Love & Luck in the Year of the Rat

Look Out 2020:
Here Comes the Lucky Rat!

Kung Hei Fat Choi! Saturday, January 25^th welcomes the Lunar New Year of the Metal Rat. Quick witted, energetic and agile, the rodent scampers in, ready for action. Among the most auspicious of Chinese horoscope signs, this optimistic survivor is well equipped for turning dreams into reality, observing its surroundings and strategizing accordingly. Under the rat’s watch, financial opportunity abounds, so take advantage and stash cash for the future. The element of metal adds an edge to ambitions — we cut ties with the past with little regrets. 

Intelligent and sociable, the gregarious rat loves its pack, so expect to hang out with family and friends. Still, remember to look out for yourself and take a break from the rat race to rejuvenate body and soul. Happy Lunar New Year from all of us at Momo,

xo Rat on!

🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 

Looking for diverse diversion? 

Come to the ’hood and regale the rat!

Saturday, January 25: The Wing Luke Museum kicks off the celebration with a dragon dance, children's activities and lunar new year lore. See their website for more details. 

Saturday, February 8: Chinatown/International District explodes with sights and sounds in Seattle's biggest party for the rat. More details at our neighborhood website.

🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 🐁 

Big Love

Many thanks to Toni Yuly for generously sharing her torn tissue Rat Love art with Momo. A local author, illustrator and former librarian, Toni has been a friend and avid supporter of Momo for over a decade. Check out her lovable books and more examples of her work at toniyuly.com. We love you, Toni!

Momo Kodomo no hi with Toni Yuly

Time for a Cat Nap with Toni Yuly
Momo Kodomo no hi Story Time
Sunday, May 1 from 1:00 - 3:00
Come join in as our favorite children’s author/illustrator Toni Yuly visits Momo once again to share her book about an enthusiastic, kawaii kitten. Cat Nap is book number three for the former local librarian, who understands delighting and teaching the little ones through words and visuals. 

Toni’s first book, Early Bird, takes kids in and out and up and down, emphasizing action with an unexpected ending. 

 Night Owl, book number two, is a hoot and a half, with listening lessons about sounds in the night ... and ultimately a happy ending. Look for more fun to come from the talented artist.

Toni reads to a captivated audience at last year’s Momo Kodomo no hi.

In keeping with tradition, we’ll have homemade cookies and handcrafted kid’s clothing. Plus, nice Lexi Potter will be on hand to introduce the art of origami. Bring the kids and join the celebration!

While you’re in the neighborhood:
Japanese Cultural Community Center Kodomo no hi
Sunday, May 1
11:00 - 5:00 pm
1414 South Weller Street
Experience taiko drumming, dance, games, tea ceremony, food and more. For more information, visit JCCC’s website.

Have a Hoot On Children’s Day!

Happy Children's Day!

Kodomo no Momo
With Toni Yuly and Growing Marigolds
Sunday, May 3 from 1:00 - 4:00

Bring the wee ones and celebrate Children’s Day at Momo with author/illustrator Toni Yuly as she reads from her latest book, “Night Owl.” Join us for home-made cookies, milk and the delightful tale of baby Night Owl and his nocturnal adventure!

The talented and sweet Toni Yuly.

 

Helen and Toni became friends at Momo.

We will also be joined by Helen Shor-Wong of Growing Marigolds as she shares her up-cycled kids clothing. Growing Marigolds teaches garden-based craft camps for kids' clothing, and hosts neighborhood-making gatherings.  

 

Kodomo no Hi, or Children’s Day, is a National Holiday in Japan celebrating children’s personalities and happiness. One will see an endless number of windsocks depicting koi fluttering in the breeze. These are called koinobori and will feature a red or pink fish to represent the mommy, a black fish for daddy and an additional fishy for each child. Koi represent strength of spirit, energy and determination – all things that will see a child to success. 

Click here to learn how to make a Koinobori Windsock.

Learning how to read will lead to success, too!