Ginger and Chrysanthemum

This charming chapter book introduces Ginger, who is excitable and spontaneous, and her cousin Chrysanthemum, who is calm and methodical. Tasked with planning Grandma's birthday, from presents and decorations to baking a special cake, their contrasting personalities initially create challenges. The story beautifully incorporates elements of Asian American culture, including the Chinese belief in warm and cool food characteristics, to illustrate how achieving balance leads to positive outcomes. It's a sweet narrative about family love, collaboration, and appreciating individual differences, perfect for sparking conversations about teamwork and cultural traditions.

"A sweet story spiced with cultural humor and life lessons." —Kirkus Reviews "A perennial message." —Publishers Weekly "Incorporating the Chinese belief that foods have warm and cool characteristics, Giang's story artfully demonstrates how achieving balance results in positive outcomes." —Booklist Two very different cousins must work together to save the day for Grandma's birthday! A gorgeous glimpse of Asian American culture in a story all kids will love. Ginger is excitable; she leaps into action, throwing herself headfirst into any project. Chrysanthemum is cooler-headed; she likes to plan, she's organized. She makes lists Yet they are cousins, close as two beans in a pod. Planning Grandma's birthday celebration is going to be a huge challenge. There are presents to buy, decorations to pick, and a special birthday cake to bake. How they manage it is a testament to affection being stronger than differences.