Books About Chinese Culture, People, Food, Etc.

The Best Chinese Culture, People, Food, Etc. Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about chinese culture, people, food, etc.? 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.

Chinese Menu
Noodle & Bao
Graphic Nov.
Dim Sum Palace
The Misfortune Cookie
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Chinese Culture, People, Food, Etc.

Chinese Menu
Sale price
$2374
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2023

Chinese Menu

By Grace Lin

Discover the enchanting myths behind your favorite American Chinese dishes.

Odyssey Honor (2024)
288 pages· 54,375 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 860 ratings
$24.99Save 5%
Summary: Uncover the magical tales behind beloved American Chinese dishes. From dumplings that saved a village to the cosmic origins of wonton soup, each story reveals a blend of history and folklore. Journey through courses filled with dragons, mystical fruits, and ancient monks, and gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and triumph that make these dishes uniquely American. Dive into a feast of storytelling and savor the rich tapestry of myths that flavor your favorite meals.
Laolao's Dumplings
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Laolao's Dumplings

By Dane Liu, ShinYeon Moon (Illustrator)

Can Millie make dumplings alone and bring joy to her tired LaoLao?

48 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 231 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Millie loves making dumplings with her grandmother, LaoLao, using fresh ingredients from Chinatown. But as LaoLao grows too tired to cook, Millie faces a challenge: can she create the perfect dumplings on her own? With humor and heart, this tale explores family bonds, community, and the love shared through food. Will Millie's efforts bring a smile to LaoLao's face and keep their cherished tradition alive?
Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2024

Ra Pu Zel and the Stinky Tofu

By Ying Chang Compestine, Crystal Kung (Illustrator)

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

40 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 343 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Ra Pu Zel, a princess in China, defies tradition by locking herself in a tower to pursue her passion for cooking. Ignoring persistent princes, she finds solace with her dog Bao. But when a young chef arrives with a tantalizing dish, will it be enough to tempt her out of seclusion? Discover a fresh twist on the classic tale where culinary dreams and unexpected connections take center stage.
Grandpa Grumps
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Grandpa Grumps

By Katrina Moore, Xindi Yan (Illustrator)

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

40 pages· 584 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 501 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Daisy eagerly awaits her grandpa's visit from China, dreaming of tea parties and snow angels. But Yeh-Yeh isn't as cheerful as she hoped. Determined to break through his grumpiness, Daisy embarks on a week-long mission to make him smile. As cultural differences and generational gaps challenge her, Daisy wonders if she can connect with Yeh-Yeh before he leaves. Will her efforts bring joy to her grandpa's heart, or will he remain unchanged? This heartwarming tale explores the bonds that bridge family and culture, leaving readers to ponder the power of love and understanding.
Noodle & Bao
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2024

Noodle & Bao

By Shaina Lu

A girl fights to save her friend's food cart from gentrification in Chinatown.

224 pages
4.0/5 Goodreads · 751 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Summary: Momo's beloved Town 99 is under threat. As rents soar and a new cafe pushes out her friend's food cart, Momo and Bao must act. With undercover missions, cook-offs, and protests, they battle to preserve their neighborhood's heart. Can they outsmart the ambitious Ms. Jujube and save what they love before it's too late?
Dim Sum Palace
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

Dim Sum Palace

By X. Fang

A girl dreams of a dim sum palace, becoming a dumpling herself.

48 pages
4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,017 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: Liddy can't wait for her family's dim sum outing, but her excitement leads to a dream where she enters a magical dim sum palace. Surrounded by endless treats, she accidentally becomes part of the menu—a dumpling for the Empress! Will Liddy escape this culinary conundrum? Dive into this whimsical adventure celebrating food, family, and imagination.
The Misfortune Cookie
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 1998

The Misfortune Cookie

By Dan Greenburg, Jack E. Davis (Illustrator) · The Zack Files series

Fortune cookies predict chaos. Is this Zack's unlucky break?

64 pages· 6,844 words· Est. 58 min read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 154 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: Zack's life takes a bizarre turn when his fortune cookie predictions start coming true. As strange events unfold, he must navigate a world where every fortune could spell disaster. Is this thirteenth adventure his unluckiest yet? With each fortune, the stakes rise, leaving Zack to wonder if he can outsmart fate or if he's doomed to follow its mysterious path. Can he unravel the truth behind these uncanny predictions before it's too late?
Dumpling Dreams
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Dumpling Dreams

By Carrie Clickard, Katy Wu (Illustrator)

A young girl transforms her passion for cooking into a culinary revolution in America.

48 pages· 594 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.9/5 Goodreads · 233 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Joyce Chen, born in Communist China, embarks on a journey to America, driven by her love for cooking. From Beijing's peach blossoms to Cambridge's snowy streets, she faces the challenge of introducing Chinese cuisine to a new world. Will her dumpling dreams and culinary passion be enough to captivate American taste buds and change the culinary landscape? Discover how one woman's determination and creativity bring the flavors of her homeland to life, inspiring a cultural and gastronomic revolution.
Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao

By Kat Zhang, Charlene Chua (Illustrator) · Amy Wu series

A young girl tries to make the perfect bao with the help of her family.

40 pages· 607 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
4.8/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,909 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Amy Wu is on a mission to craft the perfect bao bun, but her attempts keep falling flat. With her family's support and a spark of inspiration, she might just find a way to succeed. Will Amy's determination and creativity lead her to bao perfection, or will she have to rethink her approach? Join Amy on her culinary adventure filled with challenges, laughter, and a dash of hope.
Dim Sum for Everyone!
Sale price
$674
Board Book · Ages 3–7 · 2001

Dim Sum for Everyone!

By Grace Lin

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

24 pages
4.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,190 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Summary: Join a Chinese American family as they gather for a delightful dim sum meal. With dumplings, cakes, and buns rolling by on trolleys, each family member picks their favorite dish. Grace Lin's vibrant illustrations bring this culinary tradition to life, making it perfect for young readers. Explore the origins of dim sum and savor the colorful feast in this charming board book.
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