SEHE BOKMANEE BATEUSEYO! – HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Kane/Miller Book Publishers, an independent publisher specializing in books from other countries and other cultures, celebrates the upcoming Year of the Pig with New Clothes for New Year’s Day. This engaging picture book from Korean artist/illustrator Hyun-Joo Bae, follows a young girl as she dresses and prepares for the Lunar New Year.

The Lunar New Year, often referred to as the "Chinese New Year" begins on February 18th, 2007. For many Asian families, the Lunar New Year is a celebration of change, a time to celebrate and renew oneself and one’s family. “We feel very lucky to have a book from Korea about the New Year,” says Publisher Kira Lynn. “So often, we hear the term Chinese New Year and we forget about the importance of the Lunar New Year in other countries and communities.”

The Korean New Year celebration is focused on the family. On the morning of the New Year, families rise early, hold a ceremony to honor their ancestors, give the first bow of the New Year, and eat rice cake soup for breakfast. The soup is very important as tradition says one cannot become another year older until the soup has been eaten. After breakfast it’s time to get together with relatives and wish each other “Happy New Year.” There are also special clothes for New Year’s Day and it’s great fun to wear them while making New Year’s visits and New Year’s bows.

Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo!