Best Picture Books about Chinese New Year in Simplified Chinese
Finding Chinese picture books for toddlers and preschoolers can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re buying gifts for the holidays and want something meaningful, fun, and age-appropriate. I’ve also found that a lot of lists usually list books about Chinese New Year in English, not in Chinese. While it’s helpful to have books in English, my goal is to fill my daughter’s bookshelf with as many Chinese books as possible!
I put together a short list of some of the best Chinese picture books (in Simplified Chinese) to give as gifts this year. And as a reminder, we'll include pinyin guides for the titles below - perfect for caregivers who aren't natively fluent in reading Chinese.
Chinese New Year book for babies and toddlers - Bizzy Bear Chinese New Year
Don't underestimate the 8 pages in this board book! They're packed with sliders, pulls, and other interactive elements. The detailed illustrations also invite children to learn additional vocabulary and make up their own stories. I especially love the detail of the 12 zodiac animals on the last page - easily missed, but once you see it, you'll appreciate the thought that went into illustrating the book to ensure it is culturally relevant. Plus, this edition is bilingual in English and Simplified Chinese.
Chinese New Year book bundle for older toddlers and preschool - ages 3-5
These picture books are available separately or as a bundle. If the illustration styles seem familiar, that's because both of these authors were also in our Mid-Autumn/Fall book bundle.
A Very Sleepy New Year - 好困好困的新年 is a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming story of a bear who has always hibernated through the new year, but this year, he is determined to stay awake! He enlists the help of his forest friends to help him stay awake. Throughout the story, you'll read about traditional Chinese customs, like writing spring couplets, making dumplings, and setting off fireworks and firecrackers.
Little Rice Cake Celebrates the New Year - 小年糕，过大年 is a silly, whimsical story about lucky rice cakes in a sticky situation. There is even a surprise pop-up feature towards the end of the book. Parts of the vocabulary in this book are more complex because they reference many traditional Chinese sayings, but I've translated (and included the pinyin) in the print out pinyin guide that comes with the book.
Chinese New Year book bundle for elementary school age - ages 5-7
These books are also available separately or as part of the Chinese New Year book bundle. These books are slightly more complex than the bundle above, so I've suggested ages 5-7. The passages and sentences are a bit longer and the storyline might also require a bit more concentration, especially for 十二生肖的故事。
The Story of the 12 Zodiac Animals - 十二生肖的故事 - is a traditional version of the story of the 12 zodiac animals. The picture book comes with very detailed illustrations and tells the whole story of the animal race and even explains why the cat is not part of the zodiac.
A Very Busy Lunar New Year Eve - 好忙的除夕 - This book follows two siblings around as their family prepares for the Chinese New Year. Mom is cooking, dad is buying groceries, grandpa is cleaning, and more! Follow along as they try to stay out of trouble and learn about the various traditions around Chinese New Year Eve.
If you’re looking for more ideas or want personalized recommendations, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to help families build their Chinese book libraries.