Astrid and Apollo and the Happy New Year

Astrid and Apollo

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

Astrid and Apollo are attending the Hmong New Year festival (which is held at a big arena in St. Paul or Minneapolis in November or December), but in the crowded arena they are soon separated from their parents and younger sister, and between rescuing a little lost boy, and getting mistaken for a pair of famous child singers, the festival turns into quite an adventure for the twins.

Genres: Cultural, Realistic Fiction, Holiday, Family

Unknown Binding

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