The “Loving Tet Gifts for Children” full collection from Kim Dong Publishing House. (Photo: Kim Lieu/VOV5)

"Contemplating Tet 2026 – the Year of the Horse" collection from Kim Dong Publishing House contains short stories, poems, and essays inspired by spring and the Horse mascot. They recreate the festive Tet atmosphere of traditional dishes, folk paintings, calligraphy, and joyful spring festivals.

Writer Cao Nguyet Nguyen, author of the publication’s short story “The Strange Guest on New Year’s Eve”, said, "Instead of the countryside, this time I set the story in a city apartment complex where families away from their hometowns celebrate Tet together. Children join adults in wrapping and boiling square sticky rice cakes, helping them appreciate the simple yet meaningful traditions of our culture."

The publication highlights the horse’s cultural symbolism—resilience, loyalty, freedom, and aspirations for progress. Vu Thi Quynh Lien, Deputy Director and Editor-in-Chief of Kim Dong Publishing House, said, "Each story connects with Tet and spring in unique ways. We were especially impressed by stories about regional horse dances and historical moments linking the Year of the Horse to stories about President Ho Chi Minh, giving readers fascinating cultural snapshots."

"Contemplating Tet 2026 – the Year of the Horse", an annual publication from Kim Dong Publishing House (Photo: Kim Lieu/VOV5)

A picture book series called “Childhood Tet” takes young readers on a journey across Vietnam’s diverse Tet celebrations. According to editor Tran Trung Hieu, "The series shows how Tet unfolds in different regions—from the Mekong Delta to remote islands—with different weather, flowers, foods, and customs, reflecting the richness of Vietnamese culture."

The series also portrays overseas Vietnamese children returning home for Tet for the first time. Hollie Tran, author of a book in the series called "Grandmother in the Clouds", said, "I want to tell a little story for enjoyment on the first days of the New Year. My story follows two children, Katelyn and Aiden, from England, returning to their motherland Vietnam for the first time. They experience many 'firsts': the first time seeing a bustling Tet market, the first time stepping into the house where their mother grew up, and the first-time tasting dishes that are strange and yet familiar."

Tet books are meaningful gifts that help families preserve traditions by introducing children to Vietnam’s cultural heritage in a lively way.