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Traditions are such a big part of who we are, and it’s so important for kids to learn about them from an early age.
That’s why I absolutely love these 20 Lunar New Year picture books – I’ve read them all, and they’re amazing!
They make it easy and fun for kids to lean more about the holiday’s rich culture, from delicious foods to dragon dances, and everything in between.
If you’re ready to share these festive stories with your little ones, these books will definitely bring the celebration to life!
1. Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim, illustrated by Grace Zong
Goldy Luck’s mom asks her to deliver turnip cakes to their neighbors for Chinese New Year, but when no one’s home,
Goldy can’t resist trying their porridge, chairs, and beds – with some messy results!
This playful retelling of Goldilocks is full of heart and culture, with a fun message about making things right.
Plus, there’s a recipe for turnip cakes – what a delicious way to bring the story to life!
2. The 12 Days of Lunar New Year by Jenna Lettice, illustrated by Colleen Madden
This book is such a treat!
Using the tune of The Twelve Days of Christmas, readers count from one dancing dragon to twelve zodiac animals as the days lead up to Lunar New Year.
The vibrant illustrations and rhymes make it super fun for little ones.
It’s a lovely way to introduce kids to the traditions of Lunar New Year with lots of smiles along the way.
3. Tomorrow Is New Year’s Day: Seollal, a Korean Celebration of the Lunar New Year by Aram Kim
Mina is so excited to share her favorite holiday, Seollal, with her classmates in this lovely book.
She shows off her beautiful hanbok, demonstrates sebae (a special bow), and makes tasty tteokguk with everyone.
This sweet story celebrates the joy of sharing traditions with friends.
I loved how it brought Korean culture to life, and the glossary of terms makes it even more special. It’s a cheerful read for the New Year!
4. Boys Don’t Fry by Kimberly Lee, illustrated by Charlene Chua
Jin loves the kitchen and wants to help prepare his family’s Lunar New Year feast, but the women keep shooing him away – until his grandmother steps in.
With vibrant illustrations of a bustling Nyonya kitchen, this story is a warm celebration of family, food, and breaking old traditions.
It’s so sweet and satisfying to see Jin finally get his chance to shine. A heartfelt, feel-good read!
5. The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale by Ying Chang Compestine, illustrated by Sebastia Serra
When a boy trades for an old wok instead of food, his family isn’t thrilled – until the wok rolls away and returns with a feast from a rich man’s house.
This lively story is full of fun and surprises, with a wonderful message about generosity.
It’s such a joyful way to share a classic Lunar New Year tale. The illustrations make the adventure pop right off the page!
6. A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling, illustrated by Dung Ho
Little Ren loves Lunar New Year, especially the pineapple cakes her family makes. But she’s always told she’s “too little” to help.
This heartwarming story beautifully captures the anticipation of traditions passed down through generations.
The illustrations are absolutely delicious, and there’s even a recipe for pineapple cakes!
It’s such a cozy read, perfect for kids dreaming of being “big enough” to join in.
7. Grumpy New Year by Katrina Moore, illustrated by Xindi Yan
Daisy’s off to China to celebrate Lunar New Year with her Yeh-Yeh, but jetlag leaves her feeling grumpy.
Yeh-Yeh’s gentle love and patience help her find joy in kite flying, dumpling making, and more.
This sweet and funny story captures all the big feelings kids have during special holidays.
I loved how the cultural details made it come alive – and the included recipes are such a fun bonus!
8. Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee, illustrated by Joey Chou
Ruby wants to deliver a special card to her grandmother for Chinese New Year, but she’ll need help from the zodiac animals to get there.
Each animal brings its own personality to this sweet adventure.
It’s such a fun way to introduce kids to the Chinese zodiac while celebrating love and determination.
The story feels like a little parade of warmth and tradition.
9. The Night Before Lunar New Year by Natasha Wing with Lingfeng Ho, illustrated by Amy Wummer
It’s the night before Lunar New Year, and a little girl is busy with all the preparations – making dumplings, scaring off Nian, and getting her new dress ready.
But she’s nervous about the loud parade.
This cute twist on The Night Before Christmas captures the excitement of the holiday while gently addressing kids’ fears.
It’s perfect for helping little ones get excited about Lunar New Year traditions.
10. Mulan’s Lunar New Year by Natasha Yim, illustrated by Jingting Wang
Mulan is so excited to help prepare for Lunar New Year for the first time, but nothing goes quite right.
This sweet story mixes tradition with Mulan’s spunky personality, and shows how the magic of the holiday brings everything together.
The vibrant illustrations show the festival beautifully, so this is perfect for fans of Mulan or anyone who loves the fresh start Lunar New Year brings.
11. A New Year’s Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong, illustrated by Zhu Cheng-Liang
Maomao’s dad works far away, so he only comes home for Chinese New Year.
At first, he feels like a stranger, but soon they’re making sticky rice balls, watching the dragon dance, and enjoying simple moments together.
This sweet and tender story is perfect for showing how special family time is, even if it’s short.
It’s one of those books that’ll leave your heart feeling warm and full.
12. The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang, illustrated by Alina Chau
The Nian Monster is back, ready to chomp through Shanghai – and clever little Xingling has to stop him.
This story mixes Chinese New Year traditions with an exciting, playful twist.
Kids will love the daring adventure, and the colorful illustrations bring all the action to life.
Honestly, I just love how Xingling’s quick thinking takes center stage – it’s a total page-turner.
13. Chloe’s Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte, illustrated by Michelle Lee
Chloe celebrates Lunar New Year with her family, but she also honors her A-má, who’s no longer with them.
This story is both joyful and heartfelt and it shows how traditions can keep loved ones close.
It’s such a beautiful way to share the holiday while touching on feelings of love and loss.
The illustrations are so vibrant, they practically glow!
14. Tray of Togetherness by Flo Leung
Ever heard of a Tray of Togetherness?
This sweet story shows a little girl and her family filling it with lucky treats like candied coconut and peanuts for their Lunar New Year party.
The book is full of food, fun, and family love – it’s basically a recipe for happiness!
And the colorful, lively illustrations make you feel like you’re right there celebrating with them.
15. Welcome to Chinatown by William Low
Take a stroll through Chinatown with this lovely bilingual book!
You’ll see fish markets, tai-chi in the park, and, best of all, a dazzling Lunar New Year parade with a lion dance.
The illustrations are a feast for the eyes, and the book celebrates both the everyday magic of Chinatown and the holiday buzz.
It’s a cozy, joyful little read.
16. Lunar Tale: A New Year’s Adventure by Stella Hong
This magical story follows a brother and sister on their way to Grandma’s house for Lunar New Year.
Guided by the 12 Zodiac animals, they explore tea gardens, bamboo groves, and more while gathering treats for their big family dinner.
The peek-through pages and surprises are so much fun – it’s the perfect mix of adventure and tradition.
Kids will love the festive ending with fireworks and dragon dancers!
17. Alex’s Good Fortune by Benson Shum
Alex is so excited to share her favorite Lunar New Year traditions with her best friend, Ethan.
From making dumplings to the dragon dance and red envelopes, it’s all about joy, food, and friendship.
This book is such a cheerful celebration of the holiday, and the illustrations are as bright and happy as the story itself.
18. Happy Lunar New Year! (Sesame Street) by Sonali Fry, illustrated by Barry Goldberg
Elmo’s learning all about Lunar New Year traditions from his friends Ji-Young and Lily.
They show him the fun of Seollal, red envelopes, and family celebrations.
This colorful board book is perfect for little ones, and it combines the charm of Sesame Street with the joy of holiday traditions.
It’s a super sweet way to introduce kids to different cultures – and who doesn’t love Elmo?
19. Year of the Snake by Zhango Jink Yo
Luna is inspired by the Year of the Snake to create a magical dance for a competition, and she is being helped by a mysterious white cat.
This heartwarming story is all about creativity, teamwork, and finding your inner strength.
The Lunar New Year traditions sprinkled throughout make it extra special.
It’s one of those books that inspires little dreamers and celebrates the magic of the holiday.
20. Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin
This book is pure joy!
A Chinese American family gets ready for Lunar New Year by sweeping the house, hanging decorations, and making dumplings.
Then comes the best part – a dragon parade that stretches across a fold-out page!
Grace Lin’s colorful illustrations are so cheerful, and the story is perfect for reading out loud with your little ones. It’s a great way to get into the festive spirit.
What’s your favorite Lunar New Year book?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
And if you’re craving more book recommendations, be sure to check out my related posts for more wonderful stories to enjoy with your family!
