Roses Sing on New Snow

Joan Buchanan is a writer, storyteller and instructor and author of
Taking Care of My Cold.

Children and adults will enjoy this simple but rich picture book. The
story is set in turn-of-the-century Chinatown in the “New World.”
Maylin cooks exquisite food in her father’s restaurant, but she
doesn’t get the credit. Her father pretends that her fat, lazy
brothers are the great chefs. One day, the governor of South China comes
to town, and Maylin contributes a culinary masterpiece, Roses Sing On
New Snow, to the banquet held in his honor. Her brothers find themselves
in trouble when they cannot re-create the new dish for the governor.

Yee writes poetically, suggesting much with few words. The language is
honest and rhythmical. Chan’s watercolors are also excellent, rich in
detailed authenticity. His illustrations capture the mood and the
characters subtly. The book design is notably superb: text and pictures
flow as one unit.

This heart-warming tale, beautifully illustrated, is a must for any
library.