Red Envelopes and Dragon Dances: 5 Best Lunar New Year Books for 2–4 Year Olds

As the Lunar New Year approaches, my house starts to fill up with red paper cuttings and the smell of longevity noodles. If you’re looking to introduce your little one to the beauty of Seollal, Tết, or Chinese New Year, you’ve probably realized that "preschool attention spans" require a very specific kind of storytelling.

I’ve put together a list of five books that perfectly capture the magic of the holiday—from the delicious dumplings to the legendary zodiac animals—without being too wordy for a wiggly toddler.

1. Bringing in the New Year By Grace Lin

Grace Lin is a master of storytelling for young children, and this is a household staple. It follows a Chinese-American family as they prepare for the festivities—sweeping out the old year, hanging lanterns, and getting ready for a big parade.

Why it works: The illustrations are bright and patterned (classic Grace Lin style!), and the sentences are short and rhythmic. Plus, there is a giant fold-out page at the end featuring a dragon that always gets a "wow" from the kids.

2. Lunar New Year By Hannah Eliot

Part of the Celebrate the World series, this board book is the perfect "Intro 101." It explains the "why" behind the traditions—like why we wear red and what the different foods symbolize—in a way that feels like a story rather than a history lesson.

Why it works: The artwork by Alina Chau is whimsical and gorgeous. It’s a sturdy board book, so it can survive being hauled around in a backpack or stroller. It’s very factual but keeps the tone light and celebratory.

3. Baby’s First Lunar New Year By DK

If you have a younger toddler (around 2), this is the one to grab. It’s a "first words" style book that focuses on the iconic imagery of the holiday: red envelopes (hongbao), lion dancers, lanterns, and firecrackers.

Why it works: It uses bold, high-contrast photos and simple text. It’s a great way to build their vocabulary and help them recognize the decorations they might see around town or at a local festival.

4. It’s Chinese New Year, Curious George! By H.A. Rey and Maria Wen Adcock

Sometimes, the best way to introduce a new concept is through a familiar face. George is visiting his friend Mei, and together they learn about cleaning the house to make room for good luck and enjoying a family feast.

Why it works: It’s a tabbed board book, which is fantastic for fine motor skills—kids love flipping to their favorite sections. The rhyming text keeps the pace moving quickly, which is essential for the 3-year-old crowd.

5. Ruby’s Chinese New Year By Vickie Lee

In this sweet story, a little girl named Ruby is trying to deliver a special card to her grandmother. Along the way, she meets the different animals of the Chinese Zodiac, who help her on her journey.

Why it works: It’s a brilliant way to introduce the zodiac animals without it feeling like a lecture. Each animal has a distinct personality, and the story focuses on themes of family and perseverance.