Books About Cultural Celebrations

The Best Cultural Celebrations Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Books About Culture, featuring 12 favorites and recommendations by age.

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Looking for excellent children's books about cultural celebrations? 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 Cultural Celebrations

Amira's Picture Day
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Amira's Picture Day

By Reem Faruqi, Fahmida Azim (Illustrator)

Eid or school picture day? Amira must choose.

32 pages· 900 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 776 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Amira eagerly anticipates Eid's joyous celebrations, but a school picture day conflict looms. Torn between festive traditions and class memories, she must find a way to be in two places at once. As the day unfolds, Amira's heart is divided between the mosque's vibrant festivities and the absence from her class photo. Can a spontaneous idea on the ride home solve her dilemma? Join Amira on a heartfelt journey of cultural celebration and personal discovery, where a creative solution might just save the day.
Our Day of the Dead Celebration
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2022

Our Day of the Dead Celebration

By Ana Aranda

A family celebrates the Day of the Dead, bridging past and present with stories and traditions.

32 pages· 488 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 258 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: On the Day of the Dead, Mar's family gathers to celebrate with food, games, and stories. As the living and the spirits of the departed come together, Mar discovers connections to her ancestors, like her journal-keeping Grandpa Ramón. Her sister, Paz, plays the accordion, echoing their great-grandfather's legacy. With each tale spun by Abuelita, the family feels the presence of those they cherish, making the past come alive. What secrets and bonds will be revealed as they honor their loved ones in this heartfelt celebration?
Christmas Is...
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2001

Christmas Is...

By Gail Gibbons

Discover the true essence of Christmas through its symbols and traditions.

32 pages· 554 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud
3.4 Goodreads · 156 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Explore the multifaceted celebration of Christmas, where the birth of Christ intertwines with the magic of Santa Claus, twinkling lights, and heartfelt carols. What does Christmas mean to you?
Sammy Spider's First Sukkot
Sale price
$858
Picture Book · Ages 3–9 · 2004

Sammy Spider's First Sukkot

By Sylvia A. Rouss, Katherine Janus Kahn (Illustrator) · Sukkot & Simchat Torah series

A curious spider explores a festive hut, uncovering the wonders of Sukkot.

32 pages· 756 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 36 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Sammy Spider swings from an apple, observing the Shapiro family as they prepare for Sukkot. As Josh and his parents build and decorate their sukkah, Sammy learns about this vibrant Jewish festival. Will he find a new perspective on life from his perch under the stars?
¡Feliz Año Nuevo! / Happy New Year!
Sale price
$2971
Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2016

¡Feliz Año Nuevo! / Happy New Year!

By Clara Coleman · Celebraciones / Celebrations series

Discover global New Year celebrations through vibrant tales and traditions.

24 pages· 345 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.0 Goodreads · 1 ratings
$31.27Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Journey through vibrant illustrations and engaging stories as children explore New Year celebrations from around the world. From the fireworks of Chinese New Year to the lights of Diwali, each page reveals unique traditions and cultural festivities. Will these diverse celebrations inspire new traditions in your own family? Dive into a world of color and culture, perfect for curious young minds.
Thanksgiving
Sale price
$2845
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2017

Thanksgiving

By Rachel Grack · Celebrating Holidays series

Discover why Thanksgiving is a tense time for turkeys.

24 pages· 288 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
3.4 Goodreads · 12 ratings
$29.95Save 5%
Library Binding
Summary: Thanksgiving is a festive time, but for turkeys, it's a season of suspense. Dive into the tradition of the President's turkey pardon and uncover fascinating Thanksgiving facts. Will the gobbler escape the feast?
Chanukah
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–7 · 2006

Chanukah

By Trudi Strain Trueit · Rookie Read-About Holidays series

Discover the origins and celebrations of Hanukkah through engaging stories and cultural insights.

32 pages· 565 words· Est. 7 min read
3.3 Goodreads · 9 ratings
$5.95Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Uncover the story behind Hanukkah and explore its vibrant celebrations. This book offers a glimpse into the traditions and games like dreidel, providing a rich cultural tapestry. Perfect for young readers, it combines simple language with fascinating insights into how people express their heritage through language, art, and music. How do these traditions connect us globally, and what can they teach us about unity and diversity? Dive into a world where past and present intertwine, offering lessons in cultural understanding and appreciation.
Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2024

Amy Wu and the Lantern Festival

By Kat Zhang, Charlene Chua (Illustrator) · Book #5 in the Amy Wu series

A broken lantern threatens a cherished tradition. Can it be saved?

48 pages· 777 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud
4.1 Goodreads · 180 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Amy Wu eagerly awaits the Lantern Festival, her favorite part of the Lunar New Year. But disaster strikes when she accidentally crushes her family's cherished lantern, a symbol of her father's memories. Faced with the possibility of losing a beloved tradition, Amy must find a way to mend the past with the present. Will she discover a new way to celebrate, or is the tradition lost forever? Join Amy on a heartfelt journey of creativity and family bonds, where a new tradition might just light the way.
Alex's Good Fortune
Sale price
$958
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Alex's Good Fortune

By Benson Shum

Join a festive adventure as two friends celebrate Chinese New Year with parades, dumplings, and dragon dances.

32 pages· 433 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.0 Goodreads · 265 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Hardcover
Summary: Alex eagerly shares her beloved Chinese New Year traditions with her best friend, Ethan. Together, they dive into the vibrant parade, help the dragon dance, and prepare for the festivities by decorating and making dumplings. As they open red envelopes and feast under lanterns, their friendship deepens amidst the holiday's magic. Will their celebration go as planned, or will unexpected surprises await? This delightful tale, filled with humor and heart, invites young readers to explore cultural traditions and the joy of sharing them with friends.
The Day of the Dead Mystery
Sale price
$674
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2018

The Day of the Dead Mystery

Book #149 in the The Boxcar Children series

Mysterious events threaten a Dia de los Muertos celebration. Can the kids save the day?

128 pages· 15,365 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.0 Goodreads · 139 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: During a Dia de los Muertos celebration, the Alden children encounter strange happenings that could spoil the festivities. As they delve into the mystery, they must unravel the secrets threatening their friends' cherished traditions. Will they uncover the truth in time to save the celebration?
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Books about Chinese New YearBooks about holidays