Sam and the Lucky Money

By Karen Chinn, Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu
Paperback: $11.95

During Chinese New Year, a young boy encounters a homeless person and discovers that no gift is too small when it comes from the heart.

Front cover for Sam y el dinero de la suerte by Karen Chinn and Cornelius Van Wright; Ying-Hwa Hu
This book is also available in Spanish
Sam y el dinero de la suerte
By Karen Chinn, Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu
Front cover for Sam and the Lucky Money by Karen Chinn and Cornelius Van Wright; Ying-Hwa Hu
This book is also available in Chinese
Sam and the Lucky Money
By Karen Chinn, Cornelius Van Wright, Ying-Hwa Hu

Description

Sam can hardly wait to go shopping with his mom. It’s Chinese New Year’s day and his grandparents have given him the traditional gift of lucky money-red envelopes called leisees (lay-sees). This year Sam is finally old enough to spend it any way he chooses. Best of all, he gets to spend his lucky money in his favorite place – Chinatown!

But when Sam realizes that his grandparents’ gift is not enough to get the things he wants, his excitement turns to disappointment. Even though his mother reminds him that he should appreciate the gift, Sam is not convinced – until a surprise encounter with a stranger.

With vivid watercolor paintings, artists Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu celebrate the sights and sounds of festive Chinatown streets. In her picture book debut, author Karen Chinn tells the affecting story of a child who discovers that sometimes the best gifts come from the heart.

About the Creators

Karen Chinn

Karen Chinn (1959-2003) was born in Seattle, Washington, and received a bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Washington. She lived in Seattle, WA with her husband and daughter. Sam and the Lucky Money was her first picture book.

Cornelius Van Wright

Cornelius Van Wright and his wife Ying-Hwa Hu have illustrated dozens of award-winning books. Their illustrations have been praised by Kirkus Reviews as “bright, detailed and dynamic, vividly depicting . . . characters’ facial features and personalities.” Van Wright, a native New Yorker, lives in New York City.

Ying-Hwa Hu headshot: She has short, straight, gray hair and wears glasses, pink lipstick, and a green and pink patterned shirt.
Ying-Hwa Hu

Ying-Hwa Hu and her husband Cornelius Van Wright have illustrated dozens of award-winning books. Their illustrations have been praised by Kirkus Reviews as “bright, detailed and dynamic, vividly depicting . . . characters’ facial features and personalities.” Hu, who was born in Taiwan, lives in New York City.

Awards

  • Notable Books for a Global Society

    International Literacy Association (ILA)

  • Best Children's Books of the Year Outstanding

    Bank Street College of Education

  • CCBC Choices

    Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)

  • Marion Vannett Ridgway Award Honor

    University of Minnesota Libraries

Reviews

  • "The traditional message that it is better to give than to receive is handled in a genuine, thoughtful manner that will be realistic to children. Detailed descriptions of the sights and sounds of the New Year celebration build in contrast to Sam's growing introspection, becoming even more dramatic and adding to the depth of the story."

    - School Library Journal
  • "A beautifully told story for all ages about the gift of giving."

    - Creative Classrooms
  • "The subtle blending of cultures in both the illustrations and text engross the reader. . . The artists' vibrant watercolors embellish this story, which reaches across ethnic boundaries to reaffirm a universal truth."

    - American Booksellers Association
  • "The landscape. . . is not made to appear exotic, but blends the mixture of Chinese and American mundanities that compose actual, modern Chinatown. [Author] Chinn. . . does not overtly moralize; instead, she provides a reconciliation between two difficult, and not necessarily disparate, childhood dilemmas."

    - AsianWeek

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781880000533
  • Publication Date Oct 20, 2013
  • Trim Size 10 × 8.5 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781880000137
  • Publication Date Oct 20, 2013
  • Trim Size N/A
  • Weight 0.4375 lbs
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / Holidays & Celebrations / Other, Non-Religious
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Social Themes / Homelessness & Poverty
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / People & Places / United States / Asian American
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Childhood Experiences and Memories, Empathy / Compassion, Families, Fiction, Friendship, Holidays / Traditions, Home, Realistic Fiction, Sharing & Giving, Social & Emotional Learning
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading N
  • ATOS Book Level 3.6
  • DRA 30
  • Lexile Code AD
  • Lexile Level 660
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • SRC 3.5
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
  • This Book is Included in These Collections:

    • 33
      Asian/Asian American English Collection Grades 3-5
      Collection of 33 books: $407.35

      Tashi and the Tibetan Flower Cure

      A Tibetan American girl helps her grandfather recover from an illness through the use of a traditional cure that focuses on friendship and compassion as partners in physical recovery.

      A Song for Cambodia

      The true story of Arn Chorn-Pond, Cambodian American musician and human rights activist, who as a young boy survived Khmer Rouge work camps by learning to play a musical instrument.

      Honda

      The life story of Soichiro Honda, pioneering Japanese businessman and innovative motorcycle and car manufacturer.

      Shanghai Messenger

      A story in verse of a biracial Chinese American girl's journey to self-discovery and love of family as she visits her extended family in Shanghai, China. For middle grade readers.

      The East-West House

      A biography of biracial sculptor/designer/landscape architect Isamu Noguchi, focusing on his childhood in Japan and the building of an "east-west" house that gave shape to his lifelong creative approach.

      Willie Wins

      In this heart-warming story, a boy gets beyond peer pressure and comes to appreciate the depth of his father's love. First-time author Almira Astudillo Gilles teams up with artist Carl Angel to create an inspiring and suspenseful story. Young readers will be cheering for Willie all the way.

      Vanishing Cultures: Mongolia

      This photo essay explores the life of Dawa and Olana, two young cousins who come from a family of nomads on the grassy plains of Mongolia.

      Vanishing Cultures: Himalaya

      In this series of seven books, photojournalist Jan Reynolds documents the distinctive cultures and climates of indigenous peoples.

      Flowers From Mariko

      One girl's love and determination lift the spirits of her family after they are finally allowed to leave the internment camp they were placed in during WWII.

      Life of a Genius

      A tribute to the spirited life of one of China's greatest literary and historical heroes--poet, scholar, and statesman Su Dongpo.

      The Crane Girl

      In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.

      Twenty-two Cents

      A biography of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who revolutionized global antipoverty efforts by developing the innovative economic concept of micro-lending.

      Jingu: The Hidden Princess

      In fourth-century Japan, a princess lives a life of loneliness and learning until she makes a secret friend, but her destiny forbids that they ever be more than friends.

      The Turtle Ship

      A young Korean boy named Sun-sin designs one of the greatest battleships in history and fulfills his dream of sailing the world.

      A Place Where Sunflowers Grow

      Bilingual English/Japanese. A young girl finds things to be joyful about in the Topaz Internment Camp.

      Caravan

      Through the story of ten-year-old Jura's first caravan trip with his father, Lawrence McKay, Jr. describes the adventures one boy experiences on the journey to young adulthood.

      Confucius: Great Teacher of China

      A beautifully illustrated biography of a man whose philosophy shaped the course of Chinese history: the great teacher Confucius.

      Baseball Saved Us: 25th Anniversary Edition

      Twenty-five years ago, Baseball Saved Us changed the picture-book landscape with its honest story of a Japanese American boy in an internment camp during World War II. This anniversary edition will introduce new readers to this modern-day classic.

      Cooper's Lesson

      A tender look at a biracial child's frustration, anger, and, finally, acceptance about being "half and half."

      Mama and Papa Have a Store

      A young girl describes what a typical day is like in her parents' Chinese store in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Recipient of a Pura Belpré Illustrator Award Honor in 2000.

      Shining Star

      The true story of Chinese American film star Anna May Wong, whose trail-blazing career in Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s broke new ground for future generations of Asian American actors.

      Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds

      The inspirational true story of Sammy Lee, a Korean American who overcame discrimination to realize both his father's desire that he become a doctor and his own dream of becoming an Olympic champion diver.

      Sam and the Lucky Money

      During Chinese New Year, a young boy encounters a homeless person and discovers that no gift is too small when it comes from the heart.

      Passage to Freedom

      The true story of Chiune Sugihara, the "Japanese Schindler," who, with his family's encouragement, saved thousands of Jews in Lithuania during World War II.

      Journey Home

      A biracial girl gains a new sense of identity when she travels to Vietnam with her mother.

      Heroes

      A Japanese American boy learns about heroism from his father and uncle who served in the U.S. Army.

      Goldfish and Chrysanthemums

      A Chinese American girl helps preserve her grandmother's childhood memories of China by creating a special garden for her in America.

      Diverse Energies

      A collection of dystopian short stories featuring diverse main characters and by authors of color.

      Dia's Story Cloth

      A Hmong American tells of her people's search for freedom.

      Aani and the Tree Huggers

      A village girl in India inspires the women around her to save their beloved forest.

      Cool Melons- Turn to Frogs!

      For hundreds of years, school children in Japan have been introduced to poetry through the work of Issa.

      Cycle of Rice, Cycle of Life

      A photographic exploration of the cycles of traditional Balinese rice farming, a dynamic model of earth-friendly agriculture that connects a unique culture with the natural world.

      Celebrate! Connections Among Cultures

      A photographic exploration comparing celebrations in seven indigenous world cultures and the United States, highlighting common rituals such as body decoration, music, and dance.

      2072 in stock

    • 48
      Realistic Fiction Collection Grades PreK-2
      Collection of 48 books: $580.60

      Home At Last

      A sympathetic tale of a mother-daughter bond and overcoming adversity, brought to life by the vivid illustrations of Felipe Davalos.

      Bringing Asha Home

      A biracial Asian Indian American boy finds his own special way to bond with his sister while the family awaits her adoption from India.

      The Blue Roses

      A modern-day Native American girl learns to understand the cycle of life after her grandfather dies.

      Janna and the Kings

      Saturdays are special for Janna. That's when she and Granddaddy spend the whole day together.

      The Happiest Tree

      Meena is excited about the class play, a new and improved version of Red Riding Hood.

      Sam and the Lucky Money

      During Chinese New Year, a young boy encounters a homeless person and discovers that no gift is too small when it comes from the heart.

      Seaside Dream

      In this tender story of immigration, a young girl finds a way to give her grandmother the perfect present and the courage to plan a trip to her home country, Cape Verde.

      First Come the Zebra

      The story of two young Kenyan boys, one Maasai and one Kikuyu, who find a way to overcome their traditional rivalries and become friends.

      The Birthday Swap

      A Mexican American girl looks for the perfect birthday gift for her sister and ends up with a big surprise of her own.

      Estela's Swap

      A Mexican American girl learns to value the act of giving when she attends her first swap meet.

      Abuela's Weave

      This touching story of personal growth and family pride is illustrated with authentic Guatemalan scenery that gives life to the country's radiant landscape and bustling city streets.

      Where On Earth is My Bagel?

      A young Korean boy gets a craving for a New York bagel and goes on a journey to fulfill his hunger.

      Destiny's Gift

      Destiny loves words, and her favorite place in the world is Mrs. Wade's bookstore, where words abound.

      Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji

      Overflowing with family, food, and a tall stack of fun, Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji is sure to warm the heart and tickle the tummy. A fun way for children to learn about the cultural traditions and foods of India to be enjoyed by the whole family.

      Music Time (Confetti Kids #4)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, Henry tries to find a place where he can practice his drums without disturbing his mom.

      Block Party (Confetti Kids #3)

      In this early chapter book in the popular Confetti Kids series, the neighborhood is having a block party and Padma worries that her friends won't like her mom's lentil soup.

      Sparkle Boy

      Young Casey loves sparkly things, just like his older sister, who does not approve until an encounter with teasing bullies helps her learn to accept and respect Casey for who he is.

      The Hula-Hoopin' Queen

      A spunky African American girl has a hula-hooping competition with her friends in Harlem, and soon everyone in the neighborhood--young and old alike--joins in on the fun.

      Drummer Boy of John John

      The perfect book for aspiring young drummers, where a young boy in Trinidad discovers he can create tunes on discarded metal tins, and goes on to win the Carnival band competition.

      When Aidan Became a Brother

      This sweet and groundbreaking picture book, winner of the 2020 Stonewall Book Award, celebrates the changes in a transgender boy's life, from his initial coming-out to becoming a big brother.

      No Mush Today

      The sweet story a young girl who rebels against eating mushy cereal for breakfast every day by leaving her parents and baby brother to spend the day with her grandmother, then realizes home isn't so bad after all.

      A Morning with Grandpa

      In this sweet, slice-of-life story, a curious and active Asian American girl spends the day learning tai chi from her grandfather, and in turn tries to teach him how to do yoga.