken. Finally, I have a lot of giveaways! 7 winners will receive Chinese New Year-themed books and 1 lucky winner will get 24 Chinese Red Envelopes with a Chicken theme from The Dumpling Mama!
Happy Chinese New Year! Are you celebrating in some way this year? Maybe just with a meal? Please share!
p.s. I have other Chinese New Year posts:
Chinese New Year Crafts and Books
Chinese New Year Red Envelope Crafts
15 Wonderful Chinese New Year Books
A Natural Way to Dye Eggs Red
Peel 2 to 3 beets and cut them into one-inch dice. Combine it with 1 quart water, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 1 tablespoon salt in a saucepan. Add the eggs. Bring to a boil for 4 minutes, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes. (You can eat the beets afterward if you like. I added mine to a salad.)
Upcycled Rooster Egg Holder
You don’t need to buy anything assuming that you have glue, a black pen, and scissors. You can go to your local hardware store and get two free paint sample strips. You’ll need one in dark red and one in yellow.
Supplies: cardboard egg carton holder, glue, two paint sample strips (one in dark red, one in yellow), scissors.
Cut out your egg holder.
Cut out your rooster comb on one side. Then flip over your shape trace it onto another color and cut out.
Glue both pieces of your rooster comb together. The narrow bit part will fit into the hole in the top of the egg carton holder.
Attach the comb with a dab of glue. Draw in the eyes.
Cut out the beak by folding over half a square of the yellow paint chip square and cutting out a triangle shape.
Attach the beak with glue and there you go! Upcycled Rooster Egg Holder for your dyed red egg!
Year of the Rooster GIVEAWAYS: 8 Winners!
I’m giving away books to six winners and two dozen Chinese red envelopes by The Dumpling Mama to an eighth winner! Please fill out the Rafflecopter below to win and leave a comment with your first, second, and third choice of what you’d like to win (book title and/or envelopes).
Giveaway 1: 2 Books from Candlewick Press
The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by
A New Year’s Reunion: A Chinese Story by
Giveaway 2:Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
Giveaway 3: The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang
Giveaway 4: The Magical Rooster by Li Jian
Giveaway 5: Chinese Origami for Children: Fold Zodiac Animals, Festival Decorations and Other Creations by
Giveaway 6: Chinese Fables : The Dragon Slayer and Other Timeless Tales of Wisdom by
Giveaway 7: Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook by Katie Chin
Giveaway 8: 24 beautiful Year of the Chicken Chinese New Year envelopes
Thank you to Candlewick Press for giving away this book bundle to 1 winner!
The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by
Just exactly how did the animals for the Chinese Zodiac get their place in the calendar? Find out how the race went down in this charming picture book. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
A New Year’s Reunion: A Chinese Story by
This is a Chinese New Year story of a child who is missing relatives living far away. [picture book, ages 3 and up]
Thank you to author Natasha Yim is giving away a copy of her funny fractured fairy tale!
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim, illustrated by Grace Wong
A charming Chinese New Year retold fractured fairy tale of how Goldy Luck tries to change her luck for the new year while wreaking havoc on her three panda neighbors. [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Thank you to Andrea Wang for her wonderful new Chinese New Year picture book!
The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Alina Chau
I love this new spin on how the traditions of Chinese New Year began. Long ago, the legendary Nian monster returned on Chinese New Year to devour cities. Xingling doesn’t want her home destroyed so she has to use her wits to trick the Nian Monster. Will it work? [picture book, ages 4 and up]
Thank you to Tuttle Publishing for this book bundle to 4 winners!
The Magical Rooster by Li Jian
This beautifully illustrated multicultural children’s book tells the story of a young boy and his magical rooster in both English and Chinese. [picture book, ages 5 and up]
Chinese Origami for Children: Fold Zodiac Animals, Festival Decorations and Other Creations by
Learn how to fold all the animals of the Chinese Zodiac! [nonfiction origami book, ages 4 and up]
Chinese Fables: The Dragon Slayer and Other Timeless Tales of Wisdom by
Winner of the 2014 Aesop Prize for Children’s and Young Adult Literature
Winner of the 2013 Gelett Burgess Children’s Book Award for Fables, Folklore & Fairytales
2014 Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year Award Winner
For thousands of years, Chinese storytellers have delighted listeners with stories about the value of virtues like honesty, respect, courage, and self-reliance. Chinese Fables collects nineteen of these wonderful tales, some of them dating back to the third century BCE, and retells them in contemporary English for a modern audience. [folktale chapter book, ages 7 and up]
Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook by Katie Chin, photographed by Masano Kawana
Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cooking is a celebration of Leeann Chin’s amazing mastery of the complete array of flavors and techniques in Chinese cuisine, and her unique ability to make them accessible to Westerners. Katie provides tips and techniques that allow anyone to create a refined and tasty Chinese meal at home. [cookbook for kids and adults who want to learn to cook Chinese food]
Chinese Red Envelopes from The Dumpling Mama GIVEAWAY!
Chrissy Jee of the Dumpling Mama is giving away 24 beautiful Year of the Chicken Chinese New Year envelopes. I love her modern designs!
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award longlist
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Happy Chinese New Year. Google tells me I can say, ” “Guo Nian Hao” (过年好)”
And Hooray for The Nian Monster!!
Thanks Maria! It’s coming up fast! We were going to do a dumpling party but we are too tired. And we avoid Chinatown for two weeks in Boston. It is nuts during Chinese New Year for several weeks though there are great activities including Lion dancers. The parking is tough though and the restaurants are crowded.
In addition to attending a lion dance and feasting with my family, I will be celebrating with storytimes for toddlers, preschool, and school age children. I have red envelopes ready for the older group. I have a new copy of The Nian Monster to read, thanks to your recommendation! Also hosting a book club for Grace Lin’s Where the Mountain Meets the Moon.
(1) I seem to have a shortage of good rooster books, and would enjoy having The Magical Rooster. (2) I borrowed Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas from another library but would love to have a copy in my collection. (3) I certainly would use the cookbook, or the origami looks very fun. Thanks for the opportunity!
Hi Lisa,
You have such a great line up!! Thanks so much for entering!
Thanks for all the great info and Happy Chinese New Year!
Happy Chinese New Year Bonnie! Thanks for your kind words!
The rooster project looks so fun-I’ll have to save it and come back to it a few years from now when my kiddos are bigger!
I’d also love to check out some of these books…Goldy Luck, Race for the Zodiac, The Magical Rooster, The Nian Monster, and Chinese fables…would be my top choices! What a fun chance, thanks!
Thanks so much for entering Alise!
Great titles! My Asian-American grandson is due in March. Can’t wait to start his library collection!
Hi Juliana,
I hope you win!! It would be perfect for your grandson! Thanks for entering!
1. The Race For the Chinese Zodiac
2. Chinese Origami For Children
3. Chinese Fables
4. A New Year’s Reunion
5. Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
6. The Nian Monster
7. Everyday Chinese Cookbook
Thank you for this wonderful giveaway contest.
Thanks so much for entering La La!
Super helpful post! I’m going to try the rooster egg carton craft at a play date next week!
Hi Jennifer L,
I’m not very good at crafts so I can honestly say that if I can do it, anyone can! :). It was fun to make though! I hope your playdate kiddos like doing it too!
My kids would love any of these! Here is our priority list:
FIRST CHOICE:
Giveaway 1: 2 Books from Candlewick Press
The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by Gabrielle Wang
A New Year’s Reunion: A Chinese Story by Yu Li-Qiong
SECOND CHOICE:
Giveaway 5: Chinese Origami for Children: Fold Zodiac Animals, Festival Decorations and Other Creations by Hu Yue
THIRD CHOICE:
Giveaway 3: The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang
FOURTH CHOICE:
Giveaway 2:Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
FIFTH CHOICE:
Giveaway 4: The Magical Rooster by Li Jian
Thanks for the fun giveaway!
Thanks so much for entering MaryAnne!!
My son loves reading so we will be happy to win any of these books . Great collection !
Thanks so much for entering Aparna! You are easy to please! Thank you!
1. Chinese Origami for Childrem
2. Everyday Chinese Cookbook
3. Chinese Fables
4. Goldy Luck and the three pandas
5. The Magical Rooster
Thanks so much for entering Scherrie!
1. Chinese Origami
2. Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
3. Nian Monster
4. Chinese Fables
5. Race for the Chinese Zodiac
Thank you for entering Heidi!
I would love to win for my kiddos! Here are my picks:
1. Goldy Luck and The Three Pandas
2. Chinese Zodiak Animals
3. Chinese Origami For Children
4. Chinese Fables
5. Chinese Red Envelopes/cards
Thank you for entering Danielle!
All of these sound fabulous! Amazing for the whole family.
But if I had to choose here is my preference:
1. Giveaway 3: The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang
2. Giveaway 2:Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
3. Giveaway 4: The Magical Rooster by Li Jian
4. Giveaway 6: Chinese Fables : The Dragon Slayer and Other Timeless Tales of Wisdom by Shiho S. Nunes
5. Giveaway 5: Chinese Origami for Children: Fold Zodiac Animals, Festival Decorations and Other Creations by Hu Yue
6. Giveaway 7: Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook by Katie Chin
7. Giveaway 1: 2 Books from Candlewick Press
8. Giveaway 8: 24 beautiful Year of the Chicken Chinese New Year envelopes
Thank you so much for entering Olga!
Thank you for offering such a generous giveaway for the New Year! My little and I would love to add any of the above to our collection. I am always looking for books that help him learn of his heritage. But for our top 3, it would be:
1) Chinese Fables by Shiho S. Nunes
2) The Magical Rooster by Li Jian
3) Chinese Origami for Children by Hu Yue
Thanks again and a Happy New Year to you and your family!
Thanks so much for entering Charlene!
I love:
1/ 24 beautiful Year of the Chicken Chinese New Year envelopes
2/ The Race for the Chinese Zodiac
3/ The Magical Rooster
4/ Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook
5/ Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
Thank You for the chance!
Happy New Year 🙂
Thanks so much for entering Fiona!
Happy New Year of the Rooster!
We would enjoy these books!
1. Chinese Origami for Children
2. Goldy Luck and the three pandas
3. Chinese Fables
4. The Magic Rooster
5. Everyday Chinese Cookbook
Thanks so much for entering Amanda!!!
My mom lives in China and will be visiting us during the New Year break. We can’t wait to celebrate! Our choices: Chinese Fables, The Magical Rooster, The Race For the Chinese Zodiac, The Nian Monster, Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas.
Thank you for entering Sara!
Thank you , I hope i have good luck
First option:Giveaway 7
Second option: Giveaway 6
Third option: Giveaway 5
Thanks so much for entering Elisabeth!
I just stumbled onto your website and what luck, there’s a giveaway! I’m so excited to go through your blog, but meanwhile, here are my top 5 choices:
1. Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook by Katie Chin
2. Chinese Fables : The Dragon Slayer and Other Timeless Tales of Wisdom by Shiho S. Nunes
3. The Race for the Chinese Zodiac
4. A New Year’s Reunion: A Chinese Story by Yu Li-Qiong
5. Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
Happy New Year!
Thanks for entering Tracy and for coming to my blog! I hope you will return!
Choice 1: Chinese Fables : The Dragon Slayer and Other Timeless Tales of Wisdom.
Choice 2: Chinese Red Envelopes from The Dumpling Mama.
Choice 3: Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook.
Choice 4: Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas.
Choice 5: Chinese Origami for Children: Fold Zodiac Animals, Festival Decorations and Other Creations.
Thank you for the contest!
Thanks so much for entering John!
1st – Giveaway 5: Chinese Origami for Children: Fold Zodiac Animals, Festival Decorations and Other Creations by Hu Yue
2nd – Giveaway 2:Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
3rd – Giveaway 1: 2 Books from Candlewick Press
The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by Gabrielle Wang
A New Year’s Reunion: A Chinese Story by Yu Li-Qiong
4th – Giveaway 4: The Magical Rooster by Li Jian
Thanks so much for entering Sally!
I love every thing lol. thank you so much.
Thanks so much Gabrielle!
Seriously I’d be happy with any of these! I would love to read more Chinese books to my kiddos so they can learn more about their heritage and culture.
The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by Gabrielle Wang
Giveaway 6: Chinese Fables : The Dragon Slayer and Other Timeless Tales of Wisdom by Shiho S. Nunes
Giveaway 3: The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang
Giveaway 2:Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
Giveaway 4: The Magical Rooster by Li Jian
Giveaway 5: Chinese Origami for Children: Fold Zodiac Animals, Festival Decorations and Other Creations by Hu Yue
Giveaway 7: Katie Chin’s Everyday Chinese Cookbook by Katie Chin
1. A New Year’s Reunion: A Chinese Story by Yu Li-Qiong
Thanks so much for entering Tiffany!
First choice: the Nian Monster (Giveaway 3)
Second choice: Goldy Luck (Giveaway 2)
Third choice: The Magical Rooster (Giveaway 3)
Oops, sent too soon.
Fourth choice: 2 books from Candlewick Press (Giveaway 1)
Fifth choice: Chinese Fables (Giveaway 6)
Thanks so much for hosting that. Happy Chinese New Year!
1st Giveaway 1: 2 Books from Candlewick Press
The Race for the Chinese Zodiac by Gabrielle Wang
A New Year’s Reunion: A Chinese Story by Yu Li-Qiong
2nd Giveaway 5: Chinese Origami for Children: Fold Zodiac Animals, Festival Decorations and Other Creations by Hu Yue
3rd Giveaway 3: The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang
4th Giveaway 2:Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
5th Giveaway 4: The Magical Rooster by Li Jian
Thanks so much for entering Po!
Thank you so much for this chance. I have a friend from China that always celebrates and I’d love to know more. My choices in order of preference are: #1, #5, #7, #6, and then #4.
Thanks so much for entering Danielle! How thoughtful of you to try to win for your friend!
Happy New Year! And thank you for the giveaway opportunities!
1 – The Race for the Chinese Zodiac
2 – The Nian Monster
3 – A New Year’s Reunion: A Chinese Story
4 – Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
5 – The Magical Rooster
Thanks so much for entering Cassandra!
Katie chins every day cookbook and Chinese tales the dragon slayer and other timeless tales of wisdom. The chinesse new year a reunion and the Nina monster. Happy new year and happy Chinese New Year. Thank you by the way.
Thank so much for entering Gabrielle!