Grumpy New Year

by Katrina Moore, Xindi Yan (Illustrator)

This funny and heartwarming follow-up to Grandpa Grumps celebrates Lunar New Year and the love of a doting grandparent.

"A superb celebration of the Lunar New Year, particularly accessible to young elementary aged readers." --School Library Journal , STARRED REVIEW

"Vivid spreads alternate between vignettes and close-ups of facial expressions registering surprise, frustration, and fatigue, while atmospheric full bleeds convey a child's sense of wonder, festive fireworks, an extended-family gathering, and a bustling street parade. . . A simpatico portrayal of holiday travel across time zones." -- Kirkus Reviews

"Moore structures her story as a 10-day countdown, and Daisy's big, conflicting feelings are entirely relatable. The holiday preparations and celebrations come to life in Yan's illustrations, which integrate humor and cultural details. Appended recipes truly make this a treat." -- Booklist

"You should sleep on the long flight," said Mama.
Daisy should have slept-
but she didn't.
She was too excited to see Yeh-Yeh!

Daisy is traveling to China, and she's excited to see her Yeh-Yeh again! She has big plans for all the fun they'll have together in preparation for Lunar New Year, like flying kites and making jiao zi. But when she arrives, she has trouble sleeping and is less jolly than she hoped. Throughout the week, Yeh-Yeh tries all sorts of things to help her have a fun holiday and get her past her grumpiness. Will Daisy be able to get some rest and have one perfect day before she goes home?

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Family, Cultural, Aapi, Asian Literature, Childrens

40 pages, Hardcover

First published December 13, 2022

About the author

Katrina Moore is an author and former elementary educator. She holds a M.A. in Teaching and taught for thirteen years in Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and New Jersey. She writes in Georgia, where her mission is to create books that children will hug for ages. When she is not writing, she is cooking without a recipe, painting outside the lines, adventuring, or snuggling up with her two kids, husband, pups, and of course, a cozy book.

Reviews

[Thomas Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think there are much better Lunar New Year books out there. This one mentioned different cultural aspects but didn't do a great job showing them. And it's not really that fun to read about a girl being tired and grumpy for over a week.

It isn't a bad book per say, but it's not really that good of a book either.

Oh, and one more thing. What was her Grandpa thinking drawing a map for this little girl to venture outside into crowded streets in a foreign country all by herself, in hopes he finds her?!

[Kathryn LeRoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daisy hugs her parents goodbye as she sets off with her Auntie for Lunar New Year with her big family in China.

The only problem is that her excitement keeps her from sleeping, Yeh-Yeh (her grandfather) has planned special activities, but Daisy keeps slipping into the “grumpies.” The ten days before the Lunar New Year include preparations for the New Year and time with Yeh-Yeh flying kites, painting, karaoke, boat riding, shopping, fireworks, and very little sleeping. Daisy tries hard to make their time together enjoyable, but the long trip and new surroundings keep her wide awake, but grumpy. Like most grandparents, Yeh-Yeh never lets go of his plans to make this Lunar New Year one Daisy will long remember. Through Xindi Yan’s colorful illustrations, we experience each day and finally the joy of a family celebrating the holiday with singing, dancing, and of course, food.

The story gives children a glimpse of a cultural celebration that may be familiar or completely new. Coming from a large family myself, I realized that no matter where we live, family, food, and love go well together. Thanks for sharing a delightful story and Chinese recipes!

[Brooke - TheBrookeList · Rating 3 out of 5]

Feelings and fatigue can often get in the way of some of our best holiday traditions or emotions. Katrina Moore shows us how Chinese New Year is celebrated for Daisy, who really should have slept. Her jet lag and emotions get in the way of her trip to see her Yeh-Yeh in a very realistic way. The illustrations in Grumpy New Year are cartoon-ish and top-notch. They will draw in anyone, even if the story doesn't interest them. The story is a little choppy and filled with a lot of sounds and some Chinese phrases. It's a diverse intro to Chinese culture in a very appealing style.

Read as a nomination in the Fiction Picture Book book award category as a panelist for Children's and Young Adult Bloggers' Literary Awards (Cybils Awards).

[Dana T · Rating 5 out of 5]

An adorable book about a granddaughter who goes to visit her Yeh-Yeh, grandfather, in China for the Lunar New Year! After a long flight, Daisy is ready to celebrate with her grandfather.
But she's too excited and the time difference is so big that she has trouble sleeping for the first few nights and turns into a grump.
This book is an explosion of colors and Chinese culture. Throughout the book, you can see the love that Yeh-Yeh has for Daisy.
There are many beautiful details that make this book sing. Readers will realize we may have different cultures, but we all enjoy family, food, and friends. And all the love that Daisy receives from her family in China.
Great story with wonderful illustrations, makes the book a great read.

[Jessica Kulekjian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable story about Daisy's trip to China to spend Lunar New Year with her grandpa. Filled with the joys and challenges of traveling to a different time zone and also being eager to experience new things. The details invite readers to explore this journey along with Daisy as she connects with her grandpa over special traditions and fun activities despite their language barrier. Back matter offers personal stories from the author and illustrator and includes recipes they enjoy during the Lunar New Year.

[Kathy Temean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an explosion of colors and Chinese culture. Love Yeh-Yeh (Grandpop) and how hard he tries to entertain his Grandaughter. But as all parents know children can get cranky when they get over-excited and tired and Daisy's on overload and can't sleep. I love Xindi's illustrations. They make the reader feel like they are right there in the moment, seeing the open market, in the swan boat in the river, and sitting at the table smelling the dumplings.

I love the helmet Yeh-Yeh gave Daisy to ride on the back of his bike. There are so many wonderful details that make this book sing. Every reader will realize we may have different cultures, but we are all the same, enjoying family, food, and friends, and enjoying all the love that Daisy receives from her family in China.

Throughout the book, you can see the love that Yeh-Yeh has for Daisy. I was nervous for her when she left the house to find Grandpa with a map she had never used before. But kids will be cheering her courage - when her search ends in Yeh-Yeh's arms. Lunar New Year is this week and this book would be the perfect gift to help celebrate and a wonderful way to let children know about this Chinese holiday.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the first volume of this story. This was great. It flips the script.

Daisy has gone to China for Lunar New Year with her grandpa. She doesn't sleep on the plain and so her whole clock is messed up. At night, she is wide awake. At first everything is exciting and then she can't stay away and she gets grumpy. This time, grandpa isn't the grumpy one at all. Daisy can't make herself sleep.

Eventually she gets some sleep and feels like she has missed out. Still, she is ready for the new year celebration where she can have fun. I thought it was well told and jet lag is no joke. If your sleep cycles get mess up, it's an issue. Flipping night and day has to be rough.

I love the artwork. It's cozy and colorful and full of energy and excitement. I hope there are more of these.

[Christine Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Countdown to Lunar New Year with Daisy and Yeh-Yeh. After a long flight with no sleep as she's just too excited, Daisy is ready to celebrate with her grandfather. But her lack of sleep soon catches up to her and she grumbles her way through every fun activity. At last, after a good sleep she is ready to enjoy the celebrations but where is everybody...? You'll have to read the book to see what happens next.
Kids will relate to things not going as expected (and to being tired but not wanting to admit it). And they'll love the recipes at the back of the book to help them celebrate Lunar New Year. I loved the inclusion of both author and illustrator notes sharing their own experiences celebrating the holiday.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

In GRUMPY NEW YEAR, Daisy arrives in China to celebrate Lunar New Year with her beloved grandfather. She's so excited to be there and doesn't want to miss a thing, which when combined with the effects of jet lag finds her super grumpy, even with all of the fun. This experience of feeling grumpy when anticipating or observing a special holiday or event will be relatable to many young readers. They will relate to Daisy as they see and learn about many Lunar New Year traditions through her eyes. The sweet intergenerational relationship between Daisy and her Yeh-Yeh paired with beautiful art that brings Lunar New Year traditions to life makes GRUMPY NEW YEAR an engaging book to share with young readers.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adorable book about a granddaughter who goes to visit her Yeh-Yeh in China for the Lunar New Year! But she's too excited and the time difference is so big that she has trouble sleeping for the first few nights and turns into a grump. Don't worry, she eventually gets some rest. :)

This book did a lovely job showing and telling about some Chinese traditions and foods (they look and sound delicious). The story is great, the text is good, and the illustrations are wonderful.

The text may be too long for preschoolers and under but I think this could work well for an elementary school storytime.

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really care for this book about a girl who was grumpy for no reason even though her loving grandpa kept offering so many wonderful experiences for her. Maybe if the reason had been given, it would have made more sense. Was it just because she was tired? If so, that's not a great premise for conflict in a story. Even she recognizes that she's being a grump, but does nothing about it, and even after she did sleep, she was still grumpy about what she missed while she was sleeping. I wouldn't recommend this one. There are better Lunar New Year books out there.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This adorable Lunar New Year story is about a young girl traveling to see her grandfather in China. She does not sleep on the trip there, so she begins her visit a bit grumpily. She tries to do what Yeh Yeh has planned, but Daisy realizes she is not patient with herself and has to deal with her own grumpy feelings. When she finally gets a good rest in, her grandpa is nowhere to be found, but there is a clue! This story is adorable and meant to be shared!

I will add this to both of my school collections. My students especially love when there are recipes, like this book has after the story.

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though the grumpy theme is stretched to its limit, this intergenerational story takes readers on a fascinating trip to China to celebrate the New Year Chinese style, introducing traditional customs practiced by a modern contemporary extended family. Engaging illustrations invite readers to join Daisy on her journey of discovery and cross-cultural exchange. End pages include interesting author and illustrator notes about their own family celebrations, plus two recipes for traditional Lunar New Year dishes

[Megan Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely celebration of family, tradition, and the Lunar New Year! Kids (and adults) will relate to the grumpy feelings the protagonist has after travel and no sleep. She was so excited! So why does everything feel so frustrating!? Fortunately, it's nothing a little rest, a lot of patience, and some tender love and kindness from Yeh Yeh (Grandpa), can't fix. A must read for anyone who's ever felt grumpy around their favorite holiday! (in other words, all of us!)

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grumpy Grandpa is back and celebrating the Lunar New Year with Daisy. She has flown to China to be with him and doesn't want to miss anything. She stays awake all night watching life so is grumpy and falls asleep during the day. Finally both get to celebrate together. Grandpa's love comes through clearly in all he does for and with Daisy. Brightly colored illustrations bring the story to life.

[Joan Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet book about a girl visiting her grandpa in China for the lunar new year. The illustrations are stunning, showing a lot of detail about the world she visits, including objects, a market, and different foods she tries. The relationship between the two characters is very nicely done, showing them connecting despite a language barrier and trying many different activities.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intergenerational picture books always tug at my heartstrings and this one is no different! It gently captures all of the excitement that kids feel around the holidays and how sometimes we feel out of sorts with all the travel, food, activities and social interactions. But in the end, family ties and love can rise above all the "grumps" and this book communicates that perfectly.

[Chelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun picture book about the Lunar New Year from a child's perspective. Readers will learn counting down from ten, as well as preparations for the holiday. Gorgeous illustrations accompany the text. Some foreign language words teach simple phrases. For those looking for the cuisine in the book, a few recipes are included for parents to make with their children.

[Jennifer Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun romp through Lunar New Year celebrations and traditions, layered with the story of a young girl who is so excited to have fun but cannot seem to overcome the tired grumpiness of jetlag until sleep and adventures with Yeh-Yeh save the day! The information at the back is particularly special for anyone wanting to learn or add Lunar New Year traditions to their own family celebrations!

[Tera]

I thought this was cute but there were bits that I was a little confused about. I also didn't really see much grumpiness. Daisy is so excited to visit her grandfather in China to celebrate Lunar New Year. I kept it in my pile of books for my Lunar New Year storytime in case I had time, but I didn't get the chance to read it

[Robynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely story showing Lunar New Year and the reality of jet-lag on children! Poor Daisy and Yeh-Yeh! I loved seeing the different traditions surrounding the New Year and all the fun activities the two got up to, even if Daisy was a tad too tired and grumpy to fully enjoy them. The illustrations are beautiful and add a softness and gentleness to the story. What a lovely read!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun and heartfelt intergenerational story about celebrating the Lunar New Year. The little girl is darling and the illustrations are beautiful. I can't imagine going halfway across the globe and not having my days and nights mixed up. I enjoyed learning about the traditions and celebration activities woven into the plot.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely a sequel. Daisy is older than she's drawn, I think, to be travelling like this... but maybe not. Why did she bring her pet?! But I like the theme that communication and love can be shown without words. And I appreciate the creators' notes and the two recipes. Fun story!

[Lannie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars. A combination story showing why sleep is so important for littles (to enjoy the festivities!) against the backdrop of Asian traditions leading up to Lunar New Year. The relationship between the girl and her grandpa is a sweet one, and the illustrations are adorbable.

[Sherrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy New Year was a fun read with adorable illustrations. I liked the relationship between Daisy and her Grandpa. It was also interesting to learn about how Chinese New Year is celebrated. Great story to introduce young readers to a different culture.

[lemonM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book introduces Chinese New Year in a fun and unique way, focusing on the grumpiness caused by jet lag. The illustrations are beautiful and bring the story to life. It's a creative and engaging way to learn about Chinese New Year traditions through a heartwarming story.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is so cute - I love that the main character is allowed to be grumpy, and the adults don't get mad at her for acting out like a kid.

[Jill CD · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute story regarding the Chinese New Year. It introduces what it is and some of the traditions in a story format.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn’t flow well. Confusing.

[Mompop · Rating 3 out of 5]

enjoyed the recipes listed under the author's note