Books for Kids by Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors and Illustrators

Finding and locating books that are written by Asian American and Pacific Islander authors and illustrators or that feature characters of these backgrounds be quite the challenge. Every child deserves to see themselves in books for kids. And, every student deserves to see people that look like them in every profession including writing and illustrating.

We owe it to all children to provide a diverse library filled with books that are inclusive and equitable.

And, since May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, it’s the perfect time to celebrate these books.

Picture Books for Children by Asian American and Pacific Islander Authors and Illustrators

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Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang is the story of a little girl who sees a problem and comes up with a solution. She knows that gathering around a pot of tea is a way to build community in her classroom.

And, try out these book activities to go with the book.—> Luli and the Language of Tea Book Activities

Naptime can sometimes feel like you’ve entered the boxing ring and that’s just what plays out in Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! by Mia Wenjen. It’s Daddy vs Baby. How will win the match?

My youngest son adores ramen. He has his own ramen bowls even! So, we were excited to read Ramen for Everyone by Patricia Tanumihardja together. It’s the story of a boy trying to make the perfect bowl of ramen. It can take time but it’s worth it. The book even includes a recipe.

The Yellow Áo Dài Hanh Bui by Hanh Bui is the story of Naliah who is excited to perform at her school’s International Day. When she discovers her áo dài doesn’t fit she heads to her mom’s closet to find one. In the process, she accidentally tears her grandmother’s áo dài. Her mother helps her mend it and make her it own.

Ten Blocks to the Big Wok: A Chinatown Counting Book by Ying-Hwa Hu is the story of a child and her uncle who are on their way to a restaurant. Along the way, Mia counts all the sights to see from one panda to red lanterns as they travel ten blocks. At the restaurant, they order ten soup dumplings to two egg tarts to one special dish to share with someone when they leave.

How are you with a pair of chopsticks? Our main character in Tricky Chopsticks by Sylvia Chen is struggling with the slippery sticks and she’s running out of time before the chopstick competition. But, she is resourceful and comes up with a trick to make it easier.

Watercress is by Andrea Wang and is the story of a young girl and her family traveling through Ohio when they spot watercress alongside the road. The family piles out of the car and collects as much as they can.⁣ At first, the young girl is a bit embarrassed to be collecting food from alongside the road, but her mother shares a story from her childhood in China, that puts the experience in perspective.⁣ The young girl gains a new appreciation for foraging for food.⁣ The story was inspired by the author’s own childhood.⁣ I loved it!⁣

Thank You, Neighbor! by Ruth Chan reminds us to stay connected and say thank you to our neighbors for they are truly what makes us feel at home.

Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed shares the process of how daal is made. A young boy and his father are prepping daal and all of the boy’s friends are invited. Will they like the dish as much as his family does? A recipe for daal is included.

Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon by Kat Zhang is the story of young Amy trying to craft the just right dragon in her mind. But, her classmates don’t think it looks like a dragon. After school, Amy’s grandma tells her story that helps her get a good picture of exactly how she wants her dragon to look.

You can also use these activities to complement the book.—> Amy Wu and the Patchwork Dragon Book Activities

Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin lets you step right inside the world of books. It’s exactly what I feel and love about reading so many amazing books.

The Ugly Vegetables by Grace Lin is the story of one family that had a garden like no other in the neighborhood. For theirs held the yummy ingredients for a delicious ugly vegetable soup. Of course, the recipe for that soup is included in the back of the book.

And, grab these book activities to go with the book.—> The Ugly Vegetables Book Activities

Tomorrow Is New Year’s Day: Seollal, a Korean Celebration of the Lunar New Year by Aram Kim is a beautiful story of a classmate sharing her family’s tradition to celebrate the new year.

We can still be connected with those who live across the world. Grandpa Across the Ocean by Hyewon Yum showcases a grandson and grandpa finding common ground when their worlds seem so different.

Love Makes a Garden Grow by Taeeun Yoo is the story of how a garden can connect two people even if they are far away from each other.

Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao introduces us to a resourceful young girl who comes up with a tasty plan to help drive business to her grandmother’s store in the Phillippines.

Check out Eyes That Speak to the Stars by Joanna Ho. In this story, a young Asian boy notices his eyes look different from other classmates after looking at a drawing by his friend. After talking and reflecting with his family, he develops a great appreciation for his eyes, himself, and his connection to his family. It is the companion book to the beautiful, Eyes that Kiss in the Corners.

In a Village by the Sea by Muon Van begins with a Vietnamese fisherman on a boat thinking about his home. Each page zooms in closer to his home where we find his wife in the kitchen all the way to a cricket in a whole in the wall. There is just as much to explore in the illustrations as there is within the words.

The Paper Kingdom by Helena Ku Rhee is the story of a child who travels to his parent’s night job. There they come up with some creative play options to make the time pass.

A Sweet New Year for Ren by Michelle Sterling is a beautiful celebration of food, family, and celebration. ⁣⁣I’m totally smitten with the illustrations by Dung Ho. They are fabulous.⁣⁣

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Ren’s family has gathered to prepare for Lunar New Year. Ren wants to help make her favorite pineapple cakes. A recipe is included for pineapple cakes.

I’ll Go and Come Back by Rajani LaRocca is the story of a family separated by a great distance. But, love can span any distance. This hopeful story will warm your heart even when you are separated from the ones you love.