Lunar New Year falls on February 17th, 2026 this year, and The Tray of Togetherness, written & illustrated by Flo Leung, is the perfect celebratory read for the whole family.
A little girl and her family bundle up and head to the market, filling a special round tray with lucky treats and hidden New Year wishes. Eight sections mean eight chances to “pick a treat, make a wish”—because eight is extra lucky! With every bite & share, kids will enjoy a family celebrating together, spreading warmth and happiness to friends & neighbours along the way.
some of the tasty tray treasures include:
- Watermelon seeds for a big, bustling family.
- Winter melon for good health.
- Coconut for strong family ties.
- Lotus root for abundance year after year.
- Kumquats for wealth.
- Tangerines that shine like little pieces of gold.
But every tray is different! Some may include pistachios, various types of watermelon seeds, and other nibbles. After reading, kids may even be inspired to create their own! Pile on favourite fruits, crunchy snacks, and more, and let them proclaim their own wishes for the year ahead. It’s a fun way to explore Lunar New Year traditions while celebrating what matters most: sharing with the people you love.
Click here to learn about Chloe’s Lunar New Year, another great read!
Fun Facts About Lunar New Year
- Lunar New Year kicks off the first days of spring on the Lunar calendar, a fresh start full of energy and celebration.
- In addition to trays, families across cultures share symbolic foods like whole fish for abundance, dumplings shaped like gold ingots for wealth, long noodles for longevity in Chinese traditions, and Vietnamese dishes such as bánh chưng or bánh tét (sticky rice cakes).
- You may spot a red envelope! Many cultures gift them as red is considered lucky and thought to protect against misfortune.
- 2026 is the Year of the Horse. Other Years of the Horse include 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014.
- Each year pairs an animal with one of the five elements. This year is the Fire Horse, galloping in with extra energy!
- Fire Horses are all about bold moves and big adventures. Horses bring speed and freedom, while the fire element turns up the excitement. Fun mantras to try with the family may include: “Gallop toward big dreams!” or “Let’s spark some family fun!”