Astrid and Apollo and the Happy New Year

Astrid and Apollo

by V.T. Bidania, Dara Lashia Lee (Illustrations)

Dressed in their traditional New Year clothes, Astrid and Apollo attend the Hmong New Year Festival. While at the noisy and jam-packed celebration, they accidentally become separated from their family and end up lost in the crowds. Follow along on their adventure as they try to find their way back to their mom, dad, and little sister, Eliana.

Genres: Cultural, Realistic Fiction, Holiday, Family

64 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2020

Reviews

[Abby Johnson]

This is a cute, own-voices easy chapter book series about a Hmong family in Minnesota. Astrid & Apollo have small adventures in each one. Each volume includes details among Hmong culture and really great descriptions of food (or maybe I'm just hungry). Back matter include a pronunciation guide to Hmong words, discussion questions, and additional information about Hmong culture. The reading level's a step up from Katie Woo, but I'd try it on those kids who are ready for the next step.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet story of a crowded festival. While the Hmong New Year is the focus of the celebration, the underlying story of getting lost is one any child or parent can relate to. The combination of cultural detail and universal experience strikes a great balance. The illustrations grew on me throughout the book, also including a lot of intriguing details that help to set the atmosphere of the book.

[Annamarie Carlson (she, her)]

Astrid and Apollo are ready for the Hmong New Year Festival--but they quickly get separated from their parents and little sister in the large crowds. Can they figure out how to get back to their family again?

A fun new first chapter series featuring a Hmong family living in Minnesota. Astrid and Apollo go on everyday adventures that weave in elements of their culture (especially many yummy foods!). A glossary of Hmong words are included in the front, and backmatter contains facts about the Hmong people, popular Hmong foods featured in that book, a glossary of more challenging English words found in the story, and questions and activity ideas to continue learning.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really liked the construction and premise of the book. Though this story itself wasn't thrilling enough to me, might be a good option for readers who prefer gentle action or as a read-aloud step into chapter books.

[Denicemarcell]

Like this introduction to Hmong New Year Festival