13 Best Chinese Books for Young Reader [2024]

Welcome to our carefully curated list of the best Chinese books for young readers! Designed with young minds and their love for adventure in mind, this collection opens doors to enchanting worlds where characters come alive, stories inspire, and imaginations soar. From picture books that ignite curiosity in toddlers to early chapter books that fuel the imaginations of independent readers, each title on this list has been handpicked to nurture a lifelong love for reading and an appreciation for the beauty of the Chinese language. So, let’s embark on this literary exploration with WuKong Chinese!

Part1. How do I find good Chinese books for kids?

Discovering excellent Chinese books for kids can be an exciting journey. Here’s how to get started:

• Visit Chinese Bookstores: Seek out local Chinese bookstores or sections in larger stores. Staff there can guide you towards popular children’s books suitable for different ages and interests.
• Online Platforms: Explore websites like Amazon China, Dangdang, or JD.com that offer a wide range of children’s books in Chinese. User reviews can be very helpful.
• Chinese Library Resources: Check if your local library carries Chinese books or participates in interlibrary loan programs. Librarians are a great resource for recommendations.
• Award-Winning Titles: Look for books awarded the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, Feng Zikai Children’s Picture Book Award, or other prestigious Chinese children’s literature awards.
• Follow Renowned Authors/Illustrators: If your child likes a specific writer or illustrator, follow their other works. Consistent quality often runs through their publications.
• Join Chinese Reading Groups: Online forums or social media groups focused on Chinese children’s literature share reading lists and reviews, fostering a sense of community.
• Match Interests: Choose books that align with your child’s hobbies. From folktales to science, there’s a Chinese book for every interest.
• Parental Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or schoolmates’ parents for suggestions. Personal experiences are invaluable.

Remember, finding the right book is about exploring and experimenting. Every child is unique, so keep trying until you find those books that spark joy and curiosity in your little reader’s heart.

Part2. Top 13 Chinese Books for Young Reader (K-12)

1.《一园青菜成了精》 (The Vegetables in the Garden Come Alive)

Age Group: 3-6 years old

Content: In this whimsical tale, vegetables in a garden magically come to life and engage in a playful battle, with a witty cabbage general leading the charge. It’s a humorous take on vegetables with personalities.

Recommendation: Encourages imagination and healthy eating habits through amusing characters, making it both fun and educational.

Pros: Creative storyline promotes creativity and familiarity with various vegetables. Rich illustrations enhance engagement.

Cons: The fantastical elements might be too complex for very young children to fully comprehend.

2.《团圆》 (Round Moon Cake)

Age Group: 4-8 years old

Content: This touching story revolves around a little girl and her father who returns home for the Chinese New Year after working far away. It highlights the importance of family reunion and traditional celebrations.

Recommendation: A heartwarming read that emphasizes family values and introduces Chinese cultural traditions.

Pros: Teaches about cultural practices while emphasizing emotional connections within families.

Cons: The context may require some explanation for children unfamiliar with Chinese New Year customs.

3. 《小兔的问题》 (Little Rabbit’s Questions)

Age Group: 2-5 years old

Content: Little Rabbit asks his mother a series of curious questions about the world, to which she patiently responds, fostering curiosity and a love for learning in the young rabbit.

Recommendation: Promotes inquiry-based learning and parent-child interaction, encouraging children to explore their surroundings and ask questions.

Pros: Encourages curiosity and critical thinking in a gentle, relatable manner. Illustrations are child-friendly and inviting.

Cons: The format of question-answer might not sustain high-energy children’s interest for long periods.

4.《神奇校车》系列 (The Magic School Bus Series)

Age Group: 6-9 years old (1st to 3rd grade)

Content: This popular series follows Ms. Frizzle and her class as they embark on extraordinary scientific adventures using a magical school bus that can transform and take them anywhere, from inside the human body to outer space.

Recommendation: It combines factual science with imaginative storytelling, making learning exciting and accessible for young readers.

Pros: Engaging stories promote interest in STEM subjects, with clear explanations and vivid illustrations.

Cons: The abundance of scientific information might be overwhelming for some children who prefer simpler stories.

5.《笑猫日记》系列 (Diary of a Smiling Cat Series)

Age Group: 7-10 years old (though suitable for advanced 1st graders)

Content: Written by famous Chinese author Yang Hongying, this series tells the tales of a smiling cat and its animal friends, exploring themes of friendship, courage, and problem-solving through their daily adventures.

Recommendation: With relatable animal characters and positive messages, it fosters empathy and moral understanding in young readers.

Pros: Encourages emotional intelligence and ethical values. The series format keeps readers engaged over time.

Cons: Some books in the series may deal with more complex emotions or situations that very young readers might not fully grasp.

6.《故宫里的大怪兽》系列 (The Strange Beasts in the Forbidden City Series)

Age Group: 6-10 years old

Content: Set in the historical Forbidden City, the series brings ancient Chinese mythology to life through the eyes of a young girl who discovers that the palace is inhabited by magical creatures. Together, they solve mysteries and learn about China’s rich history and culture.

Recommendation: Blends fantasy with historical facts, offering an entertaining yet educational introduction to Chinese history and mythology.

Pros: Stimulates imagination while teaching about China’s past and folklore. Illustrations enhance the mystical atmosphere.

Cons: May require some background knowledge of Chinese history to fully appreciate certain references.

7.《装在口袋里的爸爸》系列 (Dad in My Pocket Series)

Age Group: 8-12 years old (3rd to 6th grade)

Content: Written by Guo Jingming, this imaginative series follows a boy whose father has shrunk to the size of a finger but gains incredible inventing abilities. Together, they embark on fantastical adventures solving problems and learning valuable life lessons.

Recommendation: Blending humor, adventure, and family bonds, it encourages creativity and critical thinking in readers.

Pros: Engaging narratives promote imagination and resilience. Addresses real-life issues in a fantastical context.

Cons: Some stories might include mild fantasy violence or complex social themes that require parental guidance.

8.《淘气包马小跳》系列 (Naughty Ma Xiaotiao Series)

Age Group: 9-12 years old

Content: Authored by Zheng Yuanjie, this series centers around the mischievous yet kind-hearted Ma Xiaotiao and his group of friends. Each book recounts their school life, friendships, and the lessons they learn along the way.

Recommendation: Reflects the joys and challenges of growing up, fostering empathy and social skills.

Pros: Realistic portrayal of school life and friendships helps children relate to the characters and their experiences.

Cons: The mischievous nature of the protagonist might encourage imitative behavior if not properly contextualized by adults.

9.《写给儿童的中国历史》系列 (A History of China for Children Series)

Age Group: 8-12 years old

Content: This series presents Chinese history in a child-friendly format, from ancient times to modern days. It uses engaging narratives and vivid illustrations to make historical figures and events accessible and interesting to young readers.

Recommendation: Ideal for fostering an understanding and appreciation of China’s rich history, enhancing cultural literacy.

Pros: Simplifies complex historical concepts without compromising accuracy. Encourages historical curiosity.

Cons: Due to the scope of Chinese history covered, some volumes might feel dense with information for casual readers.

10.《三体》系列 (The Three-Body Problem Series)

Age Group: 12-15 years old (suitable for advanced readers in the lower end of the range)

Content: This award-winning sci-fi trilogy explores first contact with an alien civilization, set against the backdrop of China’s Cultural Revolution and beyond. It delves into physics theories, societal reactions, and the complexity of human-alien interactions.

Recommendation: Offers a blend of hard science fiction, philosophy, and historical context, stimulating critical thinking and imagination.

Pros: Challenges readers with sophisticated concepts and philosophical debates, expanding their worldview.

Cons: High-level scientific and philosophical discussions may be challenging for some younger readers.

11.《狼图腾》 (Wolf Totem)

Age Group: 13-16 years old

Content: Set during China’s Cultural Revolution, the novel explores the relationship between humans and nature through the eyes of a young Beijing student sent to live among the nomadic Mongols. It contrasts the wolf’s spirit of freedom and survival with human society.

Recommendation: Provides insights into cultural identity, environmentalism, and the balance of power in nature and society.

Pros: Raises awareness of ecological issues and cultural diversity, encouraging reflection on humanity’s role in the world.

Cons: The book’s length and mature themes may require a more patient and mature reader

12.《青铜葵花》 (Bronze and Sunflower)

Age Group: 10-14 years old

Content: This moving story is about two children, Bronze and Sunflower, set in rural China during difficult times. It explores themes of friendship, family, loss, and resilience as the children navigate the hardships of rural life together.

Recommendation: A heartwarming tale that teaches empathy and the value of human connections amidst adversity.

Pros: Rich in emotional depth and cultural insights, it fosters empathy and understanding of different lifestyles.

13.《活着》 (To Live)

Age Group: 15-18 years old

Content: This powerful novel spans several decades in 20th-century China, chronicling the life of Fugui, a wealthy son turned destitute laborer, as he navigates war, famine, and personal tragedies. It’s a poignant tale of survival and the resilience of the human spirit.

Recommendation: Offers a profound reflection on life, family, and the impact of historical events on individuals, suitable for mature readers.

Pros: Provides historical insight and fosters empathy and understanding of China’s recent past. Rich character development.

Cons: Deals with heavy themes such as death and loss, which may be emotionally challenging for some readers.

FAQs about Chinese Books

1. Can you learn Chinese by reading books?

Yes, you can learn Chinese by reading books. It helps improve your vocabulary, grammar, and understanding of sentence structures. Start with books designed for learners, then gradually move to native materials. Practice regularly and use a dictionary for new words. Reading also exposes you to different writing styles and cultural contexts.

2. What is the best book to learn Chinese character?

The best book to learn Chinese characters varies by individual, but “Remembering Simplified Hanzi” by James W. Heisig and “Practical Chinese Characters” by SandraDGao are highly recommended. Both books use effective methods to help remember characters, with Heisig focusing on mnemonics and Gao on stroke order and usage in context. Find the approach that suits you best. You can also choose the online courses to help you learn Chinese.

3. What is the best book to learn Chinese character?

One highly regarded book for learning Chinese characters is “Integrated Chinese Characters” by Yuehua Liu and Tao-chung Yao. It systematically introduces characters, teaching stroke order, meanings, and how to use them in phrases. Practice exercises and cultural notes are also included. This book is favored for its structured approach and comprehensive content. You can also find some learning resources at Wukong Education.

Conclusion

In summary, WuKong Education offers a delightful and enriching literary journey. Each book, carefully chosen for its originality and impact, promises to entertain, educate, and inspire young minds in the realm of Chinese literature. Accessible through local bookstores, online platforms, and international retailers, these stories are ready to ignite a passion for reading and cultural discovery.