See below for a book giveaway!
I recently met with Pauline Kimsoung of Chelmsford, who has just published her first book, a children's book called My Cambodian-American New Year: A Celebration of Love and Traditions, illustrated by Nguyen Phuong Quynh. My Cambodian-American New Year is available at lala books in Lowell, the Silver Unicorn Bookstore in Acton, at the Little Bee Bookshop in Ayer, and also online, at Pauline's website, Sweet Durian Stories. Follow her on Instagram at @sweetdurianstories or on Facebook.
My Cambodian-American New Year is a beautifully-illustrated story of two New Year's celebrations -- an American New Year's celebration on December 31st at Yeay's (Grandma's) house with an Asian dinner and strawberry shortcake, Grandma's favorite cake, to celebrate her birthday on January 1. They share good memories and play a traditional Cambodian dice game. On April 13th, they celebrate Cambodian New Year by preparing traditional foods, cleaning their home, and placing flowers and food at the family altar. They also bring meals in beautifully-decorated food carriers to the monks at their Buddhist temple, where they attend a service, honor their ancestors, and receive blessings. Back home, they prepare a feast of Cambodian dishes, including stir-fried noodles, spicy beef soup, and steamed banana rice cakes.
Barbara: What inspired you to write your book?
Pauline: It all started during COVID. I was looking for books to give to my daughter’s teachers, and I wanted something that reflected our culture. I felt there was a need for books that represented Asian communities, particularly Cambodian Americans, but I couldn’t find much out there, especially for children. The books I found were mostly text-heavy and not really suitable for kids. I wanted something that talked about our celebrations, how we came to America, and how we blended our cultures. I felt it was important to have characters that looked like us and stories that reflect our experiences. It took me about four years to put it all together.
Barbara: Your book features your Yeay, your grandma. Was she part of the process?
Pauline: She knew I was writing, and she told me, "Go ahead and do it. Just do it!" because I was struggling with my self-confidence. She passed away last October. I dedicated the book to her as well as my family because she was such an important part of my life.
Barbara: Can you tell me a bit about your family's history?
Pauline: My parents moved from Cambodia to the US as young adults and were introduced here in Lowell by a family friend. They married and tried to adjust to the way of life here; it's definitely different! My dad worked at a Marriott hotel and then became a phlebotomist and lab technician. We're part of a strong Cambodian community. We celebrate traditional Cambodian holidays such as Cambodian New Years, Cambodian Independence Day on November 9, and Pchom Ben Day, when we celebrate our ancestors, like the Day of the Dead.
Barbara: How did you go about publishing your book?
Pauline: I self-published, which was quite an eye-opener. I thought writing a book was just about writing and publishing, but it has turned into a small business. I have to handle marketing, sales, packaging, and shipping all by myself. I printed 300 copies to start, just to see how they would sell. They’re available in local bookstores like Lala Books in Lowell, Silver Unicorn Books in Acton, and the Little Bee Bookshop in Ayer. Social media has also been a big part of getting the word out.
Barbara: Writing and publishing a book is an amazing accomplishment! Did you have support?
Pauline: I learned a lot from other children's authors, like Tracy Guan, who wrote Lunchtime with Samnang. She really helped me with the whole process of self-publishing. I joined an online community for authors too and learned so much from them. They gave me helpful input on my story drafts and the illustrations.
Barbara: What are your plans for future projects?
Pauline: I have so many ideas! I teach computer science, and I've noticed there aren't many children's books on the subject, especially ones that are fun and engaging. I’m thinking about a book that introduces algorithms through cooking a Cambodian dish, like egg rolls. It’s all about making these concepts accessible and relatable for kids. I'm also hoping to continue sharing stories that celebrate Cambodian culture and how Cambodian-American families have blended their traditions.
Would you like to share My Cambodian-American New Year with your family? We're giving away a copy! Fill out the form below to enter the giveaway, and please comment on and share our social media posts! One winner will be chosen on Wednesday, August 7. Or pick up your copy today at lala books, the Silver Unicorn Bookstore, the Little Bee Bookshop, or at Sweet Durian Stories!
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE OF ANY KIND WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING. ODDS OF WINNING WILL DEPEND ON THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ENTRIES RECEIVED. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. DO NOT ENTER THIS SWEEPSTAKES IF YOU ARE NOT EIGHTEEN (18) YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER AS OF July 31, 2024 AND A LEGAL RESIDENT OF AND CURRENTLY RESIDING IN ONE OF THE FIFTY (50) UNITED STATES OR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. MUST BE A MACARONI KID SUBSCRIBER TO WIN. CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RULES.
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