Are you doing a unit on China? These children's books are a great way to study and introduce this culture to kids. There are both fiction and nonfiction books included in this list for early readers. Let's celebrate the culture and customs of China! 

China is a large country with many unique customs and traditions. This country is full of history and interesting monuments. Immerse your students in these fun children's books. Read the books to your students for an added level of connection. Or have your students read them by themselves if they are up to the task.

Living in... China by Chloe Perkins

"Discover what it’s like to grow up in China with this fascinating, nonfiction Level 2 Ready-to-Read, part of a new series all about kids just like you in countries around the world!"

Let's Go to China! by Tommy Tong

"Let's Go to China" is an introductory book with many wonderful pictures and interesting China facts from the first emperor and his Great Wall to bullet trains and modern city life. Tommy's books provide entertaining Chinese history for kids, introducing ancient monuments, inventions and important people."

My First Book of Chinese Words: An ABC Rhyming Book of Chinese Language and Culture by Faye-Lynn Wu

"The goal of My First Book of Chinese Words is to familiarize children with the basic sounds and written characters of Chinese, to introduce core concepts of Chinese culture and to illustrate the ways in which Chinese sounds differ from English ones. Teachers and parents will welcome the cultural notes at the back of the book and appreciate how the book is organized using a familiar ABC structure."

Welcome to China by Caryn Jenner

"Adventurous young readers will get a whirlwind tour of the world's biggest country with this book about China, taking a look at its people, its landscape, its culture, and what the future holds. Read about the Great Wall, the Yangtze River, and more!"

Giant: A Panda of the Enchanted Forest by Xuan Loc Xuan 

"This is the story of Giant, a panda bear who has lost contact with his family. Giant is lounging in the majestic Sichuan forest, chewing on his bamboo shoots. Suddenly, a forest fire starts because people from the city are clear-burning the forest for development!"

Noodle Magic by Roseanne Greenfield Thong

"Grandpa Tu is famous for his special noodles, and as the emperor's birthday approaches, he teaches his granddaughter, Mei, the family trade. Mei struggles to find the magic needed to make noodles. Ultimately, she finds the magic--and the ability to succeed--within. Mei doesn't just make noodles--her magic noodles in varied shapes and sizes rain down from the sky!"

The Pet Dragon by Christoph Niemann

"By ingeniously integrating written Chinese characters into the illustrations as the story progresses, Christoph Niemann has created a book that is engrossing, unique, and memorable. The Pet Dragon is a playful introduction to the fascinating world of Chinese language and culture . . . and a terrific story to share with children everywhere."

Red Butterfly by Deborah Noyes

"A young Chinese princess is sent from her father’s kingdom to marry the king of a far-off land. She must leave behind her home of splendors: sour plums and pink peach petals and — most precious and secret of all — the small silkworm. She begs her father to let her stay, but he insists that she go and fulfill her destiny as the queen of Khotan. Beautifully told and arrestingly illustrated, here is a coming-of-age tale of a brave young princess whose clever plan will go on to live in legend — and will ensure that her cherished home is with her always."

The Runaway Wok: A Chinese New Year Tale by Ying Chang Compestine 

"When a boy goes to the market to buy food and comes home with an old wok instead, his parents wonder what they'll eat for dinner. But then the wok rolls out of the poor family's house with a skippity-hoppity-ho! and returns from the rich man's home with a feast in tow!"

How to Catch a Dragon by Adam Wallace

"Set in China during the Spring Festival, otherwise known as Chinese New Year, the wily dragon will have to avoid trap after trap as the kids run through paper lanterns, red lunar envelopes, fireworks, and more! Includes bonus educational back matter and Mandarin translations to enhance your reading experience."

Are you looking for engaging resources for introducing China?

Check out these engaging resources for early readers! 

Thank you for following Starlight Treasures!