Lunar New Year is a time to welcome good fortune and celebrate the potential of the year ahead. Originating in East and Southeast Asia, it’s celebrated all around the world today.
To introduce your young reader to the beloved traditions of Lunar New Year, pick up one of these books from your library. You can also browse cloudLibrary for even more Lunar New Year books.
Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin
Reading age: 3 to 5
Each member in a Chinese American family lends a hand to prepare their home for Lunar New Year. Then it’s time to put on new clothes and celebrate with fireworks, lion dancers, shining lanterns, and a dragon parade.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
Reading age: 4 to 7
A festive retelling! When Goldy Luck’s mother asks her to take a plate of turnip cakes to the neighbors for the new year, Goldy can’t resist trying their rice porridge, chairs, and beds.
D is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine
Reading age: 4 to 8
From firecrackers to noodles, this book introduces young readers to the beloved traditions of Lunar New Year. It’s vibrantly illustrated and fun to read out loud!
Alex’s Good Fortune by Benson Shum
Reading age: 5 to 7
A sweet story of friendship! Alex loves celebrating Lunar New Year with her family, and this year, she gets to share her favorite traditions with her friend, Ethan. Together, they participate in a Chinese New Year parade, make dumplings, decorate, open red envelopes, and enjoy the lantern festival.
Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee
Reading age: 5 to 7
A charming picture book! Ruby wants to deliver a special New Year card to her grandmother. Animals from the Chinese zodiac help her reach her grandmother’s house and deliver the card.
Mulan’s Lunar New Year by Natasha Yim
Reading age: 6 to 8
Lunar New Year is young Mulan’s favorite celebration! Although she’s eager to help her family prepare, everything she does to prepare seems to turn out wrong. This book captures the unique sense of imagination and possibility that comes with each Lunar New Year.
The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale by Ying Chang Compestine
Reading age: 6 to 8
To help prepare for the new year, a young boy is sent to the market to trade their last eggs for rice. Imagine their surprise when he returns home with an old wok instead! The boy’s parents wonder what they’ll eat for dinner – until the wok rolls out of their house and returns with a feast.
