Books About China · 212 titles considered

The Best China Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Chinese Culture Books, featuring 13 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about china? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About China

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2009

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

By Grace Lin · Book #1 in the Where the Mountain Meets the Moon series

A girl seeks the Old Man on the Moon to change her family's fortune.

Newbery Honor (2010)The E.B. White Read Aloud Honor (2010)
278 pages· 42,343 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.3 Goodreads · 55,948 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In a valley where hope is scarce, young Minli embarks on a daring quest to find the Old Man on the Moon, seeking answers to alter her family's fate. Guided by folktales and joined by a flightless dragon, she encounters magical beings and faces challenges that test her courage and faith. Will Minli's journey bring prosperity to her home, or will the secrets of the moon remain hidden? Discover a world where adventure and folklore intertwine in a tale of friendship and destiny.
Panda Kisses
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 4–6 · 2008

Panda Kisses

By Alyssa Satin Capucilli, Kay Widdowson (Illustrator)

A baby panda searches for the perfect kiss, discovering it might be closer than he thinks.

32 pages· 105 words· Est. 1 min read-aloud
3.6 Goodreads · 116 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Join Baby Panda on a delightful quest to find the perfect kiss. From soft to sweet, and even a sticky bamboo treat, his journey is filled with charming surprises. As he explores different kisses, Baby Panda learns that the ideal one might have been right in front of him all along. With rhyming text and adorable illustrations, this story invites young readers to decode the mystery of the perfect kiss. Will Baby Panda find what he's looking for, or is the answer closer than he ever imagined?
Chinese Cinderella
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 12–+ · 1999

Chinese Cinderella

By Adeline Yen Mah

An unloved daughter battles family disdain in 1940s China, seeking love and triumph.

240 pages
7.0/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 42,732 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1940s China, Adeline Yen Mah is deemed bad luck by her affluent family after her mother's death. As her father remarries, Adeline faces her stepmother's disdain while her step-siblings are pampered. Despite excelling in school, she yearns for familial love and acceptance. This memoir unfolds like a Cinderella tale, revealing Adeline's resilience and hope amidst adversity. Will she find the love she craves, or remain an outcast in her own home? Discover her journey of courage and triumph against the odds.
Stone Soup
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2003

Stone Soup

By Jon J Muth

Strangers inspire a wary village to create a feast from stones.

32 pages· 965 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
6.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,142 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a war-torn village, three weary travelers propose a curious idea: making soup from stones. Initially skeptical, the villagers, hardened by hardship, slowly contribute their hidden provisions. As the pot simmers, the community discovers the power of unity and generosity. What begins as a simple trick transforms into a heartwarming feast, revealing the abundance they possess when they come together. Will this newfound spirit of cooperation endure beyond the meal? This enchanting tale, set against a backdrop of stunning watercolors, invites readers to ponder the magic of collaboration and the hidden wealth within a community.
The Nian Monster
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2016

The Nian Monster

By Andrea Wang, Alina Chau (Illustrator)

A clever girl faces a fearsome monster threatening Shanghai during Chinese New Year.

Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor (2018)
32 pages· 886 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 546 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: During Chinese New Year, the fearsome Nian monster returns to devour Shanghai, starting with young Xingling. The old methods to repel Nian fail, but Xingling's cleverness might be the city's last hope. Can her quick thinking outsmart the beast and save everyone? As the city trembles, Xingling must confront the legendary creature with wit and courage. Will she succeed where tradition has faltered, or will Nian's hunger consume all? Discover the thrilling clash between ancient legend and modern ingenuity in this captivating tale of bravery and resourcefulness.
Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2014

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

By Natasha Yim, Grace Zong (Illustrator)

A young girl visits her neighbors on Chinese New Year and causes chaos in their home, leading to a series of unfortunate events and a lesson in responsibility and kindness.

32 pages· 1,050 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,097 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: In a lively Chinatown, Goldy Luck's well-meaning visit turns chaotic when she disrupts a panda family's home. As she samples porridge and breaks furniture, her antics lead to unexpected consequences. With Chinese New Year approaching, Goldy must face her mistakes and find a way to make amends. Can she turn her blunders into a chance for friendship and celebration? Discover a heartwarming twist on a classic tale, complete with cultural festivities and a delicious recipe.
Two of Everything
Sale price
$759
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

Two of Everything

By Lily Toy Hong

A mysterious pot doubles everything placed inside. What will it create next?

32 pages· 935 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 936 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Mr. Haktak unearths a peculiar brass pot in his garden, unaware of its magical properties. When Mrs. Haktak's hairpin falls in, the pot reveals its secret: it duplicates anything inside. Suddenly, two hairpins and two purses appear. What else will this enchanted pot produce, and how will it change their lives? Discover the surprises and challenges that unfold as the Haktaks explore the pot's mysterious powers.
Tikki Tikki Tembo
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1968

Tikki Tikki Tembo

By Arlene Mosel

A boy's long name leads to unexpected trouble in a classic folktale.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1968)
48 pages· 1,142 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 65,222 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a vibrant retelling of a Chinese folktale, a boy with an extraordinarily long name falls into a well, sparking a frantic rescue. As his brother races against time, the story unfolds with humor and urgency, revealing why short names became a tradition. Will the boy be saved, and what lessons will be learned from this perilous adventure? Dive into this timeless tale that has captivated generations with its charm and wit.
Lon Po Po
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1989

Lon Po Po

By Ed Young

A Chinese twist on Little Red Riding Hood reveals unexpected dangers and clever survival.

Caldecott Medal (1990)Boston Globe–Horn Book Award (1990)
32 pages· 1,184 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,715 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In a vibrant retelling of Little Red Riding Hood, a young girl faces unexpected dangers in the Chinese countryside. As she navigates a path filled with deception and peril, her wits become her greatest ally. Will she outsmart the lurking threat, or fall prey to its cunning? This celebrated picture book combines stunning pastels and watercolors to bring an ancient tale to life, inviting readers to explore a world where bravery and cleverness are key to survival.
Gladys Aylward
Sale price
$1139
Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1998

Gladys Aylward

By Janet Benge, Geoff Benge · Christian Heroes: Then & Now series

A London housemaid with no backing sets out alone to bring her faith to China.

205 pages· 43,904 words· Est. 5 hour read
4.4 Goodreads · 7,330 ratings
$11.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Without formal education or a missionary society behind her, Gladys Aylward, a housemaid from England, saved her own money for the long overland journey to China. This biography follows her life of faith and determination there, through hardship and danger, in one of the great missionary stories of the twentieth century.
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China Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about china for the youngest readers and listeners.

Lunar New Year
Series
Sale price
$899

Lunar New Year

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Discover the vibrant traditions of Lunar New Year in this festive celebration.

Bringing In the New Year
Sale price
$699

Bringing In the New Year

Ages 0–3 · 2008

Join a family as they prepare and celebrate the vibrant Lunar New Year.

12 Lucky Animals
Sale price
$799

12 Lucky Animals

Ages 2–4 · 2018

Discover your lucky animal in this bilingual journey through the Chinese zodiac.

Humpty Dumpty
Series
Sale price
$595

Humpty Dumpty

Ages 0–2 · 2010

Discover a nursery rhyme book that babies can chew, pull, and explore without damage.

Dim Sum for Everyone!
Sale price
$699

Dim Sum for Everyone!

Ages 3–7 · 2001

Discover the joy of dim sum with a family sharing their favorite treats.

Happy Chinese New Year!
Sale price
$1099

Happy Chinese New Year!

Ages 0–3 · 2022

Join zodiac animals as they prepare for a festive Chinese New Year celebration.

I Am a Panda
Series
Sale price
$799

I Am a Panda

Ages 1–4 · 2020

Interactive panda puppet book boosts play and learning for toddlers.

Little Panda
Series
Sale price
$1099

Little Panda

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Little Panda explores the jungle, with mama always nearby.

View all china board books
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China Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about china for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Big Enough
Sale price
$1899

Big Enough

Ages 4–8 · 2025

A boy must overcome self-doubt to bring the family ox home.

Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu
Sale price
$1899

Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu

Ages 5–8 · 2024

A princess locks herself away, seeking culinary freedom. Can a chef's dish lure her out?

The Tiger Prince
Sale price
$1895

The Tiger Prince

Ages 4–8 · 2005

A prince must learn tiger ways to end a deadly conflict.

Grandpa Grumps
Sale price
$1799

Grandpa Grumps

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Can Daisy make her grumpy grandpa smile before he returns to China?

Yeh-Shen
Sale price
$899

Yeh-Shen

Ages 4–8 · 1982

A magical fish's spirit helps a mistreated girl attend a life-changing festival.

The Dancing Dragon
Sale price
$650

The Dancing Dragon

Ages 5–7 · 1996

Unfold the magic of a Chinese New Year celebration.

Mountain Chef
Sale price
$799

Mountain Chef

Ages 6–9 · 2016

A cook's ingenuity saves a wilderness expedition, inspiring the National Park Service.

The Empty Pot
Sale price
$1999

The Empty Pot

Ages 4–8 · 1990

A young boy named Ping is given a special seed by the Emperor to grow the most beautiful flower, but it refuses to sprout.

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China Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about china for developing and independent readers.

Gladys Aylward
Sale price
$999

Gladys Aylward

1970

A woman braves war-torn China to fulfill a divine mission.

The Stolen Crystals
#4 in Series
Sale price
$499

The Stolen Crystals

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A young princess discovers a magical crystal that helps her find a set of stolen jewels and rescue a panda cub.

Grand Canyon Grab
#11 in Series
Sale price
$699

Grand Canyon Grab

Ages 7–9 · 2019

A TV star vanishes at the Grand Canyon. Can three kids solve the mystery before it's too late?

Colossal Fossil
#10 in Series
Sale price
$799

Colossal Fossil

Ages 6–9 · 2018

A sleepover at a museum turns mysterious after a loud crash. What happened to the Spinosaurus?

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Keep exploring
Books about Chinese folkloreBooks about family lifeBooks about fortune and luckBooks about journeys and voyagesBooks about kissesBooks about mythical creatures