The Chinese New Year is a time for family reunions. Jiajun's father works in the city far from home in order to support his family and returns each year to celebrate the Chinese New Year. To get home, he takes a train, bus, three-wheeled motorcycle, ferry, and has to walk many miles to make it back for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve.

As he rushes to get home, Jiajun's father loses his apple, water bottle, gloves and scarf, but takes special care of a gift for his son.

Jiajun enjoys limited time he is able to spend with his father during the holiday season. They set off firecrackers, put up couplets, and even make snowmen. After a few days, Jiajun's father has to go back to work, but it's certain he will return home again next year to celebrate the Chinese New Year with the family.

From the dust jacket