This is a solid, warm picture book that does exactly what it sets out to do: introduce young kids to Lunar New Year traditions through a loving family lens. Grace Lin's artwork is cheerful and detailed, and the fold-out dragon parade is a fun tactile bonus.

It's not groundbreaking—the narrative is more of a procedural walk-through than a story with tension or character development—but that's fine for this age group. It's especially valuable for Asian American families who want to see themselves reflected, and for all families who want to expand their cultural awareness.

The book is from 2010, so it has that slightly dated picture book feel, but it's not so old that modern kids won't connect with it. If you're building a diverse holiday book collection or prepping for Lunar New Year, this is a reliable, wholesome choice that kids genuinely enjoy.