7 Sweet Picture Books that Celebrate the Chinese New Year!

Celebrate Chinese New Year: With Fireworks, Dragons, and Lanterns, by Carolyn Otto
An informative and fun book, crammed full of gorgeous color photographs—you’ll feel right in the center of the celebration! Otto’s book takes the reader around the globe, and shows how different countries celebrate Chinese New Year. Afterwards you may find you want to hang up lanterns and adopt some new traditions as well!

My First Chinese New Year, by Karen Katz
This bright and bold picture book is a great way to introduce even the youngest child to the traditions of the Chinese New Year. Did you know that red means good luck and happiness in Chinese culture? Dress in your favorite red clothes and explore this sweet story.

Bringing in the New Year, by Grace Lin
Author Grace Lin is a wonderful voice in children’s literature (be sure to also check out When the Sea Turned to Silver if you are new to her work) and this story about the Chinese New Year is no exception. Follow a family as they sweep the old year out the door and welcome in the new one with “get-rich dumplings,” fresh haircuts, and a lot of love.

A New Year’s Reunion: A Chinese Story, by Yu Li-Qiong, Zhu Cheng-Liang (Illustrator)
A beautiful and moving story about a family who comes together for the joyous holiday, but with the bittersweet knowledge that the father will have to leave and go back to work once it’s over. This is an all too real and familiar situation for many families, one that transcends cultures.

Dragon Dance: A Chinese New Year LTF: A Chinese New Year Lift-The-Flap Book, by Joan Holub, Benrei Huang, and Holub Regan 
This interactive picture book is a fun way to explore this special holiday. Discover what fun things are hidden behind the flaps as you learn about one family’s preparations, from shopping for fish and plum blossoms, to cleaning out the old year with a dustpan and broom.

Chelsea’s Chinese New Year, by Lisa Bullard, Katie Saunders (Illustrator)
Spend the New Year with Chelsea in this informative and cute read. Interspersed throughout the story are little factual blurbs that even taught me a thing or two. For instance, the date of the Chinese New Year changes annually because it’s based on an old Chinese calendar (although it always takes place in January or February).

HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR: Kids Coloring Book, by Jack Lee
What kid doesn’t love a fun coloring book? The Chinese New Year is ripe for coloring, with inspiring images for any budding young artist! Filled with dozens of pages of dragons, fireworks and more, get your colored pencils sharpened and let the celebration begin!