My six-year-old daughter helped me put together this list of her favorite books about China. While she has outgrown some, all have featured prominently in our family reading at some point in the last few years.
1. The Seven Chinese Brothers by Margaret Mahy and Mou-Sien Tseng
The story takes place in ancient China, where seven brothers use their unique super powers first to help construct the Great Wall and then to outwit the emperor.
2. Chinese Children’s Favorite Stories by Mingmei Ye
This is a collection of fables that have entertained my daughter since she was a toddler. Her favorite feature the famed Monkey King.
3. Yeh-Shen: A Cinderella Story from China by Ai-Ling Louie
A lovely version of the French classic set in ancient China.
4. Max and Mei by Martha Keswick and Mariko Jesse
These fun little tales of two playmates provide the English and Chinese text and companion CDs so your child can enjoy Max and Mei’s adventures in both Chinese and English.
5. This is Hong Kong by Miroslav Sasek
My daughter loves these travel books. While dated, there is enough that is current to make them worthwhile, and the colorful illustrations depicting Hong Kong’s various sights are timeless. We just picked up This is Rome for an upcoming trip to Italy.
6. My first Chinese New Year by Karen Katz
This is especially good to introduce little ones to the traditions associated with Chinese New Year.
7. Happy Happy Chinese New Year by Demi
Another great introduction to the traditions of China’s biggest holiday.
8. Yum Yum Dim Sum by Amy Wilson Sanger
This board book provides a fun look at a Cantonese culinary treat, dim sum, tiny little dumplings that Chinese eat for breakfast or lunch.
9. Dim Sum for Everyone! By Grace Lin
A family enjoys an outing to a dim sum restaurant with each member selecting his favorite dish. When Elisa was younger, she loved to have me read the Chinese pronunciations of all the different dishes.
10. Chopsticks By Jon Berkeley
A magical story about a mouse who befriends a wooden dragon on Hong Kong’s Jumbo Restaurant and then learns how to bring him to life. Together they soar “over the mountains, over the shining cities and the dark forests.”
For parents of adopted children from China:
1. Motherbridge of Love by Xinran and Josee Masse
My daughter loved this book, which I used as a tool when she began asking – at the age of 4 – about her birth mother. It features lovely illustrations and an anonymously written poem, which helped provide an excellent introduction to this complex topic.
2. When You Were Born in China: A Memory Book for Children Adopted from China by Sara K. Dorow
I used this book to assist in explaining – in terms my daughter could understand – the situation in China that led to her adoption. It’s a great tool when answering those impossible questions about why your child’s birth parents were unable to care for him.