Moy Moy

Moy Moy tells the story of a Chinese New Year celebration in Los Angeles' Chinatown through the perspective of a young girl. The book follows her experiences during the festivities and preparations. The narrative incorporates authentic cultural elements, from traditional decorations and foods to the role of fireworks and the meaning behind various customs. Details about Chinese folklore, particularly regarding the Kitchen God, are woven into the storyline. The illustrations capture the vibrant atmosphere of Chinatown and its community during this important holiday. The artwork emphasizes the bold colors and distinctive architecture of the neighborhood. Through its child's-eye view of cultural traditions, the book explores themes of family bonds, cultural identity, and the preservation of heritage in an American context. The story serves as a window into how immigrant communities maintain connections to their roots while creating new traditions.

Readers appreciate the authentic portrayal of Mexican Christmas traditions and celebrations in Los Angeles' Olvera Street. Parents and educators highlight the book's cultural representation and its value for teaching children about Mexican-American customs. Readers commend Politi's detailed illustrations that bring the festivities to life. Several reviews note the book helps preserve historical snapshots of 1930s Los Angeles. Some readers find the text dated, particularly certain word choices and character depictions that reflect the era when it was written. A few mention the plot is thin compared to modern children's books. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.2/5 (31 ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (4 ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (6 ratings) "Beautiful illustrations that capture the spirit of old Los Angeles" - Goodreads reviewer "Important historical document of Mexican-American life" - LibraryThing review "The artwork outshines the simple story" - Amazon review

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto A girl's fear of losing her mother's ring during a Christmas tamale-making tradition leads to a family gathering filled with Mexican-American customs and culture.

Abuela by Arthur Dorros A young girl and her grandmother float over New York City while sharing their cultural heritage through Spanish words and family memories.

The Spirit of Tío Fernando by Janice Levy A Mexican boy learns the meaning of Día de los Muertos as he helps his family prepare an altar for his beloved uncle.

Dancing Miranda by Diana de Anda A young girl connects with her Mexican heritage through traditional folk dancing at her neighborhood cultural center.

Uncle Rain Cloud by Tony Johnston A Spanish-speaking uncle helps his nephew bridge two cultures while learning English in their new American home.

🌟 Author Leo Politi was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1950 for his book "Song of the Swallows," making him one of the first Hispanic Americans to receive this prestigious award. 🎨 "Moy Moy" tells the story of Chinese New Year celebrations in Los Angeles' Chinatown, based on Politi's real-life observations while living in the neighborhood during the 1930s. 🏮 The book's title character, Moy Moy, was inspired by a real little Chinese girl whom Politi often saw playing in the streets of Chinatown. 📚 Politi wrote and illustrated over 20 children's books celebrating the diverse cultural heritage of Los Angeles, with "Moy Moy" being one of his earliest works published in 1960. 🌺 The detailed watercolor illustrations in "Moy Moy" showcase traditional Chinese customs, clothing, and decorations with such accuracy that the book is often used as a cultural resource in schools.