Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a time of celebration, family gatherings, and cultural reflection. For many families, it’s not just about the festivities; it’s also about passing down traditions and values to the next generation. One of the most enjoyable and meaningful ways to help your students learn about the culture importance of Lunar New Year is by reading picture books that highlight the stories, customs, and history of this holiday.
A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling: A picture book about a young girl named Ren who eagerly anticipates Lunar New Year and the family traditions and festivities that come with it.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim: A girl named Goldy Luck is not very lucky and ends up causing chaos in her neighbor’s home. This is a fractured fairy tale replacing Goldilocks with Goldy and the Three Bears with Pandas.
Friends are Friends Forever by Dane Liu: Join Dandan, a young girl who is moving from China to America, and her close friend Yueyue, as they navigate the emotions of saying goodbye while cherishing their shared tradition of making paper snowflake decorations on Lunar New Year’s Eve.
Ruby’s Chinese New Year by Vickie Lee: Tells the story of a young girl named Ruby who wants to deliver a special card to her grandmother for Chinese New Year, but her grandmother can’t travel so Ruby decides to journey to her instead.
Chloe’s Lunar New Year by Lily LaMotte and Michelle Lee: Join Chloe as her family prepares for the Lunar New Year.
Tomorrow is New Year’s Day by Aram Kim: Mina shares the traditions of Seollal (Korean Lunar New Year) with her classmates at school while trying to include her reluctant younger brother.
Boys Don’t Fry by Kimberly Lee: Jin wants to help his Malaysian family prepare for the Lunar New Year feast. But, he is discouraged because “boys don’t fry” or cook. Jin’s grandmother recognizes his passion and allows him to join in the meal prep traditions.
How to Catch a dragon by Adam Wallace: This book follows a group of kids during Chinese New Year celebrations as they try to catch a mischievous dragon that is roaming through their town.
Grumpy New Year by Katrina Moore: A young girl named Daisy wants to visit her Grandpa in China to celebrate Lunar New Year. In her excitement she becomes too tired to sleep and becomes grumpy.
The Night Before Lunar New Year by Natasha Wing and Lingfeng Ho: A picture book about a young girl who is excited for Lunar New Year but is nervous about the loud noises at the parade.
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