Great Kids' Books for Lunar New Year

Last updated: January 16, 2026

Lunar New Year is a celebration marked by parades, firecrackers, fireworks, red lanterns, and red envelopes filled with money for the kids. It's an important event in many East Asian countries, including China (where it's known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival), Japan, and South Korea, and also in Vietnam (where it's known as Tet), the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, and countries with significant populations of people of Chinese descent, like the United States. (California made it an official state holiday in 2022.) The holiday period is based on the lunar calendar, beginning with the first new moon and ending on the first full moon, and can last up to two weeks. Check out our list below to find books that show how families celebrate Lunar New Year, as well as titles featuring East Asian characters and culture. For more great reads, check out our list of Books with Asian, Asian American, Desi, and Pacific Islander Characters and Books Inspired by Asian Folklore and Mythology.