9 Children's Books about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival is celebrated in Chinese communities around the world on the 15th day of the 8th moon of the Chinese lunar calendar. The moon on that day is believed to be most brilliant and round. Families gather outside at night to watch the sky, light lanterns and eat special foods, particularly moon cakes.

9 Children’s Books about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival

Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival
by Grace Lin

A Chinese American family celebrates the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Everyone helps preparing a moonlit picnic with mooncakes, pomelos, tea, and colourful lanterns. And everyone sends thanks and a secret wish up to the moon. With luminous illustrations, Thanking The Moon is a simple and sweet story, perfect for reading aloud. ~ Preschool

Mooncakes
by Loretta Seto

A young girl celebrates the Chinese Moon Festival with her parents. They eat mooncakes, drink tea and watch the night sky together. Mama and Baba tell ancient tales of a magical tree that can never be cut down, the Jade Rabbit who came to live on the moon and one brave woman’s journey to eternal life. Gently illustrated Mooncakes is a lyrical book about family and a unique cultural holiday. ~ Preschool

Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival
by Sanmu Tang

Little Mei wants to know why her family is celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival. Grandpa tells her the story of Hou Yi who shot down the suns and his wife, Chang’e, who floats to the moon. At the end of Celebrating The Mid-Autumn Festival, the family makes mooncakes together and walks the readers through the steps. ~ Preschool

Lin Yi’s Lantern
by Brenda Williams

Lin Yi really wants a red rabbit lantern for the Moon Festival. When his mother sends him to the local market to buy food, he tries his best to barter in order to have money left for the lantern. Lin Yi’s Lantern is a gentle story about temptation and selflessness, complemented by the most expressive gouache illustrations. Includes information on market life in China, the traditional Moon Festival, and instructions for making a Chinese lantern. ~ Preschool

Moon Festival
by Ching Yeung Russell

A young girl celebrates the Moon Festival with her cousins and grandmother. She enjoys all of the sights, sounds, and food but at the same time misses her far-away parents. She asks the beautiful Chang O to reunite her with them. The luminous oil paintings bring this moon festival story to life. ~ Preschool

Surprise Moon
by Caroline Hatton

A little Vietnamese American boy shows his friends how to celebrate the Autumn Moon Festival, a special holiday in his father’s home country. Surprise Moon is an endearing picture book, featuring simple text and beautiful bright watercolour illustrations. ~ Preschool

The Moon Lady
by Amy Tan

On a rainy afternoon, Ying-Ying tells her three granddaughters a tale from her childhood. On the night of the Moon Festival, Ying-Ying encountered the Moon Lady, who grants the secret wishes of those who ask. Ying-Ying learned that the best wishes are those you can make come true yourself. Adapted from the author’s adult best-seller The Joy Luck Club, The Moon Lady is a magical book, complemented by meticulously detailed art. ~ Elementary School

Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats
by Nina Simonds

Amongst other Chinese holidays, Moonbeams, Dumplings & Dragon Boats features a section about the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. Each section begins with a one-page description of the history and customs of the festival and is followed by a four- to six-page story, and up to three recipes, crafts and games. ~ Elementary School

More books about the Dragon Boat Festival: 5 Children’s Books about the Dragon Boat Festival

A Full Moon Is Rising
by Marilyn Singer

A Full Moon Rising is a poetic exploration of full moon celebrations and beliefs around the world, including one poem about the Chinese Mid-Autumn Moon Festival. The cheerful double-page watercolour illustrations make the diverse cultural festivities come alive. ~ Elementary School