Weiwei’s Winter Solstice: A Dongzhì Story

K-Gr 3–Weiwei is dismayed to find there is snow outside during her first Dongzhì, winter solstice, in her new home. Until now, she had always celebrated in a warm, sunny climate, playing outside with cousins. As the family cooks their favorite holiday meal of traditional Dongzhì soup, Weiwei discovers the warmth that can come from within. Chang’s text is cozy and unselfconscious: “Steam billows from the kettle as Yeye kneads warm water and rice flour into a soft pillow of dough.” Even the smallest details feel very authentic: “Baba lowers the balls into a pot of sweet ginger broth. They float to the surface like rising suns.” Expertly rendered illustrations lean toward a cartoon style, but in spite of details and textures, feel a bit too clean. An ­engaging author’s note explains the holiday, and a recipe that Weiwei makes with her family is included.