Picture Book Recommendations for AANHPI Heritage Month

Happy AANHPI Heritage Month

If you’re looking for meaningful picture book recommendations for AANHPI Heritage Month, this curated list highlights beautiful stories by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander creators.

These diverse picture books for kids celebrate culture, family, identity, and belonging. Whether you’re building a home library, planning a classroom read-aloud, or searching for multicultural children’s books, these titles are a wonderful place to start.

Sari-Sari Summers by Lynnor Bontigao
Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans, illustrated by Thi Bui
Made for More by Chloe Ito Ward, illustrated by Gael Abary
Kailani’s Gift by Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, illustrated by Lynnor Bontigao
Bindu’s Bindis by Supriya Kelkar, illustrated by Parvati Pillai
Bea’s Balikbayan Box of Treasures by Christine Alemshah, illustrated by Dream Chen

These AANHPI picture books highlight family traditions, identity, and everyday moments that reflect cultural pride.

Our Nipa Hut by Rachell Abalos, illustrated by Gabriela Larios
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho, illustrated by Dung Ho
Box of Dreams by Faith Kazmi, illustrated by Christine Almeda
Punky Aloha by Shar Tuiasoa
Holding On by Sophia N. Lee, illustrated by Isabel Roxas
Message in the Mooncake by Sapphire Chow, illustrated by Xiaojie Liu

These children’s books about heritage center memory, tradition, and the ways culture is passed from one generation to the next.

A Different Pond by Bao Phi, illustrated by Thi Bui
Aloha Everything by Kaylin Melia George, illustrated by Mae Waite
Lolo’s Sari-Sari Store by Sophia N. Lee, illustrated by Christine Almeda
Danbi Leads the School Parade by Anna Kim
The Jade Bracelet by Ha Dinh, illustrated by Yong Ling Kang
What Lolo Wants by Cristina Oxtra, illustrated by Jamie Bauza

These extraordinary picture books offer heartfelt stories about community, relationships, and finding your place in the world.

The Ocean Calls by Tina Cho, illustrated by Jess X. Snow
Mixed: A Colorful Story by Arree Chung
Mamie Takes a Stand by Marie Chan, illustrated by Sian James
Just One Little Light by Kat Yeh, illustrated by Isabelle Arsenault
The Bear in My Bed by Joyce Wan
Drawn Together by Minh Lê, illustrated by Dan Santat

These diverse children’s picture books celebrate creativity, self-expression, and connection across generations.

Celebrate AANHPI all year long with this curated list of book recommendations

Remarkable Books by Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Authors

Children’s Book Council — AAPI HERITAGE MONTH

New York Public Library Asian American, Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Reading List