The Nian Monster

Written by: Andrea Wang and Alina Chau

First line: Three days before Chinese New Year, Shanghai was alive with color and sound.

Why you should read this book: I adored this story of a very modern Chinese girl outwitting a very ancient Chinese monster that threatens to devour her and her city. I don't know why monsters in picture books always want to eat little kids, because in my experience little kids are pretty unsanitary, but little Xingling sees the danger and uses her knowledge of her culture and customs to trick the monster and banish it for another year. The illustrations are pretty and the end of the book includes some extra information on Chinese culture.

Why you shouldn't read this book: You'd really like to eat a child.