Lunar New Year – Featuring Catherine Little (Author, Educator & Consultant)
I am very excited to feature Catherine Little – Asian Canadian Author of Twelve in a Race and newly released picture book Dragon’s Dilemma. Her and I met a few years ago at a holiday lunch through Maggie Goh (Plumleaf Press) at a popular restaurant – Pearl Chinese Cuisine in Oakville (love their dim sum!). Funny enough, we will be celebrating Lunar New Year together at the same restaurant.
Tell me a little bit about yourself. – I’m a former junior high school math and science teacher as well as curriculum consultant and instructor in the Faculty of Education at York University. I started writing mostly in the educational space (textbooks, support material for teachers) but have always loved picture books. I used to read them to my students all the time. Sometimes I would use them to introduce the unit we were about to study. When my son was young, I had a hard time finding the books I wanted to help him learn about the Chinese part of his heritage so I started writing them.
How do people usually celebrate Lunar New Year? – I think each family has their own way of celebrating. For mine, we always try to get together for a big meal. We carry on the tradition of giving red packets of lucky money to the children as well.
What are your first memories of Lunar New Year? – I remember being brought to see a Lion Dance when I was little. The costumes and music were very exciting.
For those that aren’t familiar with Lunar New Year and want to learn more or participate in celebrating, what would you recommend to them?
There are lots of events happening in most major cities (7 Lucky Ways to Celebrate the Lunar New Year in Canada) and lots of picture books that are good ways to learn about traditions. Artist Sae Kimura and I have two picture books, Twelve in a Race and Dragon’s Dilemma, about the Chinese zodiac race. They are related to LNY because New Year Day is the changeover from one animal to another. For example, this year February 10th will mark the transition from the Year of the Rabbit to the Year of the Dragon.
So, where can readers get more information and find more about you? – To find more information on Catherine Little, find her on Instagram @books.beyond.bedtime Her books are available at libraries (please ask for them if your library does not own them), online and in select stores.
Thank you, Catherine, for being a special guest. Every year, I’m learning more about Lunar New Year and I’m excited to participate in some of the events around Toronto.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Sunshine Lily xoxo
