Why We Eat Fried Peanuts: A Celebration of Family and Lunar New Year Traditions

Celebrate Lunar New Year through a story of ancestral bravery while learning about Chinese history, language, and food.

Join Meng, a Chinese American girl, as she prepares for the Lunar New Year festivities with her family and discovers the significance of ancestral stories and the history behind the Mandarin language and traditional foods eaten during the holiday. 

Meng’s father shares with her the family story of tai nai nai, Meng’s great-grandmother and a very important ancestor for the family. Tai nai nai’s brave act of courage many years ago inspired generations after and teaches valuable lessons that every child can learn from today. 

Along the way, see how food plays an important role in the festivities and why one food—peanuts—is an important snack. The simple recipe for fried peanuts at the end of the story provides a fun, easy way to include the Lunar New Year in your annually celebrated holidays.

Through the tale of tai nai nai, you will also learn significant moments in Chinese history and how to say a few words in Mandarin, such as:

• – great-grandmother
•   – warm-hearted
•   – story
•   – child 
•  – mother
•  and more!

Rich with vibrant and joyful illustrations, Why We Eat Fried Peanuts honors the concept of ancestry, a pillar of Chinese culture that is remembered during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Through this engaging story, discover the rich history and culture of the Lunar New Year and learn how to apply the values of strength and courage all year round.