Book Description
for Mixed-Up Mooncakes by Christina Matula, Tracy Subisak, and Erica Lyons
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
Biracial Ruby (Asian/white) is excited to celebrate two harvest festivals simultaneously with her family. She works to prepare for the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival with her grandmother, Nainai. With her grandfather, Zayde, Ruby gets ready for the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. Ruby is full of gratitude and quick to recognize the symbolism in the food and decorations, yet she also wants to find a meaningful way to connect the celebrations. With the help of her Chinese grandmother and Jewish grandfather, Ruby combines recipes to present a batch of “mixed-up mooncakes” for dessert under the sukkah. Digital artwork made from illustrations using Chinese brush, sumi ink, Japanese watercolors, and pastels bring warmth and intention to this bicultural family holiday story. Notes from the authors and illustrator follow the text, plus additional information about the festivals and Ruby’s special recipe.
CCBC Choices 2025. © Cooperative Children's Book Center, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison, 2025. Used with permission.