Celebrate the Chinese New Year, on Monday, Feb. 8, with your children and Larry Bennett’s new series of adventure-rich folktales about a young prince, Ru-Lan. The lavishly illustrated children’s books expose kids to Chinese words and culture, while relating exciting stories for readers in preschool through third grade. The first installment, “Ru-Lan: The Prince is Born,” is the tale of a royal couple who — with the help of a phoenix — finally get a baby of their own.
The prince is kidnapped and forgets his family, until he gets help from his wise animal friends. After he’s safely returned home, the emperor and empress set out in disguises with a New Year’s scheme to get close to the evil enchantress and ensure she won’t steal away their joy again.
The detailed watercolors by Manhattan artist Basia Tov are inspired by Chinese brush painting landscapes, and the text is written in English, sprinkled with Chinese words. (The book also has a list of the ways it supports Common Core standards.) Package this beautiful book with a “hong bao,” a red envelope containing money, and a special child will have luck — and a love of reading — in the new year.
“Ru-Lan: The Prince is Born” book by Larry Bennett, $10.95, www.barne
