Vivid colors and exquisite embroidery set the stage for a book that combines counting with an introduction to Tet, the Vietnamese New Year celebration. As the numbers ascend from one to ten, mouse characters demonstrate holiday traditions including party planning, feast preparation, gift-giving, and fireworks displays. The concise descriptions on each page (“1 mouse plans a party. / 2 mice go to market. / 3 mice paint and polish.”) are well suited to sharing with young children, while a four-page afterword provides a more detailed account of the holiday and its traditional activities and includes pronunciation help for the Vietnamese words. The jacket flap provides a fascinating explanation of the collaborative process between a children’s book artist and an embroiderer to create the book’s distinctive illustrations. (Ages 4–9)

It's time for Tet! This vibrant, unique counting book introduces children to the rich traditions of the Vietnamese New Year. A playful village of mice lead young readers through the joyful celebration, as exquisitely embroidered illustrations recreate ten scenes of preparation, gift giving, feasting, and firework displays. With simple text followed by an informative afterword, Ten Mice for Tet is a joyful tribute to a special holiday.

Honors for Ten Mice for Tet!:
2004 CCBC (Cooperative Children's Book Center) Choices selection
Kirkus Reviews starred review
2004 Notable Books for a Global Society