“A Big Mooncake for Little Star” - Grace Lin

Sinophobia and racism toward East Asian (but specifically Chinese) people sharply increased the number of hate crimes perpetrated against members of these communities since Covid-19 overtook our lives. Racism towards people of Asian origin must be condemned. The stoking of the flames of hatred toward these groups is reminiscent of the old days of the so-called “Yellow Peril” and the mistreatment of Japanese Americans during WWII. It was not acceptable then, and it is certainly not acceptable now.

My children attend a school where the second language taught is Mandarin. I can’t help them at all with their Mandarin homework, but it thrills me that they are learning Mandarin as well as a great deal about the Chinese culture. My middle son was selected to participate in his school’s big parade for the Lunar New Year. He had fittings for his traditional outfit, has been practicing his greetings, and he is so beyond excited. This year, he gets to walk behind the dragon, but he’s hopeful that maybe one year, he’ll get to be the dragon!

In honor of Lunar New Year 🧧 (February 12), but also as a plea to diversify our children’s bookshelves so that they’ll always respect the humanity in one another and not fall prey to hatred, I recommend this warm and loving fable that highlights the relationship between a mother and daughter, as well as teaches littles about the phases of the moon. This one is a joy to read out loud at bedtime, and the illustrations beg you to pore over each page. 

N.B. Lin was inspired by the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival when she wrote this tale.

Recommended: ages 3-5