WEIWEI'S WINTER SOLSTICE

A young girl and her family unpack their feelings about a recent move with the help of a familiar holiday.

Weiwei wakes to an unusually cold Dōngzhì, a Chinese festival that marks the winter solstice. Soft blurred lines and deftly blended cool colors portray the dissatisfied Weiwei wrapped in a blanket as snowy hills loom outside her window. It’s a vast contrast from how she spent the holiday last year, and as she reminisces about her old home, readers see glowing scenes of Weiwei romping amid palm trees as she chases hummingbirds. Now, “it’s too cold for a screen on the door.” But with some prodding from Yeye (Grandfather), the family bundles up for a wintry stroll outside, where they see signs of hope springing eternal. Brushes and splatters of colors add to the overall coziness as Weiwei enjoys the scenery and excitedly spots “méihuā, plum blossoms!” Back home, the family prepares tāng yuán. Chan’s gentle, sensory-rich narrative describes Weiwei and her family kneading black sesame, rice flour, and other ingredients into a “pillow of dough,” which is then served in a ginger broth. After honoring the ancestors, Yeye, who emigrated from China to the United States years ago, delicately acknowledges the struggles of moving, helping Weiwei realize the potential for making memories in her new home surrounded by family.

A delectable celebration that will warm readers from the inside out.