Sam and the Lucky Money By Karen Chinn

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Review by Allison Martin

A sweet story, which combines a lesson about kindness and appreciation of good fortune, with cheerful images of the Asian New Year. Sam, a young Chinese American boy, receives four lucky dollars from his grandparents for Chinese New Year. Sam is very excited with his new treasure. This year he can spend his lucky money on anything he wishes, rather than on socks or a notebook as in past years. Shopping with his mother in the Chinese area of the city, Sam visits the toy store and the sumptuous Chinese bakery. Amid the enjoyment of the baked goods and New Year's Lion dancing on the street, a poor man who has no shoes catches his eye. Torn over what to spend his money on, in the end Sam chooses the path of generosity, giving his special money to the poor beggar. Soft colorful watercolors capture Sam's feelings and the excitement of the new year in a story parents and children will enjoy.

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