Books About Traditions · 113 titles considered

The Best Traditions Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about traditions? 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 Traditions

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 1951

All-of-a-Kind Family

By Sydney Taylor · Book #1 in the All-of-a-Kind Family series

A family of five sisters living on the East Side of New York City navigate everyday life, traditions, and relationships.

189 pages· 31,980 words· Est. 4.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 27,494 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: In bustling New York City, five spirited sisters—Ella, Henny, Sarah, Charlotte, and Gertie—navigate childhood adventures and challenges. From playful button hunts to rainy day visits at Papa's shop, their bond is unbreakable. But amidst the joys of holidays and shared secrets, an unforeseen surprise awaits, testing their unity and resilience. What could possibly change their world forever?

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2007

Anna Hibiscus

By Atinuke, Lauren Tobia (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Anna Hibiscus series

A young girl in Africa dreams of seeing snow amidst her vibrant family life.

Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2011)

112 pages· 7,589 words· Est. 1.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,529 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Anna Hibiscus lives in bustling West Africa with her lively family. Amidst seaside adventures and family gatherings, Anna dreams of experiencing snow. As she navigates her colorful world, will her wish come true? Join Anna on her heartwarming journey filled with laughter, love, and the longing for something extraordinary.

Sale price

$759

Chapter Book · Ages 10–13 · 1923

Emily of New Moon

By Lucy Maud Montgomery · Book #1 in the Emily series

Orphaned Emily faces a new life with stern relatives and hostile classmates.

339 pages· 112,251 words· Est. 12.5 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 55,579 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Summary: Emily Starr, newly orphaned, is thrust into a world of stern relatives and spiteful classmates at New Moon Farm. With her quick wit and resilience, she navigates the challenges of her new life. Will Emily find happiness and belonging in this unfamiliar place, or will the shadows of her past keep her from embracing the future? Discover the poignant journey of a young girl growing up on early twentieth-century Prince Edward Island, where beauty and hardship intertwine.

Sale price

$958

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 1972

Julie of the Wolves

By Jean Craighead George, John Schoenherr (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Julie of the Wolves series

A girl lost in the Alaskan wilderness must choose between her human past and a new life with wolves.

Newbery Medal (1973)

176 pages· 35,999 words· Est. 5 hour read

3.8/5 Goodreads · 61,930 ratings

$9.99Save 4%

Summary: Miyax, known as Julie to her friend, escapes a dangerous village life only to find herself lost in the Alaskan tundra. Accepted by a wolf pack, she learns their ways to survive. As she grows to love her new family, Miyax faces a heart-wrenching choice: return to civilization or embrace her life with the wolves. Torn between her Eskimo heritage and the modern world, which path will she choose? This gripping tale of survival and identity explores the bonds between humans and nature.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

This Is How We Do It

By Matt Lamothe · This Is How I Do It series

Discover a day in the lives of kids worldwide, united by shared rhythms despite diverse traditions.

52 pages· 1,990 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

6.5/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 2,541 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: Journey through a day with seven children from Italy, Japan, Iran, India, Peru, Uganda, and Russia. Kei plays Freeze Tag in Japan, while Daphine jumps rope in Uganda. Despite their different games, a shared rhythm connects them across continents. This vibrant picture book offers a glimpse into diverse traditions and common experiences, inviting young readers to explore the world through the eyes of their peers. What unites us in our daily lives, and how do our unique cultures enrich our shared world? Embark on this global adventure to find out.

Sale price

$858

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1993

The Legend of the Poinsettia

By Tomie dePaola

A girl's selfless gift transforms a humble flower into a Christmas legend.

32 pages· 1,217 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

5.9/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,392 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Summary: In a vibrant Mexican village, young Lucida faces a Christmas dilemma. With nothing to offer the Christ Child, she discovers the true essence of giving. Her humble gift transforms into the radiant poinsettia, lighting up the countryside with its red stars. As Lucida learns what makes a gift truly beautiful, the legend of the poinsettia is born. Will her unselfish act inspire others to see beyond appearances? This enchanting tale captures the spirit of Christmas and the magic of selfless love, set against the colorful backdrop of Mexican traditions.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–7 · 2021

Watercress

By Andrea Wang, Jason Chin (Illustrator)

A roadside discovery reveals a family's hidden heritage and unites past and present.

Newbery Honor (2022)Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor (2021)Caldecott Medal (2022)CALA Best Book Award (Chinese American Librarians Association) (2022)Cybils Award (2021)Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (2022)

32 pages· 497 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.5/5 Goodreads · 5,998 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In Ohio, a young girl feels embarrassed when her immigrant parents stop to gather wild watercress. As her mother shares a poignant story from their past in China, the girl begins to understand the significance of their foraging. This journey into family history transforms her embarrassment into appreciation, creating a new, cherished memory. Discover how a simple act of gathering connects generations and uncovers the power of heritage.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2019

Let's Celebrate!

By Kate DePalma, Martina Peluso (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the World of Celebrations series

Discover the magic of global festivals through a child's eyes.

40 pages· 657 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 148 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Summary: Embark on a vibrant journey through 13 global festivals, from China's Spring Festival to Nigeria's New Yam Festival. Experience these celebrations through a child's perspective, with lyrical text and vivid illustrations. This book not only sparks curiosity but also fosters appreciation for diverse traditions. With a global festival calendar and educational notes, young readers will explore the significance of each celebration, uncovering the joy of cultural diversity and unity. What stories and traditions will you discover on this colorful adventure?

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 3–7 · 2020

The Homesick Club

By Libby Martinez, Rebecca Gibbon (Illustrator)

Kids form a club to cope with homesickness in a bustling city.

32 pages

5.8/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 77 ratings

$17.95Save 5%

Summary: In a bustling city, Mónica and Hannah form the Homesick Club, longing for their distant homes in Bolivia and Israel. When Miss Shelby, a new teacher from Texas, joins them, they bond over shared nostalgia. Mónica plans a heartfelt surprise for show and tell, sparking emotions and connections. Can they find comfort in their new surroundings while cherishing memories of home?

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2023

Two New Years

By Richard Ho, Lynn Scurfield (Illustrator)

Two New Year celebrations reveal shared traditions and values.

Sydney Taylor Book Award (2024)

44 pages· 235 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 460 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Summary: In a multicultural family, two New Year celebrations—Rosh Hashanah and Lunar New Year—offer a vibrant tapestry of traditions. From baking challah to dragon dances, these festivities highlight shared values of family and hope. As readers explore these rich cultural tapestries, they are invited to reflect on the unique blend of traditions in their own lives. Will these celebrations reveal more similarities than differences? Discover the beauty of diverse customs and the universal joy they bring.

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Traditions Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1899

Homegrown

Ages 4–8 · 2024

What does it mean to be 'homegrown'? Discover the true essence of home.

Sale price

$899

Miss Tizzy

Ages 4–8 · 1993

Children rally to cheer up their ailing friend.

Sale price

$1999

Aloha Everything

Ages 5–8 · 2024

A young girl discovers the true meaning of aloha through hula and Hawaiian culture.

Sale price

$1700

Night Tree

Ages 4–7 · 1991

A family decorates a tree for forest animals, sharing the true spirit of Christmas.

Sale price

$1899

Tofu Takes Time

Ages 4–8 · 2022

A young girl learns to make tofu from scratch with her grandmother.

#4 in Series

Sale price

$995

Winter Story

Ages 4–8 · 1980

Snow traps mice indoors, sparking a festive Snow Ball.

Series

Sale price

$1899

The Kindest Red

Ages 4–8 · 2023

Faizah discovers the unexpected power of kindness on picture day.

Sale price

$1695

The Miracle of Saint Nicholas

Ages 4–8 · 1997

Can a young boy's faith bring a Christmas miracle to a forgotten village?

Sale price

$1799

Tomatoes for Neela

Ages 4–8 · 2021

A young girl bridges distance with her grandmother through cooking and family recipes.

Series

Sale price

$699

Happy Easter, Little Critter

Ages 3–7 · 2000

Join Little Critter on an Easter adventure full of surprises and fun.

Sale price

$1899

The Patchwork Quilt

Ages 4–8 · 1985

Explore the bonds that weave the fabric of family life.

Sale price

$1899

The Keeping Quilt

Ages 4–8 · 1988

A quilt weaves generations together, preserving family memories and traditions.

View all traditions picture books

Browse by age

Traditions Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about traditions for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$899

I Am Thankful

Ages 3–5 · 2020

Three families celebrate Thanksgiving, sharing traditions and gratitude.

Sale price

$2499

Wings of Fire

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Uncover the secrets of dragon tribes in a world of myths and legends.

Sale price

$1899

Pizza!

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Uncover the global journey and origins of pizza in a fun, flavorful exploration.

Series

Sale price

$1799

The Door of No Return

Ages 10–13 · 2022

A boy's life shatters, launching him on a perilous journey far from home.

Sale price

$799

Ancestor Approved

Ages 9–12 · 2021

At a vibrant powwow, young heroes discover family, mystery, and their own stories.

#5 in Series

Sale price

$799

Golden Sun

Ages 7–11 · 2010

A horse's journey reveals its true calling when a friend's life hangs in the balance.

Series

Little Critter's Christmas Book

Ages 2–6 · 1989

Join Little Critter's festive Christmas adventures.

#15 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$699

A Very Babymouse Christmas

Ages 7–10 · 2011

A mouse's Christmas is filled with excitement, adventure, and learning about the true meaning of the holiday season

#1 in Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1299

Ghosts

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A girl faces her fear of ghosts to help her sick sister.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$899

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Ages 8–12 · 1972

Chaos ensues when the town's worst kids hijack the Christmas pageant.

Sale price

$999

When My Name Was Keoko

Ages 10–12 · 2002

A brother enlists in the enemy army to protect family secrets during wartime Korea.

Sale price

$1799

Rez Dogs

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl learns her heritage and protects her family during a pandemic lockdown.

View all traditions chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about being lost Books about coming of age Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about family problems Books about festivals Books about holidays Books about multicultural Books about new experiences

Our 10 Favorite Books About Traditions

Great books, picked for their age.

Traditions Picture Books

Traditions Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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