Books About China · 209 titles considered

The Best China Books for Kids

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

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.

278 pages· 42,343 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 55,415 ratings

$12.99Save 4%

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.

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

3.6/5 Goodreads · 116 ratings

$5.99Save 4%

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?

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 42,394 ratings

$11.99Save 5%

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.

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 experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 15,131 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

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.

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.

32 pages· 886 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

5.5/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 540 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

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.

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 experts·3.9/5 Goodreads · 1,092 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

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.

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 experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 935 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

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.

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.

48 pages· 1,142 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 65,206 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

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)

32 pages· 1,184 words· Est. 10 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo experts·4.1/5 Goodreads · 18,690 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

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.

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 · 342 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.

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Browse by age

China Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

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

Sale price

$899

Lunar New Year

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

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.

Sale price

$799

12 Lucky Animals

Ages 2–4 · 2018

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

Sale price

$595

Humpty Dumpty

Ages 0–2 · 2010

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

Sale price

$699

Dim Sum for Everyone!

Ages 3–7 · 2001

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

Sale price

$699

First Words Mandarin

Ages 2–6 · 2019

Discover 12 Mandarin words with illustrations and pronunciation guides.

Sale price

$1099

Happy Chinese New Year!

Ages 0–3 · 2022

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

Baby Loves Lunar Phases on Chinese New Year!

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

$799

I Am a Panda

Ages 1–4 · 2020

Interactive panda puppet book boosts play and learning for toddlers.

My First Mandarin Words with Gordon & Li Li

Sale price

$999

My First Mandarin Words with Gordon & Li Li

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Cousins bridge language barriers with simple words in English and Mandarin.

Sale price

$1099

Little Panda

Ages 3–5 · 2019

Little Panda explores the jungle, with mama always nearby.

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.

View all china board books

Browse by age

China Picture Books

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

Sale price

$1895

The Tiger Prince

Ages 4–8 · 2005

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

Sale price

$1699

Tu Youyou's Discovery

Ages 5–8 · 2021

A scientist's quest to cure malaria changes the world.

Sale price

$699

April Fools' Fiasco

Ages 4–8 · 2017

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

Sale price

$695

The Empty Pot

Ages 4–8 · 2014

A test of honesty reveals true worth.

Sale price

$1295

Everyone Knows What a Dragon Looks Like

Ages 3–5 · 1976

A dragon defends Wu from northern invaders.

Sale price

$1799

Grandpa Grumps

Ages 4–8 · 2020

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

Sale price

$1295

Yeh-Shen

Ages 4–8 · 1982

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

Sale price

$650

The Dancing Dragon

Ages 5–7 · 1996

Unfold the magic of a Chinese New Year celebration.

Sale price

$799

Mountain Chef

Ages 6–9 · 2016

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

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.

Sale price

$1899

Red Kite, Blue Kite

Ages 6–8 · 2013

Separated by turmoil, a father and son connect through kites, defying distance and oppression.

Sale price

$799

The Five Chinese Brothers

Ages 4–8 · 1938

Five brothers, five extraordinary abilities, one clever adventure awaits.

View all china picture books

Browse by age

China Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about china for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1499

Secret of the Forbidden City

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A family races to save their mom from pirates by finding stolen Nazi treasures.

Sale price

$999

Gladys Aylward

1970

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

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.

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1399

Tintin in Tibet

Ages 10–13 · 1959

A plane crash in the Himalayas leads to a daring rescue mission.

Sale price

$699

China: Land of the Emperor's Great Wall

Ages 7–10 · 2014

Uncover the mysteries of the Dragon King and ancient China with Jack and Annie.

Sale price

$699

Pandas and Other Endangered Species

Ages 7–9 · 2012

The book explores the lives of endangered species, including giant pandas, and the efforts of conservationists to protect them.

Sale price

$999

Alice-Miranda in China

Ages 8–12 · 2017

A cultural exchange in Beijing leads to a circus sabotage mystery.

Sale price

$699

The Year of the Fortune Cookie

Ages 6–9 · 2014

Anna's journey to China reveals where she truly belongs.

Sale price

$699

The Flying Chinese Wonders

Ages 6–10 · 2011

A boy is flattened by a bulletin board and becomes involved in a Chinese acrobatic performance

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?

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?

Sale price

$799

Secret Admirer

Ages 7–9 · 2015

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

View all china chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about Chinese folklore Books about family life Books about fortune and luck Books about journeys and voyages Books about kisses Books about mythical creatures

Our 10 Favorite Books About China

Great books, picked for their age.

China Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

China Picture Books

China Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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