December is coming to an end and soon we will be wishing everyone a Happy New Year. 

That is always a nice feeling: a fresh new start, a new beginning. 2020 has been a difficult year in many ways, but we now have 2021 to look forward to.  

While we wait, why not read some books about this holiday? Did you know celebrations vary around the world?

Every Month is a New Year: Celebrations Around the World by Marilyn Singer; illustrations by Susan L. Roth

ebook available from Overdrive.

In many places around the globe, the new year starts on January 1. But not everywhere! Chinese New Year is celebrated in January or February. Iranians observe Nowruz in March. For Thai people, Songkran occurs in April. Ethiopians greet the new year at Enkutatash in September. All these celebrations, and many others, have deep-rooted traditions and treasured customs. Every month of the year, somewhere in the world people celebrate with joy and good wishes for a happy new year.

Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas by Gail Piernas-Davenport

ebook available from Hoopla.

Shanté Keys loves New Year's Day! But while Grandma fixed chitlins, baked ham, greens, and cornbread, she forgot the black-eyed peas! Oh no, it'll be bad luck without them! So Shanté sets out to borrow some from the neighbors. Does Miss Lee have peas? What about Mr. MacGhee, or Shanté's good friend Hari? None of them do, but as Shanté discovers, they have fun foods and traditions for their New Year's! Now, if only Shanté can find good-luck peas in time for dinner!

Feliz New Year, Ava Gabriela by Alexandra Alessandri

ebook available from Overdrive.

Ava Gabriela is visiting her extended family in Colombia for the holidays. She's excited to take part in family traditions such as making bunuelos, but being around all her loud relatives in an unfamiliar place makes Ava shy and quiet. How will Ava find her voice before she misses out on all the New Year's fun?

How do you celebrate the arrival of the new year? Let us know in the comments section.

Be sure to check our catalog and Overdrive Kids eReading Room, for these titles and many more being added!