Worth Reading: Spotlighting Good Books for the Classroom

Book Spotlight: Two New Years By Richard Ho and illustrated by Lynn Scurfield‍

Book Review by Louise Puevas, FSWC Educator

Two New Years introduces and celebrates ‘new beginnings’ through two New Year events: Rosh Hashanah and the Lunar New Year. Readers learn the cultural significance of the spring and fall seasons - both seasons indicative of a time for growth and change. My favourite line from this book is: “They represent different peoples with different histories, cultures, and traditions. But in many ways they are also alike.”

The similar values and ideals allow the multicultural family in this story to blend and learn from each other. The story emphasizes that although the new year is a time for change and to celebrate growth, it is also a time to reflect on past mistakes, take time to remember those who have passed and to say goodbye to anything holding us back. Both New Years aim to encourage excitement for the upcoming prosperity and appreciation for loved ones around us.

The beautifully created illustrations by Lynn Scurfield invite readers to immerse themselves in the characters’ preparations for the two New Year events. The visuals will spike an appetite for readers as they display significant food items that are part of Rosh Hashanah and the Lunar New Year. The purposeful division of the pages, images, colour scheme and phrasing of Richard Ho’s words, creatively show readers the differences between the two cultures. Both however maintain the importance of togetherness, hope and spreading good wishes, family, growth and change.  

Ho provides a glimpse into his multicultural family environment, which is relatable for many readers across the globe.

I highly recommend reading the author's note at the end of the book to fully understand the challenges that exist when trying to embrace and practice two cultures. The customs and traditions important to the Jewish and Chinese cultures are unpacked in the section after the story, allowing students an opportunity to learn something new and to make connections with their own cultures and identities.

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