Grumpy New Year!


illustrated by Xindi Yan
a companion to GRANDPA GRUMPS
Little Bee Books
December 13, 2022
ISBN: 978-1499812824
Signed Books (while supplies last)
Books of Wonder: https://booksofwonder.com/products/9781499812824

“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?

Praise for Grumpy New Year...


“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, and an extended-family gathering, and a bustling street parade . . . A simpatico portrayal of holiday travel across time zones."
-Kirkus Review

“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


NEWS, APPEARANCES, AND EVENTS:
​

February 6, 2024: GRUMPY NEW YEAR is featured on Kathy Teaman's Writing and Illustrating Blog! Read about the book's journey and enter the Giveaway!
January 2024: GRUMPY NEW YEAR is highlighted on MaiStoryBook's "Celebrate Lunar New Year 2024" collection! 
​March 21, 2023: Listen to an interview on The Children's Book Podcast where I talk about GRUMPY NEW YEAR, the story behind the story, being grumpy, and connecting with family! Classroom ready to listen to, along with a full episode transcript, book information, discussion questions, and notable quotes from our interview.
January 21, 2023: We celebrated GRUMPY NEW YEAR's  in person book launch event with me AND Xindi Yan at Children's Book World in Haverford, PA, at 1:00pm EST.
January 14, 2023, New York City: 3:00-3:45pm EST We welcomed in the Lunar New Year at the Museum of Chinese in America in NYC with a special storytime, drawing, and book signing of GRUMPY NEW YEAR with both me and Xindi! Learn more here
January 9, 2023: There's a beautiful review of GRUMPY NEW YEAR that shows some of my favorite spreads up on the Books For Diversity blog.
January 9, 2023: GRUMPY NEW YEAR is recommended as one of four favorite new Lunar New Year books on Book Riot's newsletter.
December 17, 2022: Had so much fun sharing and talking picture books with Megan Litwin, Nicole Chen, and E.G. Keller, during a virtual HAPPY HOLIDAYS PICTURE BOOK panel at Books of Wonder! Catch the replay here! Books with signed bookplates are available for purchase on the website (while supplies last). They ship!
December 6, 2022: The Children's Book Council has named GRUMPY NEW YEAR a "Hot Off The Press" title, which features "anticipated bestsellers, either recently published or forthcoming."

May 2, 2022: The Conscious Kid reveals the cover for GRUMPY NEW YEAR!

June 3, 2021: Publishers Weekly Rights Reports announces GRUMPY NEW YEAR, the hilarious, heartfelt, full-of-grumbles follow up to GRANDPA GRUMPS, by me and Xindi Yan, that brings Daisy and Yeh-Yeh's adventure to China to celebrate Lunar New Year!

FUN & FREE Activities


​Click here to download GRUMPY NEW YEAR activity sheets & classroom resources!
​Click here to download the NEW YEAR, PROUD TO ME IN IN THE YEAR OF THE SNAKE Activity Sheet - 2025