Picture books

Ages 3–8

Julie Leung

A girl guides her dad on his route delivering Chinese take-out food in this touching picture book -- written by an APALA award winner and illustrated by a Caldecott Honor winner -- that celebrates the unique bond between immigrant parents ...

Ages 3–8

Julie Leung

Relish in the savory, tangy, and sometimes spicy dishes of Cecilia Chiang, a revolutionary who changed the way Americans viewed Chinese food. From an early age, Cecilia Chiang could be found delighting in the sounds and smells from her favorite room in her home—the kitchen. Little did Cecilia know that she would one day have to escape war and travel to a faraway country, destined to change Chinese cuisine in the United States forever. Experience the dishes Cecilia Chiang enjoyed throughout her life as the seventh daughter in a large family to the owner of the famous Mandarin restaurant in San Francisco.

Ages 3–8

Vivek Shraya

"A playful story ... about a young boy's fascination with the dot on his mother's forehead"--Back cover. A young boy becomes fascinated with his mother's bindi, and asks her to explain what it is and why she wears it. She tells him that the red dot is commonly worn by Hindu women to indicate the point at which creation begins. When he wishes to have one of his own, she agrees to it, and teaches him about its cultural significance, allowing the boy to discover the magic of the bindi, which in turn gives him permission to be more fully himself.

Ages 3–8

Kai Cheng Thom

In the magical time between night and day, when both the sun and the moon are in the sky, a child is born in a little blue house on a hill. And Miu Lan is not just any child, but one who can change into any shape they can imagine. The only problem is they can't decide what to be: A boy or a girl? A bird or a fish? A flower or a shooting star? At school, though, they must endure inquisitive looks and difficult questions from the other children, and they have trouble finding friends who will accept them for who they are. But they find comfort in the loving arms of their mother, who always offers them the same loving refrain: "whatever you dream of / i believe you can be / from the stars in the sky to the fish in the sea." In this captivating, beautifully imagined picture book about gender, identity, and the acceptance of the differences between us, Miu Lan faces many questions about who they are and who they may be. But one thing's for sure: no matter what this child becomes, their mother will love them just the same.

Ages 3–8

Patti Kim

"Tells the story in pictures of an Asian family newly immigrated to the United States and the challenges of starting a life in a new place"--Provided by publisher.

Ages 3–8

Roseanne Thong

Bright art accompanies this lively introduction to shapes and short glossary explains the cultural significance of the objects featured in the book. Perfect for read-alouds or one-on-one sharing.

Ages 3–8

Grace Lin

Ling and Ting are identical twins that people think are exactly the same, but time and again they prove to be different.

Ages 3–8

Fran Manushkin

Katie Woo loves an adventure. She always finds a way to enjoy each new and unexpected thing that comes her way. From airplane trips to dance recitals, the fun never ends. Join Katie and have an adventure of your own!

Ages 3–8

Julie Leung

Julie Leung and Chris Sasaki perfectly capture the beautiful life and work of a painter who came to this country with dreams and talent--and who changed the world of animation forever.

Ages 3–8

Paul Yee

Despite a greedy father and lazy brothers who try to conceal her identity as the real cook in their restaurant, Maylin manages to receive the recognition she deserves when a governor from China comes to a New World Chinatown.

Ages 3–8

Maxine Trottier

"This is the story of young boy who manages to overcome financial hardships with the power of his imagination. Eddie Wing dreams of flying beautiful silk kites like all the other kids, but his family is so poor that he can't even afford to buy a kite made of paper. This year, Old Chan has said that the person who builds the smallest kite will win the kite-flying competition. A girl wins the prize, but the old man has noticed Eddie flying his imaginary kite. Impressed by the young boy's imagination, Chan gives him the materials to build his own kite. Eddie's spirit inspires Chan to write a beautiful poem about a boy who flies a kite of dreams"

Ages 3–8

Fran Manushkin

Jake's new toy plane is missing. No one knows where it is, except Katie Woo. But Katie wants to keep the plane. What should she do?

Ages 3–8

Nancy Tupper Ling

With grace and warmth, this lyrical picture book speaks to the difficulty of transition, and celebrates the ways in which love and family give us the strength to weather life's changes.

Ages 3–8

Patricia McMahon

Just add one Chinese sister by Patricia McMahon — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 3–8

Fran Manushkin

No more teasing by Fran Manushkin — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 3–8

Katrina Saltonstall Currier

In 1934, twelve-year-old Kai leaves China to join his father in America, but first he must take a long sea voyage, then endure weeks of crowded conditions and harsh examinations on Angel Island, fearing that he or his new friend will be ...

Ages 3–8

Wong Herbert Yee

All the family members think baby is crying, and they try to cheer him up before discovering that his face is wet from raindrops, not tears.

Ages 3–8

Kat Yeh

Combining a heartwarming family story, a magical adventure, and a multilingual primer on Chinese language, The Magic Brush tells the story of Jasmine, a young girl who learns Chinese calligraphy from her Agong, or grandfather.

Ages 3–8

Mary Beth Chapman

This endearing story, from Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, is a wonderful reminder of the miraculous love that makes every Christmas a special one.

Ages 3–8

Paul Yee

In the Chinese opera, men traditionally sing both male and female parts. Wei Lim's father, Ba, however, usually plays masculine characters and sings in a deep bass voice. But Wei's grandfather played female roles, and has secretly taught Wei to sing these difficult parts. When the New World's entertainments begin to cause a shrinking audience for the opera company, and Ba is forced to play female characters, which can help him learn to sing in such high tones? Color illustrations help bring Wei's tale, and this ancient art form, to life.

Ages 3–8

Roseanne Thong

Tummy Girl by Roseanne Thong — a thoughtfully chosen inclusive book for young readers.

Ages 3–8

Rosemary Wells

Mmm, Yoko's mom has packed her favorite for lunch today'sushi! But her classmates don't think it looks quite so yummy. "Ick!" says one of the Franks. "It's seaweed!" They're not even impressed by her red bean ice cream dessert. Of course, Mrs. Jenkins has a plan that might solve Yoko's problem. But will it work with the other children in class? Now in paperback for the first time, this tender story from Rosemary Wells demonstrates the author's uncanny understanding of the pleasures and pains of an ordinary school day. Book Details: Format: Paperback Publication Date: 5/12/2009 Pages: 32 Reading Level: Age 3 and Up

Ages 3–8

Allen Say

In this Caldecott Medal–winning picture book, master storyteller Allen Say chronicles his family’s history between Japan and California.

Ages 3–8

Linda Walvoord Girard

Nine-year-old Benjamin Koo Andrews, adopted from Korea as an infant, describes what it's like to grow up adopted from another country.