Purchase to Support Our Program

“Any young reader with older siblings will relate to Sunny’s struggle with her hand-me-down dress, and her creative solution demonstrates how individual expression can be compatible with family expectations and traditions . . . A charming story about honoring traditions while staying true to oneself.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“[A] book about finding a path toward being ‘both alike and different.'”

—Publishers Weekly

“This warm family story will resonate with youngest children everywhere, regardless of a particular holiday or season. Highly recommended.”

—School Library Journal

Sparkles for Sunny: A Lunar New Year Story

Written by Sylvia Chen
Illustrated by Thai My Phuong
Published by Flamingo Books

Lunar New Year is coming up, and Sunny is stuck wearing hand-me-downs to the party AGAIN.

The Lao family has four rules:
1. Make what you can yourself.
2. Get good deals.
3. Share extras with others.
4. Never waste anything.

…which means that every year for Lunar New Year, Sunny winds up wearing a hand-me-down qípáo from her sisters. Just once Sunny wants to wear something that’s so her and not so one of her sisters! Can Sunny uphold the Lao Family Way while also staying true to herself? Take a peek at this sweet and funny sister tale to find out!

Primary ISBN: 9780593694626
Publication Date: December 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.