Lunar New Year is celebrated in China, Korea, and Vietnam, as well as by communities across the United States. It marks a new year on the lunisolar calendar and is a time to reunite with family over a big feast and welcome good fortune. As we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, these Lunar New Year books for kids have been a wonderful way for my boys to learn about traditions and connect with their Vietnamese-Chinese heritage and culture.
Happy Chinese New Year! A Festive Counting Story
By Jannie Ho
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Count from one to twelve with the zodiac animals as they prepare a Chinese New Year celebration! Each animal that is introduced takes part in traditions such as cleaning the house, wearing new clothes, and enjoying a big feast. The bright, colorful illustrations make this an engaging way to introduce young children to the holiday and practice counting skills in English and Chinese. In the back of the book, each of the traditions is explained in further detail.
Happy Lunar New Year!
By Sonali Fry, Illustrated by Barry Goldberg
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Elmo learns about different Lunar New Year celebrations with his Sesame Street friends. Ji-Young shares the customs of Soellal, which is celebrated in Korea, while Lily shares the traditions of the Spring Festival in China. Learn about the special outfits they wear, the foods they eat to bring good fortune, and much more through these beloved characters.
Maisy’s Chinese New Year
By Lucy Cousins
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Maisy’s friends arrive at her home and they celebrate Chinese New Year together! Tiger has presents to wish everyone happiness and luck and everyone gathers to listen to her tell the story of the Chinese zodiac. At midnight they watch fireworks and the following day, they take part in a noisy parade with a dragon dance. My sons adore Lucy Cousins’ vibrant illustrations and her cheerful characters, and they like to read this fun story over and over again.
Looking for more Maisy books? Check out Maisy Goes on a Plane and Maisy Goes to the Eye Doctor, and Maisy’s Recycling Truck in other posts.
Lunar New Year
By Natasha Yim
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Join Ling, her sister Mei, and the rest of their family as they prepare for and celebrate the 15-day Lunar New Year festival! From the reunion dinner with family on New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival at the very end, this book introduces children to the many traditions and symbolism that make this holiday special. Beyond the story, the book includes more information about how to say New Year greetings in Mandarin and Cantonese, how the holiday is celebrated around the world, and instructions on making your own red envelope and a recipe for dumplings. This comprehensive book is perfect for families wanting to learn about and celebrate Lunar New Year together.
The Great Race: Story of the Chinese Zodiac
By Christopher Corr
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In ancient China, the Jade Emperor held a Great Race. All the animals in the kingdom wanted to win the wonderful prize of having a year named after them. Children will enjoy learning which twelve animals earned their place in the Chinese zodiac and how they reached the finish line. The vibrant, detailed illustrations bring this tale to life.
Ten Mice for Tết
By Pegi Deitz Shea and Cynthia Weill, Illustrated by To Ngoc Trang
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Count from one to ten as a village of mice gather to celebrate Tết, the Vietnamese New Year! Following the counting story, learn more details about the Vietnamese traditions, such as eating Bánh chưng (a rice cake stuffed with pork and bean paste) and giving lì xì (money in red envelopes) to children. The simple text and engaging illustrations make this a perfect introduction to Tết for the youngest readers.
These Lunar New Year books for kids have helped us learn about the traditions that make this holiday special. Whether you’re observing Lunar New Year or simply introducing your children to different cultural celebrations, these books offer a wonderful way to mark the occasion.
Do you celebrate Lunar New Year with your family? I’d love to hear about your traditions or favorite holiday books in the comments below.
Happy exploring!