10 Books About Chinese New Year
Ah, Chinese New Year, the glorious explosion of colour, noise, and joy that makes January (or sometimes February!) feel like a full on festival of fresh starts. It’s the time for lucky red envelopes, sizzling dumplings, lion dances that shake the streets, and families gathering to welcome good fortune with open arms and full bellies.
What better way to soak up the spirit than with a stack of books that bring all that sparkle and tradition to life!
Whether you’re reading with your kids, teaching them about their heritage, or just looking to learn more about this vibrant celebration, there’s a story out there that captures it all the myths, the magic, and the mouth watering moments.
So grab a cosy blanket, maybe a plate of sesame cookies, and get ready to dive into some of the best books for Chinese New Year stories that shimmer with luck, laughter, and a whole lot of lantern lit wonder.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. I Love Chinese New Year
I Love Chinese New Year is a joyful picture book that follows a little girl as she gets ready for the biggest celebration of the year.
From decorating the house with red lanterns and lucky symbols, to cooking delicious foods with her family, and finally gathering together for the lively reunion having dinner and enjoying the festivities, this story beautifully shows the traditions that make Lunar New Year so special.
Children will love spotting all the fun details in the bright, festive illustrations (think firecrackers, dragon dances, and plenty of dumplings!), while families will enjoy how the story captures both the excitement of the holiday and the warmth of spending it together. It’s a perfect read aloud for little ones who are experiencing Chinese New Year for the first time, and just as meaningful for families who already celebrate and want to share those traditions in book form.
2. Maisy's Chinese New Year
Maisy’s Chinese New Year is a bright and cheerful story that follows Maisy and her friends as they prepare to celebrate the holiday together. They clean the house to sweep away bad luck, hang red decorations, and join in with the parade, complete with dragons, drums, and plenty of excitement.
It’s a simple, friendly introduction to the traditions of Chinese New Year, told through the eyes of characters children already adore.
Families and little readers will enjoy how the story makes each tradition feel fun and accessible, whether it’s trying tasty dumplings, exchanging red envelopes, or watching the dazzling lion dance. The book doesn’t just explain the customs, it celebrates them in a way that feels warm, joyful, and full of anticipation.
Of course, Lucy Cousins’ signature illustrations are a huge part of the magic; bold colours, chunky shapes, and playful details that pop off the page, perfectly matching the energy of the holiday. Every spread feels like a mini celebration, making it a book children will want to flip through again and again.
3. Peppa's Chinese New Year
Peppa Pig: Chinese New Year brings everyone’s favourite little piggy into the excitement of one of the world’s biggest celebrations. In this story, Peppa and her classmates learn all about Chinese New Year from Madame Gazelle. They discover the zodiac animals, make festive crafts, and get a peek into the special traditions that make this holiday so magical. The class even joins in with the celebration, wearing bright costumes, tasting yummy foods, and enjoying a lively dragon dance.
Young readers will enjoy following Peppa as she learns something new, and families will appreciate how the story gently introduces children to the meaning behind the holiday while keeping the fun and humour of a classic Peppa adventure.
The illustrations are colourful and full of festive details, red lanterns, sparkling fireworks, bold decorations, and of course, the friendly faces of Peppa and her friends. The familiar Peppa Pig style bright, and full of charm makes the book approachable for little ones, while the festive touches give it that extra holiday sparkle.
It’s both educational and entertaining, making it a lovely read for families who celebrate, as well as those just discovering Chinese New Year.
4. Busy Chinese New Year
Busy Chinese New Year is an interactive board book that lets little hands join in the celebration! Through simple text and sturdy push, pull, and slide mechanisms, children can help decorate with red lanterns, watch the dragon parade, share a tasty feast, and join in the fun of fireworks lighting up the sky. Each page captures a key tradition of the holiday in a way that’s playful, hands on, and easy for toddlers and pre-schoolers to understand.
Families will love how the book introduces young children to Chinese New Year in a joyful, engaging way. It’s not just a story, it’s an activity, encouraging little ones to explore, move, and participate as they read. The interactivity makes it perfect for wiggly toddlers who learn best by doing, while also helping them feel part of the celebration.
The illustrations are bright, bold, and full of festive detail. Expect colourful dragons, happy families, and glowing decorations, all drawn in a cheerful style that matches the upbeat, celebratory mood of the holiday. Every page feels like a mini festival, making it a book children will want to return to again and again.
5. Lanterns and Firecrackers: A Chinese New Year Story
Lanterns and Firecrackers: A Chinese New Year Story by Jonny Zucker.
If you’ve ever wondered what Chinese New Year feels like the colour, the noise, the excitement Lanterns and Firecrackers wraps it all up into one gorgeous, joy filled picture book. Jonny Zucker invites us to follow a young Chinese family as they prepare for this dazzling celebration, from tidying the house to sweeping away bad luck, to lighting lanterns that glow like tiny suns and fireworks that burst like flowers in the night sky.
The story flows with warmth and rhythm, perfectly paired with Jan Barger Cohen’s bright, energetic illustrations that seem to dance off the page. You can almost hear the crackle of firecrackers and smell the delicious food being shared at the family table. It’s a story that buzzes with anticipation and love that makes you want to join in and celebrate, too.
What makes this book such a gem for kids is how naturally it introduces Chinese culture and traditions in a way that feels exciting, not “educational.” Young readers learn about respect, togetherness, and new beginnings all through the eyes of a family filled with love and laughter. It’s a wonderful reminder that while our traditions might look different, the joy of coming together is universal.
6. The Lucky Red Envelope: A lift-the-flap Lunar New Year Celebration
The Lucky Red Envelope: A Lift-the-Flap Lunar New Year Celebration by Vikki Zhang is a stunning, interactive picture book that bursts with colour, culture, and joy. It invites readers into the heart of a family’s Lunar New Year festivities, where every page reveals something magical waiting to be discovered.
As children lift each flap, they uncover surprises big and small, lucky red envelopes hidden beneath pillows, glowing lanterns lighting up the night sky, and tables brimming with dumplings and noodles. Through these delightful details, the book beautifully captures the excitement and warmth of one of the most cherished holidays in Chinese culture.
Vikki Zhang’s exquisite illustrations bring the traditions to life while celebrating the themes of family, luck, and new beginnings. Perfect for young readers aged three to seven, The Lucky Red Envelope isn’t just a story it’s an immersive experience that helps children understand the meaning and magic of Lunar New Year. It’s the kind of book that makes every page turn feel like opening a little gift of good fortune.
7. The Tale of Nian
The Tale of Nian: A Lift-the-Flap Lunar New Year Celebration by Ying Wang is a vibrant, bilingual picture book that brings the magic of Lunar New Year to life in both Chinese and English. This interactive lift-the-flap story invites young readers to explore the legendary tale of Nian, the mythical beast who visits villages every New Year, and discover how courage, cleverness, and traditions keep him at bay.
With each flap, children uncover playful surprises, from colorful decorations and fireworks to red envelopes and festive feasts, making the holiday’s symbols and customs exciting and tangible. Ying Wang’s rich and detailed illustrations perfectly capture the energy and warmth of Lunar New Year celebrations, immersing readers in the festivities.
This book is not only a joyful story but also a wonderful introduction to Chinese language and culture, helping little readers learn key words and phrases while engaging with the narrative. Ideal for ages three to seven, The Tale of Nian offers a festive, educational, and interactive way to celebrate the new year, share traditions, and enjoy family storytelling.
8. Home for Chinese New Year: A Story Told in English and Chinese
Home for Chinese New Year, written by Jei Wei and illustrated by Can Xu, is a heart warming picture book that beautifully captures the excitement and magic of family reunions during the Lunar New Year.
The story follows young Jia Jun as he eagerly awaits his father, who works out of town all year, returning home for the holiday. His dad travels by train, bus, three-wheeled motorcycle, ferry, and even on foot, losing apples, water, gloves, and a scarf along the way, but carefully protecting a special gift for his son.
Once home, the family celebrates together with a reunion dinner, sets off firecrackers, puts up couplets, and even builds snowmen, immersing readers in the rich traditions and vibrant culture of Chinese New Year. Can Xu’s vivid illustrations bring the journey and festivities to life, highlighting the warmth, joy, and togetherness that make this holiday so special. Perfect for young readers, the book is a delightful story of family, patience, and the joy of returning home to loved ones, with the promise that the celebration will continue year after year.
9. A Sweet New Year for Ren
A Sweet New Year for Ren, written by Michelle Sterling and illustrated by Dung Ho, is a joyful, mouth watering celebration of family, food, and Lunar New Year traditions.
The story follows little Ren, who’s eager to join her family in preparing for the holiday by helping make sweet, sticky nian gao (New Year cake). As the kitchen fills with delicious scents and excitement, Ren learns that patience and care are just as important as the treats themselves. Filled with vibrant illustrations that practically shimmer with warmth and colour, this story captures the heart of the Lunar New Year togetherness, tradition, and the joy of creating something special with loved ones. With Dung Ho’s involvement bringing authentic cultural touches to the story’s presentation, A Sweet New Year for Ren is a feast for the senses and a perfect way for children to learn about the sweetness of family bonds and celebration.
10. New Clothes for New Year's Day
New Clothes for New Year’s Day, written and illustrated by Hyun-joo Bae, is a charming and beautifully illustrated story that captures the excitement and joy of welcoming the Lunar New Year in Korea.
The book follows a young girl as she carefully dresses in her brand-new hanbok the traditional Korean outfit layer by colourful layer. With delicate attention to every ribbon, sash, and fold, she prepares for the first day of the new year, feeling proud, happy, and full of anticipation for the celebrations ahead. Through its gentle storytelling and exquisite water colour illustrations, the book perfectly reflects the beauty of Korean customs, self-expression, and cultural pride. It’s a delightful read that helps children appreciate the meaning of tradition and the sense of renewal that comes with each new year a story as fresh, bright, and full of hope as the holiday itself.
Final Thoughts
And that’s a wrap on our whirlwind tour of Chinese New Year! From dazzling dragon dances and booming firecrackers to sweet dumplings and lucky red envelopes, it’s clear this celebration is so much more than just ringing in a new year it’s about family, joy, and a whole lot of sparkle.
So, whether you’re watching the lanterns glow, munching on mooncakes, or practicing your best “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” remember the magic of Chinese New Year isn’t just in the traditions, it’s in the love and laughter we share while celebrating them.
Now go grab some dumplings and make your own little bit of New Year’s luck who knows, this might just be your happiest year yet!