The flavors of Tet books

This year, publishers and distributors have released a wide variety of Tet (Lunar New Year) publications, catering to diverse readers of all ages.

"Enjoying the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Horse" published by Kim Dong Publishing House.

Children's books: Bringing young readers back to traditional culture.

Tet, with its traditional customs, regional Tet celebrations, and family reunions, are the most common themes in Tet publications for young readers this year. Familiar publishers in this category include Kim Dong, Dinh Ti, and Nha Nam.

This year, Kim Dong Publishing House is introducing a collection of books in various genres: interactive books, picture books, poetry and prose anthologies, and original literary works…

This interactive book set, consisting of two books, "Let's Wrap the Sticky Rice Cakes!" and "Let's Arrange the Tet Jam!", is designed for children aged 2 and up. It combines learning and playing, allowing children to read books while playing games like wrapping sticky rice cakes and making Tet jam boxes in the culinary style of the three regions of Vietnam.

Special Tet books for children to welcome the Year of the Horse 2026

For curious and adventurous children, Tet (Vietnamese New Year) in different regions is always a fascinating experience. The five-volume picture book series "Tet in Childhood," including "Tet in a Coastal Town," "Tet on a Distant Island," "Tet on a Green Islet," "Tet in Cholon," and "Grandma in the Clouds," takes young readers on a journey through Tet celebrations across the country, from coastal areas and islands to cities and rural areas. In each place, children experience different customs, traditions, and local products of Tet.

Also featuring regional Tet experiences, "Spring Treasures" by author Bao Binh (Nha Nam) guides young readers to Tet in different regions of Vietnam, from the northern mountains to the Central Highlands and the Southwestern Mekong Delta. In each place, young readers join An and Na the cat, the two main characters, to enjoy the local produce, beautiful scenery, and unique customs and traditions. After these "Tet sightseeing" trips, Na also helps young readers understand that the warmest Tet is the Tet of reunion with family, where the joy of togetherness is greater than any other joy.

The poetry collection "Tet in Truong Sa, My Homeland".

Exploring regional Tet traditions also includes a unique collection of poems in the poetry book "Tet in Truong Sa, My Homeland" by poet Lu Mai. "Tet in Truong Sa, My Homeland" tells the story of Tet on the island through the perspective of the central character, six-year-old Hat Dua, a "little citizen" born and raised in the Truong Sa archipelago. Through Hat Dua's innocent and pure voice, the book unfolds before the eyes of children on the mainland a Tet holiday in this remote, windswept place – both familiar and new, simple and sacred.

The poems in this collection guide the reader through familiar images, yet imbued with the essence of the sea and islands: Wrapping sticky rice cakes amidst the salty sea breeze; Peach blossoms swaying in the waves at the harbor; A five-fruit platter different from that of the mainland, containing both "real and fake" fruits; A peculiar New Year's pole reaching high in the Trường Sa sun and wind; Lanterns lit in the twelfth lunar month; Spring ships bringing Tet gifts from the mainland to the islands; The vibrant red national flag against the blue sky; A Tet feast by the waves, where people and the sea gather together, yet still yearn for those far away…

A page of poetry from the poetry collection "Tet in Truong Sa, My Homeland". (Photo: Provided by the author)

The book also evokes gratitude towards the soldiers stationed on remote islands, through images of them standing guard by the waves, celebrating New Year's Eve far from home, defending the islands in spring, and blending in with the local people. This simple beauty helps young children appreciate the value of peace, thereby fostering respect and gratitude.

An illustration from "Enjoying the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Horse".

One of the most anticipated books published annually by Kim Dong Publishing House during Tet (Lunar New Year) is "Enjoying Tet." "Enjoying Tet" is a collection of poems and essays by many well-known authors with established positions in the literary world. "Enjoying Tet Binh Ngo" comprises 21 works of poetry, prose, music, and art on the themes of Spring and Tet.

“Enjoying the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Horse” leads readers into heartwarming stories and the traditional flavor of Tet through short stories and comics by authors Cao Nguyet Nguyen, Moc A, Nguyen Duong Quynh, and poems by Xuan Quynh, Bui Minh Hue, Le Minh Quoc…

"Enjoying Tet" is a collection of poems and essays by many renowned authors with established positions in the literary world, comprising 21 works of poetry, prose, music, and art on the themes of Spring and Tet.

“Enjoying the Lunar New Year of the Horse” also takes young readers on a journey to explore the heritage of different regions through stories like “The Unique Horse Dances Across the Country” (Pham Ngoc Tuan), “The Distinctive Folk Paintings of Northern Vietnam” (Nguyen Thi Thu Hoa), “Barefoot Knights in Bac Ha” (My Hanh), or historical tales such as “Lam Son Divine Horse” (Thanh Chau), “Once Upon a Time There Was a Child Prodigy” (Le Van)…

"Enjoying Tet" is a tradition of Kim Dong Publishing House every Tet season. It's not just a book to read, but also a unique and culturally rich spiritual gift that people give to each other during the spring festival.

Lunar New Year books for adults: Springtime melodies

When talking about Lunar New Year books for adults, it's impossible not to mention Dong A Books' Lunar New Year books.

Similar to Kim Dong's "Enjoying Tet," Dong A's Tet books have been diligently produced by this publishing house since 2019, each year featuring rich colors and flavors.

The Lunar New Year book for the Year of the Horse 2026 consists of five sections selected by writer Ho Anh Thai: "The Prelude to Spring," "Literature," "Poetry," "Music," and "Painting," like a continuous flow of emotions.

In the opening section, readers will rediscover the atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) through works such as "Then Spring Returns" by Nguyen Tuong Bach, "A Cozy Vietnamese Family Meal" by Nguyen Thi Minh Thai, or "Three People in Traditional Headscarves and Ao Dai During the Resistance War" by Xuan Phuong… The opening section concludes with simple spring memories, enough to allow readers to pause before delving into deeper emotional layers.

The "Literature" section brings together many writers who have established their styles over the years. Readers will encounter Ma Van Khang in "Whispering Flowers Bloom," Nguyen Thi Thu Hue in "Returning to the Old Days," or Ho Anh Thai in "The Business Card Collector"... – each short story is a slice of life rich in reflection. In addition, "Three Months Until Spring" by young writer Vo Dang Khoa offers a fresh new highlight...

The "Poetry" section is a space of rhythm and resonance, where spring resonates through the verses of Cao Xuan Son, Quynh Hoa, Pham Thi Ngoc Lien… sometimes gentle and radiant, sometimes quiet, poignant, and full of longing. Following this are the clear, innocent sounds of children's poetry, with authors Pham Anh Xuan, Duong Huy, Ho Huy Son, and Truong Quang Thu, bringing a naive and joyful spring. The Poetry section concludes with the familiar yet fresh resonance of Nguyen Binh's "Spring Arrives" – illuminated by Vo Anh Minh's commentary "A Circle of Emotion," as a subtle link between classic spring poetry and contemporary emotion.

In the "Music" section, spring resonates through familiar songs. Readers will encounter "Gentle Spring Colors" by Nguyen Nam, "Going Home" by Hua Kim Tuyen and Xuan Ty, or the romantic rhythm in "Spring's Declaration of Love" by Thanh Tung; accompanied by music reviews by Nguyen Thi Minh Chau. These articles on music add a unique emotional layer to the Tet atmosphere.

This year's "Art" section introduces artist Nguyen Thanh Binh, born in the Year of the Horse, through an article by Nguyen Le Chi. The artist shares: "I don't consider my work to be anything too extraordinary; I just see it as a form of 'coloring.' Patience is needed to color beautifully."

As in previous years, each sentence and poem is woven with colors and lines through illustrations by numerous artists: Dang Xuan Hoa, Hoang Phuong Vy, Dao Hai Phong, Le Tri Dung, Ngo Xuan Khoi, Pham Cong Tam, Ta Huy Long, Kim Duan, Dang Hong Quan, Tat Sy, and Quyen Thai. These artists have created a "spring in images," where paintings not only illustrate the words but also tell their own stories.

Although it doesn't bear the title "Tet Book," "Writing & Reading for the New Season 2026" (Vietnam Writers Association Publishing House) strongly reflects the characteristics of a Tet publication.

"Writing & Reading New Season 2026" brings together authors spanning many generations and creative fields, including major names in the history of Vietnamese culture and art, such as: Nguyen Ai Quoc, Nguyen Tuan, Van Cao, Bui Xuan Phai, Trinh Cong Son, Nguyen Tu Nghiem, alongside influential contemporary prose and poetry writers such as: Nguyen Huy Thiep, Ta Duy Anh, Nguyen Xuan Khanh, Mai Thao…

The publication also features contributions from numerous reputable writers, poets, critics, painters, and photographers: Nguyen Quang Thieu, Tran Dang Khoa, Pham Tien Duat, Y Phuong, Pham Quang Long, Nguyen Dang Diep, Thanh Chuong, Dang Xuan Hoa, Duong Minh Long… along with many authors from Vietnam and abroad.

"Writing & Reading for the New Season 2026" is meticulously crafted, both in content and form, with full-color printing. This is also an effort by the Vietnam Writers Association Publishing House to maintain a regular source of intellectual nourishment, especially during the New Year season.

Looking through this year's Tet publications, it's clear that besides the general spirit of guiding readers towards their roots and traditions, publishing houses are also exploring and creating new perspectives for Tet books. This ensures that Tet books are not just beautiful gifts or New Year's publications, but also unique and indispensable spiritual nourishment for book lovers every spring.

LINH KHANH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/nhung-phong-vi-sach-tet-post943335.html