Book excerpt: Spectacular fireworks, silk lions dancing through the streets, sumptuous family banquets - these are the hallmarks of Chinese New Year. Now, discover how to bring this splendid celebration, and others, into your own home. In this glorious collection, bestselling cookbook author Nina Simonds joins with Leslie Swartz and The Children's Museum, Boston, to offer festival lore, traditional stories, delectable recipes, and engaging activities that will inspire you to enjoy a full year of Chinese holidays. Try such treats as golden New Year's dumplings or tasty moon cakes. Build a kite at Qing Ming or a miniature dragon boat for the Dragon Boat Festival. Share the stories of the greedy Kitchen God or the valiant imperial warrior Hou Yi. Whether your family ahs embraced these holidays for generations or is introducing new traditions, Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats offers exciting ways for the whole family to celebrate year after year, presenting background information, related tales, and activities for celebrating five Chinese festivals--Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival, Qing Ming, the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Moon Festival.