The Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year) is a vibrant celebration filled with traditions, stories, and meaningful customs. Introducing young learners to this holiday is a fantastic way to foster cultural awareness and inclusivity in the classroom or at home.
Books are a powerful tool to spark curiosity and build understanding. In particular, they offer engaging, age-appropriate insights into this special occasion.
Starting a history or geography lesson with a picture book is such a fun hook to the start of any lesson! Take a look at some of my favourites books to use for Lunar New Year below...
1. Bringing in the New Year by Grace Lin
This vibrant picture book introduces young readers to Lunar New Year traditions through the experiences of a Chinese-American family. The colourful illustrations and simple text are perfect for early learners.
2. Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas by Natasha Yim
A fun retelling of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" that incorporates Lunar New Year elements, such as Chinese dishes and celebrations. It’s an engaging way to teach about traditions while sharing a classic tale.
3. D Is for Dragon Dance by Ying Chang Compestine
An alphabet book that highlights various aspects of Lunar New Year, from A for Acrobats to Z for Zodiac. Its rhyming text and colourful illustrations make learning about the holiday fun for young readers.
4. The Nian Monster by Andrea Wang
A captivating story of a young girl who uses her wits to outsmart the legendary Nian monster during Lunar New Year. This book introduces key traditions in a creative and engaging way.
5. A New Year’s Reunion by Yu Li-Qiong
This touching story follows a little girl whose father comes home for Lunar New Year after working far away. It provides a heartfelt look at family reunions and the joy of celebrating together.
You may also enjoy these handy Chinese New Year products for your classroom.
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