Lunar New Year Storytime with Author Pat Tanumihardja

Join us for a special author storytime to celebrate Lunar New Year! Pat Tanumihardja will treat us to a dynamic reading of her new picture book, , illustrated by Bonnie Lui. This joyous story of friendship, teamwork, and forgiveness whisks listeners 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. The storytime is targeted at ages 3-8 but all ages are welcome.

Following the storytime, Pat will share a sweet treat of pineapple tarts and lead children in a themed craft before staying to sign copies of her book.

About the Book:

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.

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.

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Host or Publisher Old Town Books