Whether your family is celebrating the Chinese New Year or you have decided to take the opportunity to teach your children about other cultures, one of the best ways to explore the holiday is by reading about it together. There are a wealth of children’s books out there to help teach kids about the Chinese New Year and its traditions. Here are a few top notch titles to get you started.
Children’s Books for Chinese New Year — Lanterns and Firecrackers: A Chinese New Year Story
This is a great nonfiction style book that follows the preparations and celebrations of a Chinese family as they celebrate Chinese New Year together, This is an excellent book to introduce toddlers and kindergartners to the customs and traditions of Chinese New Year. Lanterns and Firecrackers was written by Jonny Zucker and illustrated by Jan Barger Cohen.
Children’s Books for Chinese New Year — The Dancing Dragon
This is a fun book for young readers K-2 that also makes a fun read aloud book for younger children. The fold out style of the book allows the dragon to slowly be revealed as the lyrical rhymed story is read. It keeps the attention of young readers as they await the chance to see what will be revealed next. The Dancing Dragon was written by Marcia K. Vaughan illustrated by Stanley Wong Hoo Foon.
Children’s Books for Chinese New Year — Lion Dancer: Ernie Wan’s Chinese New Year
This s an excellent book for those looking for the chance to have their children follow along with a real world celebration of Chinese New Year. Ernie Wan is getting ready to be a part of the lion dance for the very first time, and readers can follow along with full color photos of the preparations of Ernie and his community in New York City’s Chinatown. Lion Dancer was written by Kate Waters and illustrated by Martha Cooper.
Children’s Books for Chinese New Year — Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats: A Treasury of Chinese Holiday Tales, Activities & Recipes
Geared to a slightly older audience this book is perfect for later elementary and middle grade children. Much of the material could be adapted for younger kids in the family as needed, however. This book covers Chinese New Year along with other traditional festivals and celebrations. Activities, crafts, and recipes are included to get the whole family involved and bring the holiday to life for kids and adults alike. Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats is written by Nina Simonds, Leslie Swartz, and The Children’s Museum Boston, and illustrated by Meilo So.
Children’s Books for Chinese New Year — Celebrating Chinese New Year: An Activity Book
Just as the title says, this is an activity book for Chinese New Year. There is a good range of activities here for elementary aged kids, along with an interaction to the subject of Chinese New Year. An excellent book for hands on learning activities in a classroom, home school or family setting. Celebrating Chinese New Year was written by Hingman Chan.
