Celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage all month long with some of our staff members’ favorite storybooks. Be sure to check out our Celebrating Grandparents: A Special Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Book List for additional book recommendations. 

Our World: Philippines

Written by Zewlan Moor
Illustrated by Happy Garaje

Ages 0-3

A Filipino-English board book about the Philippines which a parent and child can enjoy book sharing together. A look into the daily life of a Filipino child, highlighting family, food, language and cultural traditions.

Recommended by Paola Bea

“I love the book’s illustrations and that it’s bilingual.  It can be great for children and adults who are learning a few Filipino languages. It did capture the nature feel back home.”

Be Careful Xiao Xin!

Written by Alice Pung
Illustrated by Sher Rill Ng

Ages 3-5

Bilingual book written in English and simplified Chinese. The story tells of a little boy that believes he is a red fire warrior but his family are always telling him to be careful. They believe the world is a dangerous place for him to be alone. Can he show his family that he is capable and inspire bravery to his younger sister?

Recommended by Cecilia Lee

“I like this book because as a new mother I have been comparing my parenting style to that of my parents and grandparents. This book mirrors what I have experienced as I watch my daughter interact with her grandparents and how they try to shelter her, but she is like a little warrior ready to take on any challenge she wishes to do.”

Ten Blocks to the Big Wok

Written & Illustrated by Ying-Hwa Hu 

Ages 3-5

Uncle Eddie is taking Mia to the Big Work for dim sum and bringing some dim sum back for grandma.  As they walk through Chinatown, they learn about Chinese culture and counting in a fun, engaging way.

Recommended by Susan Chen

“I like this book because the book is written in English and simplified Mandarin. Young children learn how to count from 1 to 10 in both languages. In addition, this book reminds me of going to dim sum restaurants with my grandfather when I was young.  As we strolled through Chinatown, we passed by some murals on the wall and saw people doing Tai Chi that represent Chinese culture. On the back of this book, the author explained the elements that Uncle Eddie and Mia encountered such as the panda, stone lions, turtles, paper lanterns, and many more.”

A Roof!

Written by Stephanie Ellen Sy
Illustrated by Daniel Tingcungco

Ages 3-7

Father and daughter found a roof in their yard after the storm hit their neighborhood. The story revolves around community members helping each other, Filipinos call it “Bayanihan.”

Recommended by Paola Bea

“I like this book because it reminded me of my childhood, experiencing natural calamities. I remember as a child when there’s typhoon, we were happy because there were no classes and we got to play under the rain. A Roof! showcases Filipinos’ “Bayanihan” culture which means to cooperate with others and to help others without expecting in return. The root word is bayan which means town, nation, community and bayani means hero.”

A Gift for Popo

Written by Katrina Liu
Illustrated by Heru Setiawan

Ages 3-7

A bilingual book written in Simplified Chinese and English that tells the story of a little boy choosing the perfect birthday gift for his Popo (grandmother). From painting to baking, he explores different ideas before finding just the right one. Set in a Chinese American family, the story celebrates love, creativity, and the special bond between a boy and his Popo.

Recommended by Jade He

“I like this book because it beautifully captures the love between generations and the meaningful traditions that connect to Chinese culture, such as the red envelope and special birthday foods. It’s touching that the little boy decides to give Popo his favorite dragon toy as a birthday gift, showing their deep bond. It’s also a great story that emphasizes the importance of family love and celebrating Chinese American heritage.”

Where Wildflowers Grow

Written by Hà Dinh
Illustrated by Bao Luu

Ages 3-7

Tells the story of a young girl and her fear of change and moving to America after settling in at a refugee camp after leaving Vietnam, but ultimately finds hope and excitement in new beginnings.

Recommended by Kiana Tran

“I love this book because it’s super relatable for a lot of the older Vietnamese generation and the stories that I grew up hearing from my parents about their experiences leaving Vietnam. I love the illustration style and I think it shares a universal lesson about anxieties we all have about change.”

My Paati’s Saris

Written by Jyoti Rajan Gopal
Illustrated by Art Twink

Ages 4-8

Another exciting day with Paati (Grandma) begins with a host of fun activities in preparation for the upcoming party; threading flowers into garlands, shopping in the market, and cooking sambar together. Through it all, Paati’s saris bring her grandson comfort, whether he’s wrapped in its colors for dress-up or clutching its folds for comfort.

Recommended by Savitha Moorthy, Executive Director

“Grandmothers are a big deal in my family. I was really close to mine—she moved in with us after my dad passed away and was a steady, loving presence in my childhood. Now, I’m lucky to live in a multigenerational home where my son gets to grow up with his grandmother, and make his own memories with her. My Paati’s Saris brings back many sweet memories of my own Paati, and I see those echoes in the connection my son is building with his.”

Tandem Book Selection Committee