Surf Soup® Tangyuan

A heartwarming, culturally rich picture book celebrating family, Toisanese heritage, and the magic of the Winter Solstice.In Surf Soup® Tangyuan: A Winter Solstice Soup Story, author Donna Kay Lau invites young readers into the warm, bustling kitchen of Little Donna and her family. Together, they are preparing Tangyuan-affectionately called Tong Yoon in their native Toisanese dialect. More than just a delicious sweet treat, these colorful, hand-rolled glutinous rice balls are a profound symbol of family unity, harmony, and renewal.As the winter chill sets in, three generations come together to preserve their heritage. Through intergenerational storytelling and delightful sing-along musical elements, Little Donna learns that traditions don’t have to be perfect to be beautiful. When some of the rice balls turn out lumpy or misshapen, her family embraces the flaws, turning a kitchen mishap into a lesson about self-acceptance, belonging, and unconditional love.Part of the acclaimed Surf Soup®: Asian Adventures series, this vibrant picture book beautifully weaves together food, music, and diaspora culture. It serves as an essential mirror for children of Asian descent and a welcoming window for all readers looking to explore global traditions.Educational & Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Themes:Multicultural Awareness: Introduces children to the Winter Solstice (Dongzhi Festival) and the distinct linguistic nuances of the Toisanese dialect.Social-Emotional Learning: Explores themes of self-worth, embracing imperfections, and finding comfort in community and family.Intergenerational Bonds: Highlights the vital role grandparents and elders play in passing down oral histories and cultural pride.Interactive Reading: Features engaging rhythmic and musical elements perfect for read-aloud sessions and classroom sing-alongs.Beautifully illustrated and deeply moving, Surf Soup® Tangyuan is an invaluable addition to elementary classrooms, school libraries, public library diverse book collections, and cozy family bookshelves.