Monkey’s Sweet Surprise: A Lunar New Year Mix-Up, written by Patricia Tanumihardja with illustrations by Bonnie Lui, is a Lunar New Year-themed picture book highlighting holiday traditions and special treats.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Patricia Tanumihardja in exchange for my honest review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Patricia Tanumihardja
Patricia Tanumihardja was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and grew up in Singapore before moving to the United States for college. She is now based in Northern Virginia with her family.
As a food writer, Patricia focuses on topics related to food history and culture. Her work has been featured in Edible Seattle, Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center, Saveur, and more.
Patricia is the author of the following cookbooks: The Asian Grandmothers’ Cookbook, Farm to Table Asian Secrets, Asian Pickles at Home, Mortar & Pestle, and Instant Pot Asian Pressure Cooker Meals. She is also the author of the following children’s books: Jimmy’s Shoes, The Sugar Plum Bakers, and Ramen for Everyone.
Bonnie Lui
Bonnie Lui is an illustrator, storyteller, and cat enthusiast. She is the author-illustrator of ABC of Feelings and illustrator of The Sugar Plum Bakers.
Her work can also be found in books, games, and television. She is currently based in Los Angeles with her family.
Monkey’s Sweet Surprise
Monkey’s Sweet Surprise shares a memorable adventure inspired by Vietnamese, Gurung, and Malay Zodiac traditions using large, easy to follow print.
Monkey and his fellow Zodiac friends are working hard to prepare treats for the Jade Empress’s banquet. Using teamwork and a bit of forgiveness, they are able to overcome a few obstacles to celebrate together and make new Lunar New Year traditions.
The story is paired with beautiful, charming illustrations by Bonnie Lui. I especially appreciated the author’s note with the differences in animal signs on the Zodiac twelve-year cycle depending on country.
Easy Pineapple Tarts
Monkey’s Sweet Surprise ends with a recipe for Easy Pineapple Tarts! Pineapple Tarts are a delicious treat popular throughout Southeast Asia during Lunar New Year. A symbol of prosperity, they can be shaped in a variety of designs and sizes depending on the region.
Pat’s version uses canned pineapple and store-bought pie dough as an easier option for new chefs/bakers.
The pineapple jam comes together simply with canned crushed pineapple, sugar, and warming spices. It requires little effort, but does need constant attention on the stove and frequent stirring as the mixture thickens. Adult supervision is recommended for younger children.
My daughter actually split the making of this recipe into two separate days. She started with the jam, then let it cool overnight in the refrigerator before baking the pineapple tarts.
The open pineapple tart shape is often made with a specific stamp. Since that stamp can be difficult to locate, Pat has included a technique for stacking a thin round with a hole cut in the center over another thin round to create that notable indentation for the pineapple jam. A Linzer cookie cutter had the perfect dimensions for this.
To finish, the Pineapple Tarts are sealed around the edges with a fork and briefly chilled before brushing with egg wash, topping with the pineapple jam, and baking until golden.
Overall, Monkey’s Sweet Surprise is a wonderful picture book blending Southeast Asian food and storytelling with a focus on friendship and teamwork.
It is recommended for ages 4-8. My daughter is a little above this age range, but still had fun with the story and the recipe. She stated, “I liked that the book had a lot of action. I also loved the drawings and the pineapple tarts were delicious.”
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