This list is the result of my quest to compile a comprehensive collection of Lunar New Year picture and chapter books by Asian authors and illustrators. While the majority of these books focus on the Chinese Spring Festival, there are some on Korean Seollal and Vietnamese Tet, as well as ones that cover Lunar New Year in multiple cultures. With themes such as Zodiac animals, celebratory foods, and family togetherness, this selection aims to offer a varied and engaging reading experience for all. I would love to further diversify this list, so if you have any additional recommendations, please comment below!
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Lunar New Year in Multiple Cultures
Dumpling Soup
Author: Jama Kim Rattigan
Illustrator: Lillian Hsu-Flanders
"Dumpling Soup" is about a little girl, named Marisa, whose multi-cultural (Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Hawaiian, and white) family is gathering for the New Year. One of the family’s traditions is making mandoo (Korean dumplings) together and this year Marisa is old enough to help wrap the dumplings!
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Our Lunar New Year
Author: Yobe Qiu (@byyobeqiu)
Illustrator: Various
"Our Lunar New Year" showcases New Year traditions in five different Asian cultures - Chinese Spring Festival, Korean Seollal, Thai Songkran, Vietnamese Tet, and Indian Diwali.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Tastes of Lunar New Year
Author: Cheryl Yau Chepusova (@littlepicnicpress)
Illustrator: Mori Chiang (@morimoriillustration)
With the help of zodiac animals, this book introduces readers to dishes enjoyed during Lunar New Year across different cultures and regions (China, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Korea).
Each spread features a dish and a cute illustration. The last spread in the book lists all the dishes with more information, such as the symbolism behind the dish and the names of the dishes in the language of their culture of origin with romanization.
Get it from Little Picnic Press.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Chinese Spring Festival
A New Year's Reunion
Author: Yu Li-Qiong
Illustrator: Zhu Cheng-Liang
"A New Year’s Reunion" is about a migrant worker in China and his family, told from the perspective of the daughter, Maomao. Maomao’s Papa only comes home from his construction job once a year, for Lunar New Year. Maomao takes a bit to warm up to her Papa who has been away for so long, but soon they are having fun eating sticky rice balls, visiting friends, and watching the dragon dance. Maomao finds a lucky coin in her sticky rice balls, but decides to give it to Papa as he gets ready to leave again after several days of celebrations and family time. It’s a touching story that reflects the reality of many migrant workers.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
A Sweet New Year for Ren
Author: Michelle Sterling (@averyandaugustine)
Illustrator: Dung Ho (@dunghanho)
Ren, the youngest in her family, loves all the preparations around Lunar New Year - putting up decorations, shopping for special ingredients, making dumplings with the family’s special recipe, and making pineapple tarts. Each year, she longs to be involved, but is always told she’s too young. This year is different. She’s old enough to help her brother make the delicious pineapple tarts!
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Bringing in the New Year
Author / Illustrator: Grace Lin (@pacylin)
"Bringing in the New Year" begins with a family putting Lunar New Year decorations up outside their snow-covered home. Inside, Mama is making dumplings and giving the kids fresh haircuts to start the New Year off right. The family gathers in their new year’s clothes to share a meal and watch the fireworks. Later, the kids enjoy watching a Lunar New Year parade. One of the spreads for the parade includes a fold-out page with a fun surprise.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Celebrating Chinese New Year: History, Traditions, and Activities
Author: Eugenia Chu (@eugeniachu8245)
Illustrator: Javiera Mac-lean (@javieramaclean)
"Celebrating Chinese New Year" is about the history and traditions surrounding the Chinese celebration of Lunar New Year with colorful and fun illustrations. The book includes sections about the origin of the holiday, how to prepare, and how to celebrate, with fun facts presented by a water dragon. In the back are activities like a recipe for dumplings and instructions on how to create a paper lantern.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Chinese New Year Wishes
Author: Jillian Lin
Illustrator: Shi Meng
"Chinese New Year Wishes" is a bilingual book, written in English and Chinese characters, with large font for early readers.
The first part of the book introduces a little boy named Hong who explains some Chinese traditions related to Lunar New Year, such as cleaning the house, decorating with red and gold, eating a large meal with family, wearing new clothes, and receiving money from elders.
The second part of the book tells the story of Nian, the legendary monster who was scared away by the color red, lanterns, and loud noises.
The last part of the book, “Did You Know?”, includes photographs, additional explanations about Lunar New Year in Chinese culture, the Chinese zodiac, and questions for further engagement. The last page notes that the last day of the Lunar New Year celebration is the Lantern Festival, at which riddles are often written on the lanterns.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Chloe’s Lunar New Year
Author: Lily LaMotte (@lilylamottewrites)
Illustrator: Michelle Lee (@fromthebear)
"Chloe's Lunar New Year" is a heartwarming children's picture book that beautifully captures the essence of family traditions and honoring loved ones who are no longer with us. As Chloe's family prepares for the Lunar New Year Reunion Dinner, they engage in customary activities such as cleaning the house, decorating, and exchanging old shoes for new ones. Together, they lovingly craft each family member's favorite dishes, including turnip cake and good luck fish.
Following a delightful Reunion Dinner with their loved ones, Chloe saves the last piece of pie and places it beside A-ma's picture on the shelf, joining the other dishes from the meal. Throughout the story, the family finds tender ways to remember A-ma, their dear departed grandmother. Chloe rescues A-ma's worn slippers from the brink of the trash can, the family includes her favorite dish in the dinner menu, and Chloe and her brother fondly reminisce about A-ma while decorating red envelopes. "Chloe's Lunar New Year" beautifully conveys the significance of family bonds and the power of cherishing the memories of those who have left us.
Dragon Dance
Author: Joan Holub (@joan.holub)
Illustrator: Benrei Huang (@benreihuang)
"Dragon Dance" is a lift-a-flap book about a Chinese family celebrating Lunar New Year. The family first visits a market to buy fresh fish, plum blossoms, fruits, veggies, and other food for the New Year. When they arrive home, they clean the house and decorate. The kids greet their grandparents and are happy to receive red envelopes (containing New Year’s money) in return. The family shares a big meal then heads outside to watch the Lunar New Year parade.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Dragon Noodle Party: A Story of Chinese Zodiac Animals
Author: Ying Compestine (@yingchangcompestine)
Illustrator: Paula Pang (@paulalala)
It’s almost time for the party! One-by-one all the animals of the zodiac go up the hill, each one carrying an ingredient. Horse trots up the hill with a big wok. Goat strolls up the hill with wild onions.
Except for snake, that is. It’s his birthday! All of his friends have prepared long noodles to celebrate his long and happy life. Simple text is paired with delightful, friendly art in this joyous look at the Chinese tradition of preparing long noodles to celebrate birthdays, the New Year, and other festive occasions. (Description from Amazon)
Dragon's Dilemma
Author: Catherine Little (@books.beyond.bedtime)
Illustrator: Sae Kimura (@esalalamu)
"Dragon's Dilemma" weaves a vibrant narrative around the Emperor's Great Race for the Chinese Zodiac, presenting a unique perspective from the confident and mighty dragon. Brimming with self-assurance due to his impressive size, speed, and flight capability, Dragon initially believes his victory is certain. However, the tale takes an unexpected turn as Dragon, choosing to take a leisurely detour during the race, faces a moral quandary upon discovering drought-stricken fields in a village. The storyline beautifully encapsulates the dilemma of choosing between personal success and aiding those in need, ultimately leading Dragon to sacrifice his lead in the race to revive the villagers’ fields. This heartwarming narrative subtly imparts a valuable lesson about the significance of altruism and selflessness.
Five Little Dumplings: The Lunar New Year Feast
Author / Illustrator: Kelsey Chen (@fivelittledumplings)
In the delightful addition to the “Five Little Dumplings” series, “The Lunar New Year Feast,” a charming rhyming tale unfolds as a family of adorable dumplings joyfully celebrates Lunar New Year with their grandparents. Emerging from their steamer beds, the dumplings relish a delectable breakfast before embarking on a journey to Chinatown. The narrative cleverly incorporates a counting game, adding an interactive and educational layer to the story. Ten vibrant red lanterns, nine sticky rice cakes, and eight festive party snaps later, the seven dumplings reach their grandparents' house!
Once there, the little dumplings eagerly assist Grandma in arranging a Lunar New Year feast, featuring traditional dishes like steamed fish, longevity noodles, and humorously, more dumplings. The counting game culminates in a heartwarming hug for Grandma, creating a memorable conclusion.
Get it from Amazon.
Friends are Friends Forever
Author: Dane Liu (@daneliuwrites)
Illustrator: Lynn Scurfield (@lynndoodle)
"Friends are Friends, Forever" is a picture book about friendship, moving to a new country, and sharing cultural traditions.
Dandan and Yueyue are best friends and every Lunar New Year they have a tradition of cutting out paper snowflakes and freezing them to hang outside. On this last New Year together before Dandan’s family moves to the United States, Yueyue gifts Dandan a stack of red paper and string so she can continue their tradition with a new friend in the US.
But Dandan doesn’t immediately make friends in her new home. It’s so different from where she grew up and she doesn’t know the language. The kids aren’t welcoming and make fun of her. Fortunately, one girl, Christina, reaches out over their shared love of the color red, and they become friends. Dandan shares her family’s Lunar New Year traditions with Christina. They use Yueyue’s gift to make paper snowflakes and Dandan teaches Christina how to use chopsticks and eat dumplings with black vinegar and soy sauce.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
Author: Natasha Yim (@authornatashayim)
Illustrator: Grace Zong
It's Chinese New Year, and Goldy Luck’s mother wants her to take a plate of turnip cakes to the neighbors. The Chans aren’t home, but that doesn’t stop Goldy from trying out their rice porridge, their chairs, and their beds—with disastrous results.
In this funny and festive retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Natasha Yim and Grace Zong introduce a plucky heroine who takes responsibility for her actions and makes a new friend (and a whole plate of turnip cakes!), just in time for Chinese New Year. (Description from Amazon)
Grace's Chinese New Year
Author / Illustrator: Jackie Huang (@jackiehuangstudios)
Firecrackers, family, a Lion dancer, and loud drums are all parts of Grace's Chinese New Year celebrations in this Step 2 Reader!
Sweep away the bad luck; sweep in the good luck—it's Chinese New Year! Grace and her family are getting ready for the festivities. They're hanging red lanterns, and, yum....what's that smell? Grace's grandmother is making dumplings! Grace's whole family comes together to celebrate their traditions and she is so excited! (Description from Amazon)
Grumpy New Year
Author: Katrina Moore (@katrinamoore1011)
Illustrator: Xindi Yan (@xindiyanart)
“Grumpy New Year” is the wonderful sequel to “Grandpa Grumps”, which ended with Daisy getting a plane ticket as a gift from her Yeh-Yeh.
Now, Daisy is on her way to celebrate the Lunar New Year with Yeh-Yeh in China. But, the tables have turned, and as a result of jet lag and staying up late exploring, Daisy is the grump this time! Finally, Daisy gets some sleep has a great time eating and celebrating with her family on New Year’s Eve. Daisy wakes up the next morning shocked to find no Yeh-Yeh, just a red envelope with Lucky Money and a map. She follows the map to find a parade and a surprise!
Home for Chinese New Year
Author: Wei Jie
Illustrator: Can Xu
"Home for Chinese New Year" is a bilingual story in English and Chinese. It follows a father, a construction worker in the city, on his journey home for Chinese New Year. Using various modes of transportation, he unintentionally parts with belongings on each one, yet manages to keep a special gift for his son safe. Upon arriving home, the family shares a joyous New Year's Eve dinner. When the New Year celebrations are nearing their end with preparations for the Lantern Festival, Jiajun’s father prepares to leave. His son presents him with a bag of items to replace the ones he lost on the way home as he says goodbye.
Get it from Amazon.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
I Love Chinese New Year
Author: Eva Wong Nava (@evawongnava)
Illustrator: Xin Li (@lixin.illustration)
'Twelve animals, one for each year, each one with their own special powers. It all started with a race to cross the most heavenly of rivers.' Chinese New Year is right around the corner and Mai-Anne is so excited! As her family start decorating the house, there's a knock on the door... her grandmother, Nai Nai, has arrived! They start their celebrations with a traditional meal filled with fish for good luck, noodles for long life, dumplings for blessings and a WHOLE chicken. Then after dinner Nai Nai tells the story of how Chinese New year began, with the Great Race! Join Mai-Anne as she learns about twelve animals and their special powers in the story of how Chinese New Year began! (Description from Amazon)
Get it from Amazon.
Li Jian's Stories of the Chinese Zodiac Series
Author / Illustrator: Li Jian
The Stories of the Chinese Zodiac series uses Chinese legends to introduce zodiac animals and their characteristics. Each story is written in both English and Chinese characters and is accompanied by stunning illustrations.
Lunar New Year
Author: Isabelle Engler (@musicandtales)
Illustrator: Rann Chia (@rann_chia)
Music & Tales was created by pediatric music therapist and children’s author, Isabelle Engler to empower children through the magic of music. “Lunar New Year” is a bilingual book in English, Traditional Chinese characters, and Pinyin. The text, presented as a captivating song, comes to life in both languages through a QR code that allows children to listen online, fostering an interactive and engaging reading experience.
The illustrations in "Lunar New Year" vividly depict various Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, featuring a heartwarming multi-racial family. Engler goes above and beyond by providing additional resources in the backmatter, including a color-coded piano score for the song, discussion questions, information about Lunar New Year, and instructions for a lantern craft. These valuable additions not only enrich the educational aspect of the book but also extend the learning experience beyond the pages. With its harmonious blend of music and culture, "Lunar New Year" serves as a wonderful tool for empowering children and celebrating diversity.
Lunar New Year
Author: Natasha Yim (@authornatashayim)
Illustrator: Jingting Wang
The new year festival lasts for 15 days full of preparation, celebration, and symbolism. Join Ling, her sister Mei and granny Po Po as they clean the house from top to bottom, pick fresh flowers from the garden, visit friends and family, and carry red lanterns through their neighborhood. Ling invites the reader into her home and family, allowing the reader to experience this special celebration first-hand through an authentic narrative non-fiction story.
A fun 16-page 'factivity' section follows the story and delves into more detail about how the festival is celebrated in China and beyond. Enriching activities are also included, such as guess the riddle, make your own red envelope, and a recipe to make delicious Lunar New Year 'pot sticker' dumplings. (Description from Amazon)
Lunar New Year: A Celebration of Family and Fun
Author: Mary Man-Kong
Illustrator: Michelle Jing Chan (@michellieart)
"Lunar New Year" offers a delightful exploration of the festive traditions associated with the holiday celebrated across many Asian countries and the global Asian diaspora. While predominantly centered on the Chinese observance, the book acknowledges the diverse cultures that commemorate this joyous occasion. A highlight is the inclusion of the Chinese Zodiac animals and their distinctive character traits, providing readers with a glimpse into this astrological tradition.
The gorgeous illustrations take center stage, capturing the essence of familial warmth and unity intrinsic to Lunar New Year celebrations. The vibrant and richly colored depictions evoke the festive spirit of the holiday, creating a visually engaging experience for young readers. In addition to detailing various customs and preparations leading up to the New Year festivities, the book briefly recounts the legend of the Nian monster.
With its vibrant visuals and engaging narrative, “Lunar New Year” not only serves as a fantastic introduction for children to the richness of this cultural celebration, but also fosters an appreciation for the traditions and familial bonds that make the Lunar New Year a truly special and joyous occasion.
New Year
Author: Mei Zihan
Illustrator: Qin Leng (@qinillustrations)
It’s Lunar New Year, a time when families come together for a wonderful feast, and a father longs to be with his daughter—but she lives in another country. As he imagines how his daughter is spending the festivities, he recalls fond memories of time spent with her, feeling a sense of loss and dislocation. While he misses her deeply, he also recognizes her need to move away, grow up, and become herself. New Year is a stunning portrait of leaving home, finding independence, and loving those who are many miles away. (Description from Amazon)
Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon
Author: Virginia Log-Hagan (@vlohhagan)
Illustrator: Timothy Banks (@timbanks)
Mei hates springtime. Why? Because it's only in the spring that Nian, a fierce dragon, is able to leave his mountain prison under the sea to terrorize the local village. When the villagers hear the rumblings of Nian's hungry stomach, they know that winter has ended and spring is coming. But this year on the night before the first day of spring, a magical warrior visits Mei in her dreams. He tells Mei that it is her destiny to face and defeat Nian. But she must do it within 15 days or the dragon will be free forever. Author Virginia Loh-Hagan (PoPo's Lucky Chinese New Year) gives this retelling of the Nian legend an original twist, while explaining the origins of Chinese New Year traditions. (Description from Amazon)
Oliver Chin's Tales from the Chinese Zodiac Series
Author: Oliver Chin (@immediumbooks)
Illustrator: Various
The Tales from the Chinese Zodiac series weaves the essence of each zodiac animal into a compelling coming-of-age narrative.
Playing with Lanterns
Author: Wang Yage
Illustrator: Zhu Chengliang
“Playing with Lanterns” highlights Lunar New Year folk traditions of Shaanxi Province in China. On the third day of the Lunar New Year, Zhao Di and her friends receive beautiful paper lanterns, lit with candles inside, from their uncles. Each day of the celebration, they play outside with their lanterns, being careful not to let the candle blow out and avoiding rowdy boys. On the fifteenth day of the festival, they smash the lanterns and watch as they turn to ash to mark the end of the festival. While Zhao Di is sad the festival is over, she looks forward to getting a new lantern next year.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Red is a Dragon
Author: Roseanne Thong
Illustrator: Grace Lin (@pacylin)
Younger children will be engaged by Red Is a Dragon, as a young girl finds a rainbow of colors in her everyday life. (Description from Amazon)
Ruby’s Chinese New Year
Author: Vickie Lee
Illustrator: Joey Chou (@choochoojoey)
“Ruby's Chinese New Year” is a delightful story about a young girl's journey to her grandmother's house to celebrate Lunar New Year. Ruby usually spends Lunar New Year with her grandmother, but this year her grandmother is unable to travel. So, Ruby decides to go to her grandmother instead – and take her a special gift! Along the way, Ruby meets each of the Zodiac animals. When Ruby is within sight of her grandmother’s house, something terrible happens, and Ruby thinks her gift is ruined! However, her animal friends come to the rescue and make it a wonderful Lunar New Year celebration.
Sam and the Lucky Money
Author: Karen Chinn
Illustrator: Cornelius Van Wright & Ying-Hwa Hu (@yinghwahu)
“Sam and the Lucky Money” is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated story about the importance of gratitude, compassion, and generosity. Every year Sam’s grandparents give him red envelopes with lucky money for Lunar New Year. Sam is excited to spend his money and goes shopping in Chinatown with his mother. However, he quickly becomes disappointed when he realizes that his four dollars are not enough to buy the things he wants in the shops. Outside, Sam sees an old homeless man who is shivering and doesn't even have shoes. When he sees how appreciative the old man is of even a quarter, Sam realizes that he has something more valuable to give, and decides to give the man his lucky money.
The Great Race: Story of the Chinese Zodiac
Author: Ling and Eric Lee (@learnchinesewithtofu)
Illustrator: Rachel Foo
The Jade Emperor invites all the animals to take part in a race to determine which animals will get to be part of the Zodiac. The cat and the rat are friends and decide to start the race together in the morning, but the rat sneaks off early without taking the cat, thus starting the bad relationship between cats and rats!
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
The Lucky Red Envelope: A lift-the-flap Lunar New Year Celebration
Author / Illustrator: Vikki Zhang (@0717vikki)
Get ready for Lunar New Year, following a little girl and her family as they get ready for and celebrate the Lunar New Year festival. With non-fiction information about the significance of certain rituals, but told through the excited eyes of a child, this is a book to return to year after year in the run up to the biggest festival in the Chinese calendar. Each of the 12 spreads will feature 12 lift flaps, 144 in total. (Description from Amazon)
The Lunar New Year Surprise
Author: Jade Wang
Illustrator: Tammy Do (@tammydo.illust)
"It's the first day of the Lunar New Year―the biggest, yummiest, NOISIEST celebration of the year!" During the festivities, can Gege find the perfect moment to present his handcrafted surprise to his little sister?
Children will learn what makes the Lunar New Year special, from the preparation responsibilities, to the celebratory new moon signifying the first day of the holiday, and the festivities that continue in the following weeks.
Whether rice balls for family togetherness, spring rolls for a fresh start, or noodles for long life and happiness, this tale has a foodie focus and shows why Lunar New Year is the yummiest celebration of the year, too. (Description from Amazon)
The Nian Monster
Author: Andrea Wang (@andreawhywang)
Illustrator: Alina Chau (@alinachau)
Xingling and her Popo (grandmother) are preparing for Lunar New Year. Popo is out running last minute errands when the Nian monster appears and threatens to eat Xingling. Using some clever thinking, she tricks Nian by suggesting he eat longevity noodles, fish, and rice cake first. This prevents him from devouring her and the city for several days. On New Year’s Eve, Xingling has one final trick up her sleeve to save the city from Nian, at least for this year!
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
The Night Before Lunar New Year
Author: Natasha Wing (@natashawing) and Lingfeng Ho
Illustrator: Amy Wummer
It's the night before Lunar New Year, and a little girl is excited for all of the celebrations to come. She's prepared dumplings with her mom, bought a new dress in Chinatown, and even helped scare mythical beast Nian away with her cousins and brother. There's only one problem: she's a bit nervous about all of the loud noises at the upcoming Lunar New Year Parade. Will she overcome her fears? Find out in the latest installment of the Night Before series, told in the style of Clement C. Moore's classic tale. (Description from Amazon)
Get it from Amazon.
The Tray of Togetherness
Author / Illustrator: Flo Leung (@hungryeyesstudio)
"The Tray of Togetherness" beautifully captures the spirit of Lunar New Year. Set against the backdrop of the holiday, the story centers around the cherished tradition of the Tray of Togetherness. As a family prepares for their Lunar New Year feast, readers are taken on a delightful journey to the market, where they fill each of the eight sections of their tray with candies and lucky foods.
The book introduces young readers to the symbolic meanings behind each food item, often rooted in wordplay and cultural significance. The wonderful illustrations complement the story perfectly, immersing readers in the festivities and bringing the family's Lunar New Year celebration to life. "The Tray of Togetherness" is not just a story about tradition; it's a heartwarming tale of family, togetherness, and the joy of sharing special moments with loved ones. It's a must-read for anyone looking to explore and appreciate the richness of Lunar New Year traditions.
Twelve in a Race
Author: Catherine Little (@books.beyond.bedtime)
Illustrator: Sae Kimura (@esalalamu)
“Twelve in a Race” tells the captivating tale of the Jade Emperor’s Great Race to establish the Chinese Zodiac. Crafted in short, rhythmic verses, the narrative seamlessly engages young readers and maintaining a delightful pace. The ordered procession of animals across the finish line cleverly integrates their character traits and the corresponding Chinese characters, providing an educational layer to the story. The vibrant illustrations elevate the book's allure, presenting rich, colorful art on each page.
Two New Years
Author: Richard Ho (@richkarho)
Illustrator: Lynn Scurfield (@lynndoodle)
This warm and welcoming New Year celebration invites readers to learn about Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year traditions and to reflect on the rich blends of cultures and traditions in their own lives.
For this multicultural family, inspired by the author’s own, two New Years mean twice as much to celebrate! In the fall, Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, offers an opportunity to bake challah, dip apples in honey, and lift voices in song. In the spring, Lunar New Year brings a chance to eat dumplings, watch dragon dances, and release glowing lanterns that light up the sky. (Description from Amazon)
Korean Seollal
All Year for One Day
Author / Illustrator: Tiffanie Lee (@cityatsea.co)
On a bright morning, a little girl has been waiting All Year for One Day to celebrate her favorite Korean New Year's traditions with her beloved family. Join them as they come together and share with them in the festivities! (Description from publisher)
Get it from City At Sea.
Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade
Author: Lyla Lee (@literarylyla)
Illustrator: Dung Ho (@dunghanho)
"Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade" is a delightful addition to the Mindy Kim series. Mindy, a young girl adjusting to a new life in Florida after her mom's passing, navigates being the only Asian-American in her school. Disappointed by the lack of Korean representation at the Lunar New Year parade, Mindy, her dad, and friends create their own celebration at home, complete with Korean dishes, games, and traditions.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
New Clothes for New Year’s Day
Author / Illustrator: Hyun-Joo Bae
This beautifully illustrated story follows a little girl as she celebrates Lunar New Year by dressing in a new set of traditional Korean clothes and prepares to visit friends and neighbors to wish them a happy New Year. She dresses slowly, appreciating each article of clothing, which were specially made by her mother for the occasion. I love all the details in her outfit and the traditional Korean setting. The backmatter of the book has details about the Korean celebration of Lunar New Year (Seollal) and the significance of new clothes on New Years Day.
Get it from Amazon.
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Super Korean New Years with Grandma
Author: Mary Chi-Whi Kim
Illustrator: Eunjoo Feaster (@omma_draws)
In "Super Korean New Years with Grandma", a mother tells her daughter about how Grandma celebrated the Korean New Year (Solnal or Seollal) as a child in South Korea. Grandma ate special foods and played traditional games, but the most important part of Solnal is getting together with family. That’s why Grandma is flying all the way to visit for Solnal this year!
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Tomorrow is New Year’s Day:
Seollal, a Korean Celebration of the Lunar New Year
Author / Illustrator: Aram Kim (@aramkimart)
Mina is excited to share her family’s Korean Lunar New Year (Seollal) traditions with her class at school. She demonstrates traditional games, sebae (bowing to elders), and her parents make tteokguk (a rice cake soup) for the class. The only thing that could ruin Mina’s favorite day is her little brother, Miro’s, tantrums!
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
Wish Soup: A Celebration of Seollal
Author / Illustrator: Junghwa Park (@junghwart)
Sohee's favorite part of Seollal is tteokguk--the special Korean rice cake soup traditionally only enjoyed on New Year's Day. Each bowl is said to make the person who eats it one year older. This year, Sohee wants to eat as many bowls as she can to finally be an eonni, or "big girl," to her younger siblings and cousins. Before Sohee can even get to her first bowl, though, she's interrupted by a series of holiday-related chores, leaving plenty of opportunity for her mischievous younger sister Somi to eat not only Sohee's tteokguk, but their whole family's! Despite this outrageously silly setback, Sohee eventually learns that being a big girl is more than just how many bowls of tteokguk you eat.
This funny story of a child's journey to discover what it really means to be a big girl explores the traditions of Korean Lunar New Year and the value of family and helpfulness. (Description from Amazon)
Malaysian Lunar New Year
Boys Don't Fry
Author: Kimberly Lee (@kimlsywrites)
Illustrator: Charlene Chua (@charlenedraws)
Jin wishes his family would ask him to help prepare the Lunar New Year feast. But boys, or Babas, never get asked―only Nyonyas, the girls.
It’s the eve of Lunar New Year, and Jin can’t wait for the big family reunion dinner. He loves the aromas and the bubbly chatter coming from the kitchen. His grandmother, Mamah, is cooking up a storm!
As his aunties dice, slice, and chop, there’s nothing Jin wants more than to learn about the history of his family’s cooking and to lend them a helping hand. After all, no one else can tell the difference between ginger and galangal as well as he can! But his aunties shoo him away, claiming he’ll just get bored or be in the way. Luckily, Mamah steps in and asks Jin to help her prepare their special meal. Soon, Jin is squeezing, slicing, and stirring, too! (Description from Amazon)
Vietnamese Tet
Open to See Tết (South Vietnam)
Set Mở ra là thấy Tết (phiên bản miền Nam) Bilingual Set
Author: Chiều Xuân
Illustrator: Lê Quỳnh
Each region of Vietnam has unique scenery, weather and food during Tet.
North Vietnam is colored with pink peach blossoms and chilly weather.
South Vietnam is filled with yellow apricot flowers and warm days.
Each set includes:
1. 1 book “Open to see Tet” (South version) Experience the book's content through the Stopmotion animated still-life video, helping your child fully enjoy the Tet atmosphere in the whole reading - listening - viewing part.
2. Stickers of regional specialties designed by artists from Lionbooks
3. Brilliant "Open to see Tet!" jumbo red pocket/envelop.
4. 6 vibrant red pockets
5. Colorful regional map of Vietnam with Vietnamese description of each region.
(Description from Vietcan website)
Get it from Vietcan Books.
Tết Together
Author: Alice Trinh (@alicetrinhwrites)
Illustrator: Jade Le (@jadele.illustration)
The Vietnamese celebration of Lunar New Year is called Tết Nguyên Đán, or Tết for short. Tết Together follows two children as they prepare for the holiday by cleaning, resolving conflicts from the past year, decorate, and honor their ancestors. Visiting and hosting family and friends are also an important part of the multi-day celebration. “Tết is a tradition that celebrates family of the past, current, and future.”
Read my full review with additional pictures on Instagram.
This is Tết
Author: Tam Bui
Illustrator: Mai Ngo
With this book, you’ll celebrate Vietnamese New Year through the curious eyes of a city kid with her family in a northern Vietnamese village for Tết. The story is inspired by the author’s (Tam Bui) own family members, and the illustrator’s (Mai Ngo) childhood memories in Cổ Bản Village.
Get it from Amazon.
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