Monkey’s Sweet Surprise: A Lunar New Year Mix-Up

Description

Award-worthy charm for Lunar New Year—brimming with friendship, food, and festive fun!

Monkey’s Sweet Surprise: A Lunar New Year Mix-Up, written by Patricia Tanumihardja and illustrated by Bonnie Lui, whisks readers into the bustling preparations for the Jade Empress’s grand banquet, where a lively cast of zodiac animals—including Mouse Deer from the Malay zodiac and Cat from the Vietnamese and Gurung zodiacs—are hard at work on their favorite celebratory dishes.

Determined to redeem himself after last year’s kooky kitchen catastrophe, Monkey vows to make the Empress’s favorite treat: golden, melt-in-your-mouth pineapple tarts. But as he dashes between chopping, stirring, and mixing, he can’t help lending a hand to friends in need. Soon, Monkey discovers that the sweetest surprises aren’t always the ones you bake—they’re the friendships you grow along the way.

Set in a whimsical world inspired by Southeast Asian zodiac traditions, this warm, funny picture book celebrates the magic of Lunar New Year through Patricia Tanumihardja’s playful, food-infused storytelling and Bonnie Lui’s vibrant, detail-rich illustrations.

Perfect for ages 4–8, Monkey’s Sweet Surprise is ideal for storytime, classroom read-alouds, or Lunar New Year celebrations. It’s a joyous tale that invites children to embrace teamwork, forgive mistakes, and savor the traditions that bring communities together.

★ Advance Praise for Monkey’s Sweet Surprise

“Friendship and forgiveness are the essential ingredients of this deliciously original and truly sweet entry in the rich tradition of Asian zodiac tales.”
—Richard Ho, author of Two New Years and Year of the Cat

“Monkey’s Sweet Surprise is a fun twist on the Lunar New Year tales. A story about delicious foods, community, kindness and lifting up one another. A great addition to your Lunar New Year reads!”
—Benson Shum, author of Anzu the Great Kaiju

Why This Lunar New Year Picture Book Belongs on Your Shelf

More than just a holiday story, Monkey’s Sweet Surprise is a heartfelt celebration of culture, community, and culinary delight. Inspired by Vietnamese, Gurung, and Malay zodiac traditions, it introduces young readers to a rich tapestry of folklore while exploring timeless themes of kindness, cooperation, and second chances.

Bonnie Lui’s colorful, detail-rich illustrations fill each page with warmth and whimsy, making the festive preparations and bustling banquet hall feel alive. Patricia Tanumihardja’s playful, food-infused storytelling pairs perfectly with Lui’s art, creating a book that children will want to return to year after year.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or librarian, this book is an engaging way to spark curiosity about cultural traditions, start conversations about teamwork, and add a dash of sweetness to your read-aloud collection.

About the Author

Patricia (Pat) Tanumihardja grew up a third culture kid, forever curious about the world and her place in it. Born in Jakarta and raised in Singapore by Indonesian Chinese parents, Pat developed a deep appreciation for both delicious foods and good books. Her writing—whether for children’s picture books or cookbooks—blends culture, cuisine, and heart, often echoing her own lived experiences. Her debut children’s book Ramen for Everyone was a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection, followed by Jimmy’s Shoes and The Sugar Plum Bakers. Today, Pat writes from her home in Northern Virginia, where she lives with her husband and son—and is always happy to share a favorite recipe.

About the Illustrator

Bonnie Lui is an illustrator and storyteller whose work spans books, games, and television. She brings her playful, inviting style to picture books such as ABC of Feelings, and has worked as a background painter for studios like DreamWorks and Warner Bros. Animation, with credits including Tiny Toons Looniversity. Beyond her professional work, Bonnie enjoys playing the ukulele and piano, indulging her love of cats, and creating art that sparks joy for all ages. She lives in Los Angeles, California.