I read an amazing book with my kids about the Lunar New Year and realized I didn’t have a list of books for this holiday yet! While it’s not as easy to find picture books on this topic, I enjoyed reading through several and learning all about Asian traditions. If I remember, I’ll even wear red to celebrate next week. Read on for seven picture books for the Lunar New Year.
PoPo’s Lucky Chinese New Year by Virginia Loh-Hagan and Renné Benoit. A Chinese-American girl’s grandma (PoPo) comes to visit and teaches the family all about Lunar New Year dos and don’ts. I learned so much from reading this story and can’t wait to read it to my kids. Did you know that writing in red ink sends the message that you want someone to go away? On the other hand, it’s important to wear and decorate with red. Such an informative book!
Friends are Friends, Forever by Dane Liu and Lynn Scurfield. THIS is the book I referenced at the beginning of this post. It’s the story of a little girl who moves to America and misses her friend and their Lunar New Year activities. She has to learn new traditions and customs in the United States but finally makes a new friend and shares her old traditions with her. I loved that this helps kids understand how hard it is to transition to a new country and also reminds them that friendship is powerful.
The Runaway Wok by Ying Chang Compestine and Sebastià Serra. I am a big fan of Sebastià Serra’s work (he illustrated our very favorite, A Pirate’s Night Before Christmas), and this is a fun folk story that will delight kids. It’s kind of a mixture of the Gingerbread Man and Robin Hood. A boy discovers a magic wok that brings his struggling family food and toys while also emphasizing the importance of generosity. I don’t love that the rich family is basically banished from the city. However, that’s also the nature of folk stories (Hansel and Gretel is kind of morbid). If you read this, you’ll have to let me know what you think.
Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee and Joey Chou. This cute book helps to introduce the Chinese zodiac to kids. Ruby needs to deliver a special card to her grandmother for the Lunar New Year (also an important tradition). She then meets all 12 of the zodiac animals, who help her on her journey. This format, which is similar to Red Riding Hood, is approachable and fun for kids.
Bringing In the New Year by Grace Lin. This is a really simple, quick read that helps kids understand a lot of Lunar New Year traditions, including sweeping out the bad luck, wearing your finest clothes, and hanging decorations. I love Grace Lin’s illustrations, and this would be an easy one for even preschoolers to grasp.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim and Grace Zong. Who doesn’t love a retelling of a classic fairytale? In this version, Goldy Luck takes some turnip cakes to her panda neighbors to celebrate Chinese New Year. The Chans aren’t home, so she eats their porridge, breaks a chair, and even falls asleep in the bed. Later, she feels bad about the mess she made and figures out how to make it right.
The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang and Alina Chau. I absolutely LOVE Andrea Wang’s books (she won the Newbery for Watercress). This one incorporates a monster legend that kids will enjoy. A little girl named Xingling learns that her family hangs red decorations to keep the Nian monster away at Chinese New Year. Unfortunately, the Nian monster comes back and threatens to eat her and the entire city because the old tricks don’t work. Xingling has to figure out new ways to stop Nian (and we learn more about her traditions in the process).
A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling and Dung Ho. I’ll read anything from illustrator Dung Ho (she is known for Eyes That Kiss in the Corners and Eyes That Speak to the Stars). This book is a sweet one (pardon the pun) about family and traditions. Ren is upset that no one in her family will let her help prepare food for the Lunar New Year. Luckily, her brother arrives home and lets her help with the pineapple cake. Fair warning: This `book will make you hungry.
The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac by Christopher Corr. My kids and I read several books like this that tell the legend of the Chinese zodiac, but I like Christopher Corr’s illustrations and the simplicity of this one. If you wonder why only certain animals are included in the zodiac, this explains it in a fun way.
The Tray of Togetherness by Flo Leung. I liked that this book focused on how those celebrating Lunar New Year encourage others to take gifts. All of the snacks have different meanings, which is really cool. This would be a fun tradition to incorporate in our family.
I’ve only sought out picture books for the Lunar New Year for a short time. I’d love to know which ones I’m missing! Please share your favorites in the comments.
