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Across the spectrum of children’s books about Chinese culture, no topic is more thoroughly covered than Chinese New Year. However, while many of these books use Chinese New Year as a device to address various Chinese cultural topics in general, very few actually focus on the holiday itself.
After much time spent at our local library, I’m happy to recommend the books below, each of which introduces children to the traditions and customs associated with Chinese New Year using kid-friendly narratives. As you browse the Chinese New Year section of this site, refer back to this book list for fun ways to share stories about dragon dancing and lion dancing, the rice dumplings known as tang yuan, zodiac animals and the importance of the family reunion dinner.
As New Year’s Eve approaches, with its rich symbolism and traditions, the books below, which I’ll update as I discover new titles, each offer a great way to introduce your child to the magic of Chinese New Year.
A New Year’s Reunion
This book captures the spirit of family reunion at the heart of Chinese New Year. Maomao’s father works far away and comes home only at Chinese New Year. When her father arrives, Maomao hardly recognizes him at first. But before long, the family is making sticky rice balls, hearing firecrackers outside and watching the dragon dance in the street.
Celebrating Chinese New Year
This is a great “how to” book for middle school readers. It follows 10 year old Ryan Leong and his family in San Francisco Chinatown as they prepare to host a huge New Year’s dinner for their extended family. They shop for special ingredients like dried scallops and make or purchase gifts and decorations that will bring everyone good luck.
The Great Race
This whimsical book does a really good job telling the traditional story of the Chinese zodiac. Thirteen animals in China come to the river to join in the Jade Emperor’s race to see which creature will win the honor of having the first year in the Emperor’s new calendar named after them. Race along to discover this fascinating legend and learn why the Cat and Rat are still enemies to this day.
Hiss! Pop! Boom!
Beautifully illustrated with watercolors, this book is another winner for middle schoolers. Each page marries a Chinese New Year concept (i.e. “flowers and plants”) with the associated Chinese character and an explanation of the concept’s importance. It’s an integrated approach that will help older children understand the meaning behind the various Chinese New Year activities.
Bringing in the New Year
With her playful illustrations and economy of words, Grace Lin is one of my favorite children’s book authors. Amidst dragons, dumplings and lanterns, Lin builds a sense of holiday excitement that will feel especially familiar to your toddler if you’ve just finished a round of Christmas books prior to Chinese New Year.
Sam and the Lucky Money
Perfect for older toddlers, this book address a subject near and dear to any child at Chinese New Year — spending the lucky money they receive in red envelopes! Free to spend his money any way he chooses, Sam excitedly browses the bakeries and toy stores in Chinatown, only to have his outlook changed by a chance encounter with a stranger.
Lion Dancer
This book takes places in the late 1980s New York City Chinatown I grew up with. This is the story of the most important day of six year old Ernie Wan’s life. He has studied kung fu at his father’s studio since he was three and this Chinese New Year, he will perform his first lion dance on the streets of Chinatown.
Your turn! What are your family’s favorite books about Chinese New Year? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!
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