New Book: The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale

The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale by Ying Chang Compestine is a new book which celebrates the Chinese New Year which falls on February 3rd in 2011. The original story borrows elements from Jack and the Beanstalk and The Gingerbread Man with several twists and final message about the joy of generosity.

Book description from the publisher:

When a boy goes to the market to buy food and comes home with an old wok instead, his parents wonder what theyÕll eat for dinner. But then the wok rolls out of the poor family's house with a skippity-hoppity-ho! and returns from the rich man's home with a feast in tow!

I didn't want to save this one for February 3rd for then it would be too late to really use the story for the holiday. The bright and colorful illustrations are fun. It has been well-reviewed so far, so it sounds like a great way to discuss the holiday with the children in your life.