Children's books to celebrate Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is a wonderful celebration of family and good fortune in the coming year. This year, as we move from the Year of the Ox into the Year of Tiger, the festivities begin on February 1 and culminate in the Lantern Festival on February 15.

Here are some gorgeous books to introduce young people to the celebrations of Lunar New Year.


Maisy’s Chinese New Year by Lucy Cousins

Maisy’s friend Tiger is coming home especially for Chinese New Year! Once the house is tidy and the decorations are up, Maisy changes into her lovely red dress and throws a big party for all her friends. They have a delicious feast, tell stories, see the fireworks together and, on New Year’s Day, watch a spectacular parade - with an amazing dragon dance!

Suitable for ages 2 and up.


The Animals of Chinese New Year by Jen Sookfong Lee

Drawing on the myth of the Chinese zodiac, this book follows twelve animals as they speed across a river, competing to represent the imminent new year in a race held by the Jade Emperor, the most powerful Chinese god. Each animal competes in its own unique way. The ox works hard, the tiger is brave, the dog smiles kindly, but who will win?

Bright photographs of babies demonstrate the same traits as the animals in the text, complemented by traditional Chinese graphic elements.

Suitable for ages 1 and up.


Baby’s First Chinese New Year by DK

The bright and colourful images in this book are the perfect way to discover the new year holiday traditions together. From colourful lanterns, to beautiful traditional clothes, to special animals that each year is named after, Baby’s First Chinese New Year features all the familiar favourites associated with Asia’s biggest and brightest celebration.

An ideal baby gift to develop early learning, the simple pictures and sentences promote language skills, and the small, padded format is perfect for babies to hold.

Suitable for ages 0 and up.


Busy Chinese New Year

In Busy Chinese New Year, children can have lots of fun pulling, pushing and turning the mechanisms. Join in with the celebrations as the Lion and Dragon dance, enjoy a family banquet and watch the spectacular fireworks.

Children will love playing with this bright and colourful board book with lots to spot, a gentle rhyme and wonderful illustrations by Ilaria Falorsi.

Suitable for ages 0 and up.


Winnie and Wilbur at Chinese New Year by Valerie Thomas

When Winnie and Wilbur decide to celebrate Chinese New Year, the party is going with a swing.

Family? Check! Friends? Check! Food? Check! Fun? Check!

But just when Winnie waves her wand to make parade costumes for everyone, Wilbur goes missing. Oh no! Will Winnie find him before the first firework lights up the sky?

Suitable for ages 2 and up.