Maisy's Chinese New Year: A Maisy First Experiences Book

Maisy's First Experiences

by Lucy Cousins

Join Maisy and friends in a joyful celebration of Chinese New Year.

Tomorrow is Chinese New Year, and Maisy’s friend Tiger is coming home for the occasion. Hooray! Tiger has brought some beautiful gifts, some with a special symbol that means good luck. Maisy has asked all her friends to her house to celebrate with a delicious feast, and Penguin and Ostrich are handing out lucky red packets with money inside. Now it’s time for Tiger to tell the story of Chinese New Year, while everyone stays up late for fireworks. But the best is to come on New Year’s Day, when Maisy and all her friends take part in a dragon dance! Vivid with red and gold, this First Experiences book—featuring a simple visual glossary of common Chinese New Year’s objects—will be a favorite of little ones new to the tradition as well as those for whom it’s a beloved event.

Genres: Picture Books, Holiday, Childrens, Animals, Storytime, Asian Literature, Fiction

32 pages, Paperback

Published January 18, 2022

About the author

Lucy Cousins, BA Honours in Graphic Design from The Faculty of Arts and Architecture, Brighton Polytechnic, postgraduate degree from Royal College of Art, is an author-illustrator of children's books. She is best known for her books featuring Maisy Mouse but she has also published other children's books including one about Noah's Ark. She is a mother of four and lives in Hampshire, England. Her own children are the inspiration for her books whose age range is 2-8.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am 21 years old, and this book taught me about the chinese zodiac. these things are important. representation matters.

[Panda Incognito · Rating 3 out of 5]

This bright, colorful book introduces children to Lunar New Year traditions. It makes the holiday seem very fun and exciting, and clearly defines unfamilar vocabulary.

It's useful that since Maisy is a mouse, no one can credibly accuse her of cultural appropriation. However, given that her stuffed animal is a panda, I was somewhat surprised that he was just a prop in this book, and that there wasn't any acknowledgement of the connection with China there.

[Linda (bythebellbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The story follows Maisy and her friends as they prepare for Chinese New Year—decorating, preparing food, dressing up, and enjoying a dragon parade. It’s a wonderful way to teach kids about cultural traditions in an easy-to-understand and engaging way.

With its bright, cheerful illustrations and simple language, it’s ideal for little readers just starting to learn English.

One feature I loved in this book is the “Can you find?” activity on the last page, where kids can search for Chinese New Year-themed items throughout the book. This interactive element makes it great for keeping young readers engaged.

Parents and teachers can:
🦔 Read it aloud to introduce Chinese New Year traditions.
🦔Use the illustrations to expand vocabulary by discussing colors, animals, and festive items.
🦔 Ask questions about what’s happening on each page to encourage language development and comprehension.
🦔 Incorporate the “Can you find?” activity as a fun classroom or family challenge.

[Sarah Alamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

We're so proud of you for reading this wonderful book! You learned that celebrating with friends and family makes special days even more joyful. Maisy showed us how sharing traditions—like giving lucky red packets and enjoying feasts together—brings everyone closer. You can use this idea by inviting friends to celebrate your special days too, just like Maisy did! Learning about different celebrations helps us understand and appreciate others better. Keep reading, sweetheart—you're doing amazing!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a simple, quick introduction into Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) and how some people celebrate it with Maisy and her animal friends. These colorful pages give a concise idea in a way that preschoolers can comprehend. While there is not much excitement here for the adults doing the reading aloud, little ones will enjoy pointing to the vibrant, simple objects on the pages. When using this for a storytime about lunar new year, I might prefer a book with human characters.

[Adriana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Tiger teaches Maisy and her friends about Chinese New Year. Search for all the items listed on the last page of the book!

Highlights: Lots of items to point out and name. Simple explanations of Chinese New Year festivities.

Lowlights: It's confusing when Maisy's friends arrive and welcome Tiger when she's already there.

[Tera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was simple and well-flowing to introduce kids to Lunar New Year. Even though it is a popular character, and sometimes I like to use lesser known books, this was a good book for my storytime.

[TJE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still loves Maisy's books. Don't think this was a favorite but would be fun to read around Chinese New Year (end of winter).

[Hanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute drawings but I didn't like seeing the American snack cakes in the banquet.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was adorable. Very colorful and good for kids, although there was nothing covered in depth about the holiday.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, happy, and colorful introduction to a Chinese New Year celebration. This would make a nice read-aloud for a mixed audience of young listeners who may or may not be familiar with the holiday.

Veg*n parents note: A whole fish is shown on a plate at the family's table.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Toddlers and preschoolers will learn all about the Lunar New year when Maisy, and all her friends celebrate the Lunar New Year. This bright colorful book introduces several holiday customs in a simple story that is perfect for little children.

[Emily Carlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Maisy books. Short and sweet - a good explanation for Chinese New Year.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great introduction for little ones to the Chinese New Year.

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple introduction to the Chinese New Year.
This will work great for storytime.

[Y.Poston]

adorable exploration of Chinese New Year
for kids

[KaitandMaddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A easy intro to the zodiac and to Lunar New Year celebrations.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good preschool and up picture book about Maisy and her friends learning about and celebrating Chinese New Year.

[Lisa D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple introduction to Chinese New Year. Rated lower because the illustrations are too bright and garish for me and my inner child - it overstimulates us.

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maisy spends Chinese New Year with her friends.

[Opetoritse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple and fun introduction to Chinese New Year for little ones.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

The students liked it.