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Asian Culture

Explore and learn aspects of Chinese, Japanese and other Asian cultures

Tikki Tikki Tembo

Asian Culture, Folktales

Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo- chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo! Three decades and more than one million copies later children still love hearing about the boy with the long name who fell down the well. Arlene Mosel and Blair Lent's classic re-creation of an ancient Chinese folktale has hooked legions of children, teachers, and parents, who return, generation after generation, to learn about the danger of having such an honorable name as Tikki tikki tembo-no sa rembo-chari bari ruchi-pip peri pembo. Tikki Tikki Tembo is the winner of the 1968 Boston Globe - Horn Book Award for Picture Books.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 3960 votes, reviews

Arlene Mosel

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The Name Jar

Diverse Leads, Being Yourself

Being the new kid in school is hard enough, but what about when nobody can pronounce your name? Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week. Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from. But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, one of her classmates comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning. On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared. Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it—Yoon-Hey.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 3677 votes, reviews

Yangsook Choi

Eyes That Kiss in the Corners

Diverse Leads, NY Times Best Seller, Asian Culture

This lyrical, stunning picture book tells a story about learning to love and celebrate your Asian-shaped eyes, in the spirit of Hair Love by Matthew A. Cherry, and is a celebration of diversity. A young Asian girl notices that her eyes look different from her peers'. They have big, round eyes and long lashes. She realizes that her eyes are like her mother’s, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. They have eyes that kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea, crinkle into crescent moons, and are filled with stories of the past and hope for the future. Drawing from the strength of these powerful women in her life, she recognizes her own beauty and discovers a path to self-love and empowerment. This powerful, poetic picture book will resonate with readers of all ages. "This tale of self-acceptance and respect for one’s roots is breathtaking.” —Kirkus (starred review) “A young girl finds beauty in her uniqueness.” —School Library Journal (starred review) “A lyrical celebration of her eyes, their shape, spirit, and legacy.” —Booklist (starred review) “A poignant testament to familial love and legacy.” —Publishers Weekly Plus don't miss the beautiful companion book from the same team: Eyes That Speak to the Stars.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 3441 votes, reviews

Joanna Ho

Bao Bao Learns Chinese

Asian Culture

❤️ SOOTHING & NATURAL VOICE. Unlike the majority of sound books out there, Bao Bao Learns Chinese features a real mom singing in a loving and calming voice. Our high quality audio is easy to understand and non-electronic sounding. At the press of a button, each children's song/nursery rhyme is sung twice in Chinese with musical accompaniment. With three songs from the East and three from the West, kids and parents alike can learn Mandarin Chinese through music. ❤️ MADE WITH LOVE FOR YOUR BABY. Created by a mom in Brooklyn, NY, this musical toy is the perfect Chinese children's book - truly one of a kind! It's an educational book and learning toy that helps kids learn Chinese through music. A great gift and registry favorite for any baby shower, mom, dad and child's birthday. A perfect board book for children everywhere to learn Mandarin Chinese. ❤️ SUPPORTS EARLY LEARNING & EDUCATION. With Bao Bao Learns Chinese, babies, toddlers and preschoolers can learn with you! A great bilingual & interactive musical book. Every song is written in English, Mandarin and PinYin (phonetic pronunciation of Mandarin characters) for easy language learning through music. ❤️ BEAUTIFUL, DURABLE AND SAFE. The perfect board book and a great gift for newborn infants, babies, one year olds, two year olds, three year olds and all toddlers. Non-tearing board book pages. Batteries included. Comes with easy volume controls and mute options. ❤️ 6 CLASSIC CHILDREN’S SONGS SUNG TWICE THROUGH: Itsy-Bitsy Spider (小小的蜘蛛), Two Tigers (两只老虎), Row Row Row Your Boat (划, 划, 划小船), Find A Friend (找朋友), Mama is the Best In This World (世上只有妈妈好) and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (一闪一闪小星星).
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 1532 votes, reviews

Baby Learn

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The Empty Pot

Diverse Leads, Asian Culture, Gardening

The Empty Pot is Demi's beloved picture book about an honest schoolboy A long time ago in China there was a boy named Ping who loved flowers. Anything he planted burst into bloom. The Emperor loved flowers too. When it was time to choose an heir, he gave a flower seed to each child in the kingdom. "Whoever can show me their best in a year's time," he proclaimed, "shall succeed me to the throne!" Ping plants his seed and tends it every day. But month after month passes, and nothing grows. When spring comes, Ping must go to the Emperor with nothing but an empty pot. Demi's exquisite art and beautifully simple text show how Ping's embarrassing failure is turned triumphant in this satisfying tale of honesty rewarded.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 1469 votes, reviews

Demi

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Bee-bim Bop!

Food, Korean Culture

A Korean American girl celebrates food and family in this cheerful board book about cooking a special meal by Newbery Medalist Linda Sue Park. In bouncy rhyming text, an excited and hungry child tells about helping her mother make bee-bim bop: shopping, preparing ingredients, setting the table, and finally sitting down with her family to enjoy a favorite meal. The energy and enthusiasm of the young narrator are conveyed in the whimsical illustrations, which bring details from the artist’s childhood in Korea to his depiction of a modern Korean American family.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 1008 votes, reviews

Linda Sue Park

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Zen Shorts

Asian Culture, Gratitude, Caldecott Medal

"Michael," said Karl. "There's a really big bear in the backyard." This is how three children meet Stillwater, a giant panda who moves into the neighborhood and tells amazing tales. To Addy he tells a story about the value of material goods. To Michael he pushes the boundaries of good and bad. And to Karl he demonstrates what it means to hold on to frustration. With graceful art and simple stories that are filled with love and enlightenment, Jon Muth -- and Stillwater the bear -- present three ancient Zen tales that are sure to strike a chord in everyone they touch.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 957 votes, reviews

Jon J Muth

A Big Mooncake for Little Star

Caldecott Medal, Space, Asian Leads, Folktales

A gorgeous picture book that tells a whimsical origin story of the phases of the moon, from award-winning, bestselling author-illustrator Grace Lin Pat, pat, pat... Little Star's soft feet tiptoed to the Big Mooncake. Little Star loves the delicious Mooncake that she bakes with her mama. But she's not supposed to eat any yet! What happens when she can't resist a nibble? In this stunning picture book that shines as bright as the stars in the sky, Newbery Honor author Grace Lin creates a heartwarming original story that explains phases of the moon.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 785 votes, reviews

Grace Lin

My First Book of Tagalog Words

Asian Culture

My First Book of Tagalog Words is a beautifully illustrated book that introduces young children to Filipino language and culture through everyday words. The words profiled in this book are all commonly used in the Filipino language and are both informative and fun for English-speaking children to learn. The goals of My First Book of Tagalog Words are multiple: to familiarize children with the sounds and structure of the Tagalog language; to introduce core elements of Filipino culture; to illustrate the ways in which languages differ in their treatment of everyday sounds; and to show how, through cultural importation, a single word can be shared between languages. Both teachers and parents will welcome the book's cultural references and appreciate how the book is organized in a familiar ABC structure. With the help of this book, we hope more children (and adults) will soon be a part of the 22 million people worldwide that speak Tagalog!
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 702 votes, reviews

Liana Romulo

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Dim Sum For Everyone

Food, Asian Culture

From sweet pork buns to little egg tarts, the plentiful dishes arrive on metal carts for a grand smorgasbord. An endnote offers a brief history of dim sum; endpapers show the wide spectrum available for sampling.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 577 votes, reviews

Grace Lin

Drawn Together

Grandparents, Asian Culture

Named a Best Book of 2018 by the Wall Street Journal, NPR, Smithsonian, Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, Booklist, the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, BookRiot, the New York Public Library, the Chicago Public Library—and many more! When a young boy visits his grandfather, their lack of a common language leads to confusion, frustration, and silence. But as they sit down to draw together, something magical happens—with a shared love of art and storytelling, the two form a bond that goes beyond words. With spare, direct text by Minh Lê and luminous illustrations by Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat, this stirring picture book about reaching across barriers will be cherished for years to come.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 573 votes, reviews

Minh Lê

The Great Race

Asian Culture, Folktales

Celebrate Chinese New Year and learn how every animal earned its place in the Chinese zodiac by taking part in the Great Race! Discover who will come first to win the ultimate prize, and find out why Cat will never forgive his friend Rat in this ancient folk tale that has been passed from generation to generation. Praise for Deep in the Woods, the previous title from Christopher Corr: '… the book looks like a delectable candy box… There is a lesson here — about friendship, and sharing — but the book never feels plodding or pedantic… Which may be why the lesson just goes down like the truth.'
average rating is 4.5 out of 5, based on 471 votes, reviews

Christopher Corr

Rapunzel

Diverse Leads, Asian Culture, Modernized Classics

The classic story of Rapunzel gets a fresh twist in this vibrant Indian spin on the beloved fairy tale! Once upon a time, there was a girl with long, long hair, who lived in a tall, tall tower... The classic tale of Rapunzel gets a fresh twist in this third book of a brand-new board book series, Once Upon a World. With India as the backdrop, and vibrant artwork from illustrator Archana Sreenivasan, Rapunzel is still the same girl who lets down her beautiful hair—but she’s totally reimagined. Once Upon a World offers a multicultural take on the fairy tales we all know and love. Because these tales are for everyone, everywhere.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 448 votes, reviews

Chloe Perkins

Goldy Luck and the Three Pandas

Asian Culture, Modernized Classics

It's Chinese New Year, and Goldy Luck’s mother wants her to take a plate of turnip cakes to the neighbors. The Chans aren’t home, but that doesn’t stop Goldy from trying out their rice porridge, their chairs, and their beds—with disastrous results. In this funny and festive retelling of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Natasha Yim and Grace Zong introduce a plucky heroine who takes responsibility for her actions and makes a new friend (and a whole plate of turnip cakes!), just in time for Chinese New Year. Includes back matter about Chinese New Year and a recipe for turnip cakes.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 436 votes, reviews

Natasha Yim

Yayoi Kusama Covered Everything in Dots and Wasn't Sorry

Strong Female Leads, Art, Asian Leads

A clever, quirky book about one of the world's most beloved contemporary artists - aimed at young readers and written from Kusama's point of view! Yayoi Kusama covers her paintings in hundreds and hundreds of dots. Her dots come off her canvases to cover dresses, tables, walls, and more! She creates mirrored rooms and fills them with glittering balls and lights, until there is an infinity of dots - just like in her paintings. Fausto Gilberti brings movement, life, and whimsy to the true life story of one of the most important contemporary Japanese artists of our time - an artist who is still dazzling museum- and gallery-goers around the globe today.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 419 votes, reviews

Fausto Gilberti

My First Book of Japanese Words

Asian Culture

The words profiled in this book are all commonly used in the Japanese language and are both informative and fun for English-speaking children to learn. The goals of My First Book of Japanese Words are multiple: to familiarize children with the sounds and structure of Japanese speech, to introduce core elements of Japanese culture, to illustrate the ways in which languages differ in their treatment of everyday sounds and to show how, through cultural importation, a single word can be shared between languages. Both teachers and parents will welcome the book's cultural and linguistic notes and appreciate how the book is organized in a familiar ABC structure. Each word is presented in Kanji (when applicable), Kana, and Romanized form (Romaji). With the help of this book, we hope more children (and adults) will soon be a part of the 125 million people worldwide that speak Japanese!
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 383 votes, reviews

Michelle Haney Brown

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Filipino Friends and More

Asian Culture

From the author of Filipino Children's Favorite Stories comes a book for young children that features a Filipino-American boy visiting the Philippines for the very first time. Each watercolor illustration is labeled with English words and their Filipino translations and shows readers both the similarities and differences between Western and Philippine lifestyles. Filipino Friends, perfect for Filipino-American's or those just interested in the culture, is indispensable in bridging the gap between the two cultures. Following the sweet multicultural children's story, kids will learn about Philippine customs and traditions, including: Filipino festivals and celebrations Traditional dress Snacks and meals Songs and games The Filipino language—Tagalog—and more!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 371 votes, reviews

Liana Romulo

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Watercress

Caldecott Medal, Asian Culture, Immigration Stories

While driving through Ohio in an old Pontiac, a young girl's Chinese immigrant parents spot watercress growing wild in a ditch by the side of the road. They stop the car, grabbing rusty scissors and an old paper bag, and the whole family wades into the mud to gather as much as they can. At first, she's embarrassed. Why can't her family just get food from the grocery store, like everyone else? But when her mother shares a bittersweet story of her family history in China, the girl learns to appreciate the fresh food they foraged—and the memories left behind in pursuit of a new life. Together, they make a new memory of watercress. Author Andrea Wang calls this moving, autobiographical story “both an apology and a love letter to my parents.” It’s a bittersweet, delicate look at how sharing the difficult parts of our histories can create powerful new moments of family history, and help connect us to our roots. Jason Chin’s illustrations move between China and the American Midwest and were created with a mixture of traditional Chinese brushes and western media. The dreamy, nostalgic color palette brings this beautiful story to life. An endnote from the author describes her personal connection to the story, and an illustrator’s note touches on both the process of the painting, and the emotional meaning brought to the work.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 351 votes, reviews

Andrea Wang

Where's Halmoni?

Korean Culture, Fantasy

“. . . features two young Korean American siblings who take a trip through a magical portal into a land filled with characters from old Korean fables. . . Kim is making a statement about the loss of culture among children of immigrants while also writing a book that returns some of that to them.” —Jay Caspian King, The New York Times Beautifully illustrated and told by debut author Julie Kim, this authentic voices picture book in graphic-novel style follows a young Korean girl and boy whose search for their missing grandmother leads them into a world inspired by Korean folklore, complete with mischievous goblins (dokkebi), a greedy tiger, a clever rabbit, and a wily fox. Two young children pay a visit to Halmoni (grandmother in Korean), only to discover she's not home. As they search for her, noticing animal tracks covering the floor, they discover a window, slightly ajar, new to their grandmother's home. Their curiosity gets the best of them, and they crawl through and discover an unfamiliar fantastical world, and their adventure begins. As they continue to search for their grandmother and solve the mystery of the tracks, they go deeper into a world of Korean folklore, meeting a number of characters who speak in Korean along the way, and learn more about their cultural heritage. This beautifully illustrated graphic picture book is filled with a number of Easter eggs for readers of all ages to discover, and is inspired by the Korean folktales that author and illustrator Julie Kim heard while growing up. Translations to Korean text in the story and more about the folktale-inspired characters are included at the end.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 327 votes, reviews

Julie Kim

Filipino Children's Favorite Stories

Asian Culture, Folktales

Filipino Children's Favorite Stories presents thirteen well-loved myths and tales from the Philippines. These stories will enchant six to ten-year-old readers around the world with their wit and charm. Many of the tales have been transmitted from mother to child over centuries, and cover classic childhood themes—such as the forces of good triumphing over evil, children rebelling against adults and the weak prevailing over the strong. They make perfect new additions for story time or bedtime reading. Narrated with an international audience in mind and illustrated with whimsical watercolors by award-winning artist Joanne de Leon, this is a must-have collection of tales for anyone interested in the Philippines. Featured Filipino stories include: Why Mosquitoes Buzz Around Our Ears The Magic Lake> The Deer and the Snail Why the Cock Crows The Prince's Bride
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 291 votes, reviews

Liana Elena Romulo

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First Book of Sushi

Food, Asian Culture

Miso in my sippy cup, tofu in my bowl! From tekka maki to wasabi, tasty treats await young readers in this colorful, rhyming ode to Japanese cuisine. With pages full of tummy-tempting foods, the books in the World Snacks series are a delicious way to introduce even the littlest eaters to cuisines from all around the globe.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 262 votes, reviews

Amy Wilson Sanger

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The Ugly Vegetables

Food, Diverse Leads

A Chinese-American girl and her mother grow a vegetable garden in a neighborhood where everyone else grows flowers. The girl thinks their plants are ugly compared to flowers, but soon learns that vegetables can make a very delicious soup one that the whole neighborhood wants to try. Soon everyone is growing Chinese vegetables as well as flowers.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 235 votes, reviews

Grace Lin

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Eyes That Speak to the Stars

Diverse Leads, Asian Culture

A young boy comes to recognize his own power and ability to change the future. When a friend at school creates a hurtful drawing, the boy turns to his family for comfort. He realizes that his eyes rise to the skies and speak to the stars, shine like sunlit rays, and glimpse trails of light from those who came before—in fact, his eyes are like his father’s, his agong’s, and his little brother’s, and they are visionary. Inspired by the men in his family, he recognizes his own power and strength from within. This extraordinary picture book redefines what it means to be truly you. Eyes That Kiss in the Corners received three starred reviews and was embraced as "breathtaking," "lyrical," and "poignant." This companion volume is sure to be welcomed with equal joy. January/February 2021 Kids’ Indie Next List An Amazon January Best Book of the Month
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 210 votes, reviews

Joanna Ho

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A Map into the World

Asian Leads, Compassion

A heartfelt story of a young girl seeking beauty and connection in a busy world. As the seasons change, so too does a young Hmong girl's world. She moves into a new home with her family and encounters both birth and death. As this curious girl explores life inside her house and beyond, she collects bits of the natural world. But who are her treasures for? A moving picture book debut from acclaimed Hmong American author Kao Kalia Yang.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 147 votes, reviews

Kao Kalia Yang

Filipino Celebrations

Asian Culture

This multicultural children's book is full of Filipino holidays, culture, language and stories! In the Philippines, people love to celebrate—holidays are filled with music and dancing, sometimes with colorful costumes, and always with great food! Rich with detailed watercolors and cultural flavor, Filipino Celebrations: A Treasury of Feasts and Festivals makes major holidays (like Christmas) and family gatherings (like weddings and birthdays) come alive. From these pages, children will learn the history of each holiday, its cultural influences, the varied ways in which people celebrate in different regions of the Philippines, special customs and food, key words and phrases (in English and Tagalog), and more. Games, songs, and other activities invite young readers to join in the fun. New and familiar holidays take on a special flavor as children learn about the diverse cultures that make up this wonderful island nation. Perfect for Filipino-American families looking to share the unique culture of the Philippines, educators interested in promoting multiculturalism in the classroom, or anyone interested in the country, Filipino Celebrations will encourage children ages five to ten to participate and learn while having fun. Celebrations and festivals include: Mga Kaarawan—Birthdays Semana Santa—Holy Week Mga Barrio Fiestas—Town Festivals Mga Binyag—Baptisms Araw ng Kalayaan—Independence Day and more!
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 133 votes, reviews

Liana Romulo

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Chirri & Chirra

Asian Leads, Nature Lovers

The first book in a completely charming series by a well-known Japanese author and illustrator, Chirri & Chirra introduces two girl characters who go on wonderful adventures together through the natural world. Vibrant, lively, and astonishingly sweet in a pure, unsentimental way, these pages present us with relatable children, small animals, lots of food, atmosphere, and many mysteries. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kaya Doi graduated with a degree in design from Tokyo Zokei University. She got her start in picture books by attending the Atosaki Juku Workshop, held at a Tokyo bookshop specializing in picture books. Since then she has produced numerous picture books featuring her softly styled, color-pencil drawings. She now lives in Chiba Prefecture and maintains a strong interest in environmental and animal welfare issues. Since the earthquake of 2011 she has been active in recovery and shelter efforts for abandoned pets.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 118 votes, reviews

Kaya Doi

Chirri & Chirra: In the Tall Grass

Asian Leads, Nature Lovers

In their second adventure to reach the US market, Chirri & Chirra become very small, and so are able to explore the magical world hidden away in a mound of tall grass. Filled with friendly, industrious bees and equally inventive bugs, this is a book that brings the lovely particularity of life in Japan––marked by food and nature––to young readers here. Born in Tokyo, Japan, Kaya Doi graduated with a degree in design from Tokyo Zokei University. She got her start in picture books by attending the Atosaki Juku Workshop, held at a Tokyo bookshop specializing in children's books. Since then she has created many books featuring her delicate color-pencil drawings. She lives in Chiba Prefecture and maintains a strong interest in environmental and animal welfare issues.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 101 votes, reviews

Kaya Doi

A Little Chinese Set: Colors, Numbers, Shapes, Zodiac

Asian Culture

Let's follow Xiao Long on his adventure to the zoo. Help him find different items along the way! Learn key concepts and words with this brightly colored and engaging bilingual Mandarin Chinese-English board book set. ❤️ MADE WITH LOVE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONES. Created by 3 mamas with little ones of our own, we set out to create content that we would be excited to share with our own little ones. Perfect as a holiday, baby shower, or a birthday gift for young bubs all around the world ❤️ TRULY BILINGUAL CONTENT. All content in English, simplified Chinese, and Pinyin for easy learning. ❤️ LEARN WITH NATIVE MANDARIN SPEAKERS. Each book comes with its own learning video narrated by a native speaker. ❤️ BRING THEM EVERYWHERE. Small and portable to slip in your bag before you head out the door. ❤️ CREATE A PRINT-RICH ENVIRONMENT. A print-rich environment fosters skills needed for reading and writing, especially important when learning a new language.
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 92 votes, reviews

Nancy Chang

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Asian Adventures Delicious Asian Foods from A-Z

Alphabet, Asian Culture, Food

Asian Adventures: A-Z Food Edition Bibimbap, edamame, jackfruit, and more! There are so many delicious Asian foods to discover! If you consider yourself a food expert, this A-to-Z story is for you! Set out on an amazing alphabet journey to learn about all the best dishes on the Asian menu. Author and educator Yobe Qiu has written this ABC book to help young readers learn important literacy skills while celebrating Asian culture and cuisine. Find a new food item for every letter of the alphabet. Each page is a new culinary adventure! Asian Adventures: A-Z Food Edition is perfect for readers aged 2+, using simple ABCs to help children develop reading and writing skills at the same time as learning more about Asian food and cooking. Help your child learn the alphabet, and discover incredible Asian dishes to try along the way! In Asian Adventures: A-Z Food Edition, you and your child will discover: A delicious Asian food for every letter of the alphabet Simple ABC statements to support literacy learning An early introduction to Asian culture and culinary traditions Bright illustrations that bring Asian cuisine to life
average rating is 4.7 out of 5, based on 74 votes, reviews

Yobe Qiu

My First Trip to Korea

Travel, Korean Culture

Yoona's Brave Adventure in Korea: A Bilingual Children's Book Fostering Curiosity and Language Learning! Join Yoona on an exhilarating journey to Korea in "My First Trip to Korea"! This beautifully written children's book, designed for ages 4-7, follows Yoona as she learns the value of embracing the unknown and trying new experiences. With endearing characters and captivating storytelling, "My First Trip to Korea" introduces basic Chinese vocabulary and phrases, making language learning an enjoyable adventure. The vibrant illustrations immerse young readers in Yoona's brave escapades, sparking their curiosity about the unfamiliar world.
average rating is 4.5 out of 5, based on 56 votes, reviews

Yeonsil Yoo

Wei Skates On

Perseverance, Diverse Leads

Olympic gold medalist and three-time World Champion Nathan Chen delivers an inspirational picture book about facing your fears and finding the joy in sports, no matter the outcome. Wei has loved ice-skating ever since his first visit to the rink. He loves gliding across the ice, taking flight on jumps, and moving with the music—there’s nothing else like it! But as Wei’s first big competition draws near, he begins to worry. He’s been training hard, but what if he doesn’t win? With help from Mom, can Wei find a way to handle his nerves? What would it feel like to skate without the pressure of winning? As the first Asian American man to win gold in figure skating, Nathan Chen is a celebrated role model for kids who want to shine on and off the ice. His uplifting message of positivity and perseverance makes this story the perfect choice for social emotional learning at home or in the classroom.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 47 votes, reviews

Nathan Chen

Tomorrow Is New Year's Day

Korean Culture

From Korean American author-illustrator Aram Kim, Tomorrow is New Year's Day follows a little girl sharing the fun customs of Seollal―the Korean Lunar New Year―with her classmates. Seollal, the Korean Lunar New Year, is Mina’s favorite day of the year. Mina can't wait to share the customs of Seollal with all of her friends at school. She will show her classmates her colorful hanbok, demonstrate how to do sebae, and then everyone will make tasty tteokguk in the cooking room. Yum! Her little brother may even join in on the fun… if he can find a way out of his bad mood. In this joyful book about sharing age-old cultural celebrations with new friends, Aram Kim has created a must-have book for the New Year’s season. A glossary of Korean terms, with pronunciation guide, is included.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 46 votes, reviews

Aram Kim

I Am the Subway

Asian Culture, Community, Emotions

A cinematic journey through the Seoul subway that masterfully portrays the many unique lives we travel alongside whenever we take the train. A poetic translation of the bestselling Korean picture book. Accompanied by the constant, rumbling ba-dum ba-dum of its passage through the city, the subway has stories to tell. Between sunrise and sunset, it welcomes and farewells people, and holds them―along with their joys, hopes, fears, and memories―in its embrace. Originally published in Korean and brought to English-speaking audiences with the help of renowned translator Deborah Smith (The Vegetarian), I Am the Subway vividly reflects the shared humanity that can be found in crowded metropolitan cities.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 43 votes, reviews

Kim Hyo-eun

The Lucky Red Envelope

Asian Culture, Lift the Flaps

Get ready for Lunar New Year, following a little girl and her family as they get ready for and celebrate the Lunar New Year festival. With non-fiction information about the significance of certain rituals, but told through the excited eyes of a child, this is a book to return to year after year in the run up to the biggest festival in the Chinese calendar. Each of the 12 spreads will feature 12 lift flaps, 144 in total. Spreads include: - See the little girl decorate the house with lucky red decorations - Tidy the house to welcome in the new year - Watch a special firework display - Discover which animal year it will be - Make festive dumplings with Nainai (grandma) - Read a story about the zodiac with Yeye (grandpa) - Watch a lion and dragon dance in the town square - Make offerings to her ancestors - And on the very last spread, have a traditional family reunion new year on the eve of Lunar new year and exchange lucky red envelopes.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 42 votes, reviews

Vikki Zhang

My First Korean Words (3 Book Set)

Korean Culture, Vocabulary

My First Korean Words Series (나의 첫 한국어 단어 시리즈) is a collection of board books in Korean, English, and phonetic Korean that covers early everyday concepts for children. The board book features professional translations and durable pages for little hands, allowing even the youngest of readers to access bilingual learning during their sensitive period for language development. The curated selection of beautiful photographs are inspired by child development research that real pictures help support language development. The books provide families with a beautiful presentation of over 300 everyday words that children can enjoy from their baby years and beyond. Books included in the Series: My First 100 Korean Words (나의 첫 100 한국어 단어들) My First Korean Alphabet (나의 첫 한글책) My First Korean Numbers, Colors, and Shapes (나의 첫 한국어 숫자, 색깔, 도형)
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 39 votes, reviews

Heritage Press

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Dumplings for Lili

Food, Community, Asian Leads

An NCTE Charlotte Huck Award Recommended Book A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year A heartfelt picture book celebration of food, community, and family―and little dumpling treasures from around the world. Lili loves to cook baos, and Nai Nai has taught her all the secrets to making them, from kneading the dough lovingly and firmly to being thankful for the strong and healthy ingredients in the filling. But when Nai Nai realizes that they are out of cabbage (Secret #8: line the basket with cabbage leaves!), she sends Lili up to Babcia’s apartment on the sixth floor to get some. Babcia is happy to share her cabbage, but she needs some potatoes for her pierogi. . . . What follows is a race up and down the stairs as Lili helps all the grandmothers in her building borrow ingredients for different dumplings: Jamaican beef patties, Italian ravioli, Lebanese fatayer, and more. Energized by Melissa Iwai’s engaging artwork and kinetic storytelling, Dumplings for Lili is a joyful story of sharing food, friendship, and love in all their forms. Full color throughout
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 35 votes, reviews

Melissa Iwai

Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day

Korean Culture, Food

Whether round and crunchy like a kimchi pancake or pinched and plump like a kimchi dumpling, there are so many ways to enjoy this Korean traditional dish. Explore the different ways to eat kimchi in this fun, rhyming tale that also teaches the days of the week. Korean-American author-illustrator Erica Kim shares her pride in her delicious cultural food through her cut paper art technique. The Hanji paper that is used to illustrate the book comes from a paper mulberry tree native to Korea. This beautiful reflection of culture will inspire children to take pride in their cultural foods, too. A Bookstagang Best Read Aloud Book of 2022!
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 33 votes, reviews

Erica Kim

Who Made Gimbap?

Korean Culture, Food

English Korean Bilingual Children's Book. Perfect for kids learning English or Korean as their second language. This heartwarming children's tale revolves around Yuri, a seven-year-old with an insatiable love for gimbap, her favorite Korean dish. Yuri's mom is the designated gimbap expert in their household, but when a special occasion arises, Yuri takes it upon herself to create the perfect gimbap surprise for her mom. As Yuri tackles the challenges of gimbap preparation, she discovers that making this beloved dish is not as easy as her mom makes it seem. With a dash of humor and a sprinkle of sibling silliness, Yuri and her brother navigate the kitchen, turning it into a playground of imagination. Will Yuri succeed in creating a gimbap masterpiece that can rival her mom's culinary magic? The answer lies in the joyous and heartwarming moments shared between family members. Who Made Gimbap? is a charming tale that celebrates the love, laughter, and surprises that unfold in the kitchen. This enchanting story is perfect for young readers and families alike, offering a delightful blend of cultural exploration, creativity, and the warmth of togetherness. Discover the magic of homemade gimbap and the special bonds that make every kitchen adventure unforgettable.
average rating is 4.8 out of 5, based on 23 votes, reviews

Jimin Lee

I Love Pink

Korean Culture, Being Yourself

English Korean Bilingual Children's Book. Perfect for kids learning English or Korean as their second language. Celebrate the beauty of being yourself and find your unique color! Do you love pink? I do. Jiho loves pink too. He thinks it's super cool. However, not everyone agrees, and that hurts his feelings. Then, one day, Grandpa comes all the way from South Korea and shares his little secret. Can you imagine what happens after Jiho hears Grandpa's little secret? Told through the eyes of a child, I LOVE PINK exposes the anxieties and joys of being yourself. This heartwarming story shows how challenging and exciting it can be to maintain one's own color, filled with small conflicts and lots of love.
average rating is 4.9 out of 5, based on 19 votes, reviews

Jimin Lee

When You Can Swim

Bravery, Diverse Leads

A reverent celebration of learning to swim among a diverse cast of children and families who each experience the mysterious joys of water in nature. In this exploration of what it truly means to swim, expansive vignettes introduce sandpipers, tannin-soaked lakes, and the feeling of a small waterfall on sun-soaked shoulders. But what about those who are afraid of the water’s mysterious ways and resist learning to swim? Painting a compelling picture of the many joys and surprises that the water holds, artist and author Jack Wong has delivered an empowering, poetic journey that invites children to discover their confidence within to receive the warmth and wonder of the natural world.
average rating is 4.6 out of 5, based on 16 votes, reviews

Jack Wong

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The Chinese Emperor’s New Clothes

Folktales, Asian Culture

Author Ying Chang Compestine and illustrator David Roberts’s picture book The Chinese Emperor’s New Clothes reimagines Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale in a story set during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. Ming Da is only nine years old when he becomes the emperor of China, and his three advisors take advantage of him by stealing his stores of rice, gold, and precious stones. But Ming Da has a plan. With the help of his tailors, he comes up with a clever idea to outsmart his devious advisors: He asks his tailors to make “magical” new clothes for him. Anyone who is honest, the young emperor explains, will see the clothes’ true splendor, but anyone who is dishonest will see only burlap sacks. The emperor dons a burlap sack, and the ministers can’t help but fall for his cunning trick.
average rating is 4.5 out of 5, based on 11 votes, reviews

Ying Chang Compestine

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Super Korean New Years with Grandma

Korean Culture, Grandparents

Written and illustrated for 5- to 7-year-olds, this book celebrates grandmas, superheroes without whom none of us would exist, and the cultural traditions they bear that unify and nourish families across space and time. The millennia-old Korean New Year's tradition exemplifies the universal importance of multi-generational family and of immigrant origins.
average rating is 4.1 out of 5, based on 9 votes, reviews

Mary Chi-Whi Kim

The Truth About Dragons

Caldecott Medal, Asian Culture

An unforgettable lyrical picture book that celebrates biracial identity from the award-winning author of Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist. Lean in close, my darling bao bei, and I will whisper a most precious secret about a powerful magic that lives inside you. Brought to life with lavish and ornate illustrations, The Truth About Dragons follows a young child on a journey guided by his mother's bedtime storytelling. He quests into two very different forests, as his two grandmothers help him discover two different, but equally enchanting, truths about dragons. Eastern and Western mythologies coexist and enrich each other in this warm celebration of mixed cultural identity.
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 2 votes, reviews

Julie Leung

Have You Seen My Invisible Dinosaur?

Imagination

The creator of Sheepish (Wolf Under Cover), Off-Limits,and I’m a Unicorn brings her original whimsy to the tale of a child’s special friend who goes missing after a bath—or does he? Help! This little girl has lost her best friend. He’s a dinosaur (not the extinct kind). He’s enormous (bigger than a panda!). He was last seen before she gave him a bath and washed off all the mud (maybe that wasn’t a good idea?). She’s tried to lure him with snacks and put up Lost Dinosaur posters, but nothing has helped. If only it weren’t such a clear day—if only it were raining, or snowing, or the leaves were falling, or . . . something. Would it help if she drew a picture? With delicate visual sleights of hand and an underlying sweetness, author-illustrator Helen Yoon invites us to see through a child’s eyes.
average rating is 4 out of 5, based on 1 votes, reviews

Helen Yoon

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Counting With Dim Sum

Food, Counting, Asian Culture

Introduce your bitty babes to their first counting book that not only captures their attention and teaches them counting in two languages, but also celebrates Chinese culture! Counting in two languages is so much fun with our dim sum friends! Dim sum is everyone’s favorite late-morning-to-lunchtime meal shared between family and friends. Our counting book utilizes dim sum’s little dishes, accompanied by a pot of tea, as the subject for children to practice their counting. Children and adults alike will be delighted to find their favorite snacks included in the book as they turn each page. Our counting book squeezes in lots of extra learning opportunities and skills, such as encouraging one-to-one correspondence while practicing counting on a numberline, extra fun facts about Chinese language, and a non-fiction page with real-life pictures of dim sum items in the picture glossary. Parents will adore this eye-catching bilingual Chinese-English read due to its effortless integration of Chinese culture through the introduction of everyone’s favorite dim sum dishes. Children will love the vibrant colors and the expressive faces in the artwork which help to make learning so much fun for everyone!
average rating is 5 out of 5, based on 1 votes, reviews

Lacey Benard

Dancing Hands

ASL, Filipino Culture

Read the world to change the world! This artful picture book about friendship and sign language, originally published in the Philippines in concert with nonprofit Room to Read, is beautifully revised for this global edition. Our new neighbors’ hands are dancing. Their hands move as if to music. What are they saying to each other? Sam’s new neighbors’ hands make graceful movements she doesn’t recognize, and she wonders what they are saying. Soon she meets her new neighbor, Mai, who teaches Sam some Filipino Sign Language. Along the way, they both discover the joys of making a new friend, a best friend. This sweet and perceptive picture book by authors Joanna Que and Charina Marquez tells the story of two girls as they learn to communicate with each other. With playful illustrations that celebrate the beautiful movements of sign language, back matter discussing sign languages around the world, and endpapers teaching all the signs used in the book, Dancing Hands conveys the shy and fumbling experience of making friends and overcoming language barriers. SIGN LANGUAGE IN A STORY: One of the only children's books about sign language that is not centered on instruction, this beautifully illustrated friendship story is the perfect way to introduce kids to topics around deafness, hearing or speech impairment, and global sign languages. PROMOTES EMPATHY: As readers follow Mai and Sam's blossoming friendship, they will be encouraged to be open to new experiences. This thoughtful book emphasizes the importance of trying to understand each person we encounter and the beautiful connections we can form when we overcome perceived barriers. EDUCATIONAL EXTRAS: The book includes additional content that speaks to the history of Filipino and American sign languages, as well as sign languages around the world. CHARITABLE SUPPORT WITH EVERY PURCHASE: Buying this book benefits children in Room to Read’s global Literacy Program. Room to Read has supported publishing training and opportunities for children’s book creators from around the world since 2003. The Read the World, Change the World partnership with Chronicle Books brings these international voices to English language readers. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.
average rating is null out of 5, based on 0 votes, reviews

Joanna Que

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Everyday Heroes

Asian Culture

There are so many people working hard in our community each and every day. Thank you for all you do! Dedicated with love to all of our hardworking essential workers! A high-quality, engaging, and culturally relevant Chinese bilingual book for all families. All Bitty Bao books include all of the necessary language elements to support each family member wherever they may be in their language learning journey. Engaging pictures for the youngest of readers 拼音 (Pīn yīn) for non-native speakers MANDARIN - Simplified characters version comes with 拼音 (Pīn yīn) for non-native speakers and English CANTONESE - Traditional characters version comes with jyutping for non-native speakers and English
average rating is null out of 5, based on 0 votes, reviews

Lacey Benard

Bitty Bao Celebrating Chinese New Year (English/Mandarin)

Chinese New Year

For families looking for an informative and fun book to introduce their bitty babes to the traditions of everyone’s favorite holiday: Chinese New Year. Readers will also learn family names in two languages while highlighting Chinese culture! Chinese New Year is the most important holiday in Chinese culture. Celebrating Chinese New Year is a bilingual English and Mandarin Chinese book that introduces the various traditions that take place – from buying new clothes to special foods and decorations. Children will enjoy seeing different family members preparing for and celebrating the holiday together, and the included family tree is a great visual for teaching the names of different family members. The eye-catching and unique artwork – made from adorable paper cut-outs – encourages reading and makes it fun to learn new vocabulary.
average rating is null out of 5, based on 0 votes, reviews

Lacey Benard

Asian Culture

meaningful additions

Children learn and hear more than we think.  Books provide context for new and potentially confusing topics, and give caregivers a way to approach complex topics.

Balanced Rocks
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