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“The traditional message that it is better to give than to receive is handled in a genuine, thoughtful manner that will be realistic to children. Detailed descriptions of the sights and sounds of the New Year celebration build in contrast to Sam’s growing introspection, becoming even more dramatic and adding to the depth of the story.”

—School Library Journal

“The subtle blending of cultures in both the illustrations and text engross the reader. . . The artists’ vibrant watercolors embellish this story, which reaches across ethnic boundaries to reaffirm a universal truth.”

—American Booksellers Association

“The landscape. . . is not made to appear exotic, but blends the mixture of Chinese and American mundanities that compose actual, modern Chinatown. [Author] Chinn. . . does not overtly moralize; instead, she provides a reconciliation between two difficult, and not necessarily disparate, childhood dilemmas.”

—AsianWeek

Sam and the Lucky Money

Written by Karen Chinn
Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu
Published by Lee & Low Books

Sam can hardly wait to go shopping with his mom. It’s Chinese New Year’s day and his grandparents have given him the traditional gift of lucky money-red envelopes called leisees (lay-sees). This year Sam is finally old enough to spend it any way he chooses. Best of all, he gets to spend his lucky money in his favorite place – Chinatown!

But when Sam realizes that his grandparents’ gift is not enough to get the things he wants, his excitement turns to disappointment. Even though his mother reminds him that he should appreciate the gift, Sam is not convinced – until a surprise encounter with a stranger.

With vivid watercolor paintings, artists Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu celebrate the sights and sounds of festive Chinatown streets. In her picture book debut, author Karen Chinn tells the affecting story of a child who discovers that sometimes the best gifts come from the heart.

Look for the Chinese version, Sam and the Lucky Money (Chinese Edition).

Look for the Spanish version, Sam y el Dinero de la Suerte.

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: October 2013
Available As: Paperback
Picture Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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Source: Lee & Low Books