Books About Chinese New Year · 59 titles considered

The Best Chinese New Year Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

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Looking for excellent children's books about chinese new year? 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.

Grand Canyon Grab
#11 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Chinese New Year

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 · 541 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.
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.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2019

Grand Canyon Grab

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

144 pages· 15,285 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 293 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: While visiting the Grand Canyon, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose encounter a thrilling mystery. TV star Parker Stone is kidnapped, leaving only a few clues and his pet parrot behind. The trio must unravel the mystery and rescue Parker before time runs out. With danger lurking and the clock ticking, can they piece together the puzzle and save the day? Dive into this adventure where every clue counts and nothing is as it seems.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2018

Colossal Fossil

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

144 pages· 14,562 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 328 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are thrilled to spend the night at a Boston science museum, sleeping beside a massive Spinosaurus skeleton. But their excitement turns to alarm when a loud crash wakes them. Is the dinosaur fossil in danger, or is there a deeper mystery lurking in the museum's shadows? Join the trio as they unravel the truth in this thrilling A to Z adventure.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2015

Secret Admirer

Secret admirer sends clues. Can they solve the Valentine mystery?

144 pages· 12,272 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 459 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Green Lawn, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose receive mysterious messages from a secret admirer on Valentine's Day. As they unravel the clues, they must discover who wants to be their Valentine. With a 26-letter secret message hidden in the illustrations, this mystery challenges them to solve the puzzle before the day ends. Will they uncover the truth behind the secret admirer and rekindle the joy of Valentine's Day?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2015

Operation Orca

A baby orca vanishes. Can three kids solve the mystery?

144 pages· 13,478 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 474 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: On an Alaskan whale watching trip, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose witness a mother orca with her calf. But when the baby orca disappears, the young detectives must unravel the mystery before it's too late. With the calf's survival at stake, the trio embarks on a thrilling quest filled with clues and a hidden 26-letter message. Can they crack the code and save the day? Dive into this adventure where every detail counts and the mysteries never end.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2011

The New Year Dragon Dilemma

A girl vanishes during a parade. Can young detectives solve the mystery?

136 pages· 13,316 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 714 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In San Francisco's vibrant Chinatown, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose eagerly await the Chinese New Year parade. But when Miss Chinatown mysteriously vanishes mid-celebration, along with her crown, the trio must unravel the clues to find her. With fireworks and dragons as their backdrop, can these young sleuths crack the case before it's too late? Hidden messages and unexpected twists await in this thrilling adventure.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

April Fools' Fiasco

A bookstore prank turns into a real robbery. Can the kids solve the mystery?

144 pages· 13,152 words· Est. 1.5 hour read-aloud
4.4/5 Goodreads · 362 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In Green Lawn, April Fools' Day takes a serious turn when the Book Nook is robbed. Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose must unravel the mystery behind the theft. Can they outsmart the crook, or will their prank backfire? Discover hidden clues and a secret message in this thrilling A to Z Mysteries Super Edition.
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2020

Space Shuttle Scam

A space museum visit turns mysterious as someone targets Alice's property.

144 pages· 14,895 words· Est. 3 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 267 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Florida, young sleuths Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose visit a space museum, only to find themselves entangled in a mystery. Someone is sneaking around Alice's house, aiming to claim her property. What secrets lie within the space gear, and why is Alice's home the target? As the trio delves deeper, they must unravel this cosmic-sized puzzle before it's too late. Can they solve the mystery and protect Alice's legacy?
Chapter Book · Ages 7–9 · 2006

Detective Camp

Three friends attend a detective camp and solve a mystery involving a stolen ring and a treasure hunt.

144 pages· 13,973 words· Est. 2.5 hour read
4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,938 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: At detective camp, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose are eager to solve puzzles and learn crime-solving skills. But when they stumble upon something suspicious, the trio wonders if a real crime is unfolding. Can they crack the case before it's too late? Dive into the mystery and uncover hidden messages along the way!
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Chinese New Year Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about chinese new year for the youngest readers and listeners.

Lunar New Year

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

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

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

Happy Chinese New Year!

Ages 0–3 · 2022

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

Sale price
$899

Baby Loves Lunar Phases on Chinese New Year!

Ages 0–3 · 2021

Discover lunar phases through a baby's eyes during Chinese New Year.

Sale price
$599

Baby's First Chinese New Year

Ages 0–2 · 2018

Discover Chinese New Year traditions through vibrant images and simple text perfect for little hands.

It's Chinese New Year, Curious George

Ages 2–4 · 2023

Join a curious monkey as he explores Chinese New Year traditions with his friend.

View all chinese new year board books
Browse by age

Chinese New Year Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about chinese new year for preschool and elementary-age readers.

The Dancing Dragon

Ages 5–7 · 1996

Unfold the magic of a Chinese New Year celebration.

A Sweet New Year for Ren
Sale price
$1899

A Sweet New Year for Ren

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A young girl yearns to join her family's Lunar New Year traditions.

Nian, the Chinese New Year Dragon

Ages 6–8 · 2019

A girl must defeat a dragon in 15 days to save her village.

A New Year's Reunion

Ages 3–7 · 2008

A father returns home for New Year, but must leave again soon.

Shanté Keys and the New Year's Peas

Ages 4–8 · 2007

Shanté races to find black-eyed peas, uncovering diverse New Year's traditions along the way.

Chloe's Lunar New Year
Sale price
$1899

Chloe's Lunar New Year

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Chloe eagerly prepares for Lunar New Year, cherishing family traditions and festive feasts.

Dragon Dance

Ages 2–5 · 2003

Discover Lunar New Year traditions through interactive flaps and festive fun.

Ruby's Chinese New Year

Ages 4–8 · 2017

A girl seeks zodiac animals' help to deliver a New Year gift to her grandmother.

Sam and the Lucky Money

Ages 4–7

A boy's encounter with a stranger changes his view on gifts and generosity.

D Is for Dragon Dance

Ages 4–8 · 2005

Explore Chinese New Year traditions from A to Z, from dragons to dumplings.

The Runaway Rice Cake

Ages 5–8 · 2001

A runaway rice cake leads to unexpected generosity and a magical reward during Chinese New Year.

The Great Race

Ages 6–9 · 2006

Twelve animals race to shape the Chinese zodiac.

Browse by age

Chinese New Year Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about chinese new year for developing and independent readers.

The Year of the Rat

Ages 8–12 · 2008

Pacy faces change, dreams, and prejudice in the Year of the Rat.

The Year of the Garden

Ages 6–9 · 2017

Anna's garden dream blooms into unexpected friendship.

The Year of the Dog

Ages 8–11 · 2005

A young Taiwanese-American girl navigates her identity and family traditions while trying to find her place in the world.

Happy New Year, Julie

Ages 8–10 · 2007

Julie finds hope in new traditions after her parents' divorce.

Chinese New Year

Ages 6–7 · 2002

Discover the vibrant traditions of Chinese New Year.

Crime in the Crypt

Ages 6–9 · 2021

A stolen vase implicates a grandmother. Can three friends uncover the truth?

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