Whether you have Taiwanese heritage or simply have a deep love for the country of Taiwan, immersing your children in stories set in Taiwan or centered around Taiwanese traditions can help them forge a meaningful connection with the island and its captivating culture. Taiwan is a breathtaking island with enchanting landscapes and warm-hearted people. Many people claim that Taiwan offers the world’s finest cuisine and is home to some of the friendliest individuals. Personally, I wholeheartedly agree!
While I grew up in the United States, I am Taiwanese at heart. Interestingly, there are not many children’s books available that specifically revolve around Taiwan. As a result, I have compiled a list of titles that I have come across, along with information on where you can purchase these books. Don’t forget to check your local library for these books as well. I hope that you and your children will delight in reading these books that celebrate Taiwan.
Books about Taiwan in Chinese
123到台灣
123 Arrive in Taiwan
Author: 聯經
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin
123轉台灣
123 Around Taiwan
Author: 聯經
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin
123生台灣
123 Born in Taiwan
Author: 聯經
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin
In123生台灣, the author represents Taiwan through 12 kinds of flowers and adds people’s daily activities and various animals and plants for each month.
台灣地圖
Map of Taiwan
Author: 聯經
Language: Traditional Chinese
Unlock a world of exploration with this kids’ book featuring 19 meticulously crafted maps, each showcasing the unique districts, counties, and cities in Taiwan. Discover a treasure trove of important landmarks, cultural icons, and historical wonders. Discover destinations in Taiwan through the enchanting pages of our map-filled adventure!”
12個插畫家的台灣風情地圖
Map of Taiwan illustrated by 12 different artists
Author: 聯經
Language: Traditional Chinese
Each artist shares a nostalgia for Taiwan through topography, animals, ecology, important festivals, food, products, native products, landmarks, ethnic groups, lighthouses, museums, and landmarks.
走，去迪化街買年貨
(Let’s go to Dihua Street to buy New Year’s goods)
Author: 朱秀芳 (Zhu Xiufang)
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin
一家人的南門市場
A Family’s Nanmen Market
Author: 聯經
Language: Traditional Chinese
Nanmen Market has a long history in Taipei City and plays a very important role in the lives of ordinary people. Take the family to Nanmen Market to visit the diverse shops and delicacies, and the connection with people’s lives.
台灣最美的地方：國家公園地圖
Most Beautiful Places in Taiwan: National Parks Map
Author: 聯經
Language: Traditional Chinese
Explore maps of Taiwan and discover the ten most breathtaking national parks in the country. These parks offer a diverse range of landscapes, from majestic mountains to stunning coastal areas, each showcasing unique natural wonders and cultural significance.
回到爸媽小時候
Return to When Dad and Mom Were Young
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin
Join us on a nostalgic journey to the cherished childhood days of Dad and Mom, and uncover the hidden treasures of Dihua Street, Yongle Market, and Xiahai Town God’s Temple. Let’s delve into the world of traditional architecture, shophouses, and the captivating tales of Dihua Street’s history, encounter delightful little flower girls, and the joyful memories of weddings and banquets in Taiwan. Come, explore the vibrant customs of our beloved homeland, Taiwan!
阿公阿嬤的三合院
Grandparents Traditional House
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin
Sanheyuan is a historical courtyard residence that use to be common in Taiwan but are now very rare. Explore the mysteries of Grandpa and Grandma’s courtyard house! introduces several types of houses where our ancestors lived, some of which are very rare. These are part of the life and culture of our ancestors.
炊粿慶團園
Traditional Cake Celebration Garden
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin
Experience a heartwarming tale that will resonate with nostalgic parents, capturing the daily scenes of 1980s Tawiwan as you journey through the story of making traditional celebration cakes and the anticipation of Lunar New Year preparations with the whole family.
上學去/放學後/放假了
Going to School/After School/Holidays
Language: Traditional Chinese
Discover the school lives of children across different generations in Taiwan, spanning from the 1950s to the present day. Have you ever wondered what your parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents experienced during their childhood? Have you ever imagined how people traveled in the past? Through vivid narratives and evocative paintings, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of childhood holidays across three generations.
大家來逛魚市場
Let’s go to the fish market
Language: Traditional Chinese
Ah Guang goes to the fish market to buy fresh catches for their family’s seafood store. This book is set in Jiangjun Fishing Port, the primary fishing port in Tainan County. The pages are illustrated with vibrant depictions of fish and boats.
林邊蓮霧的黑珍珠奇蹟
Black Pearl Miracle of Linbian Wax Apple
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin
Xiaolian’s grandfather has a large wax apple orchard by the forest in Pingtung. In summer, the wax apple trees are covered with black nets, like big black mushrooms, and in winter, they will grow into red to black pearls. Grandpa said that the soil near the sea is sticky and salty, and no rice can be grown, but sweet, crisp, and juicy wax apples grow miraculously…
萬和宮老二媽的故事
The Story of the Second Mother of Wanhe Palace
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin
Wanhe Palace, a treasured historical site in Taiwan, proudly hosts the grandest Mazu celebration in the country, a tradition that has been preserved for over two centuries.
什麼不見了
What’s Missing?
Language: Traditional Chinese
Follow Jun Jun on a treasure hunt in her small Taiwanese town. The local culture and customs of Taiwan are illustrated in wonderful pictures of the vegetable market, a suit shop, an alley lined with food stalls, the bamboo shop, and an old-timey corner grocery (商店) full of bottles and cans of various snacks…even passing by the train station and the bustling street next to the temple.
Bilingual Books about Taiwan
我愛珍珠奶茶 – I Love Boba!
Author: Katrina Liu
Language: English and Chinese with Pinyin
This vibrant picture book bursts with colors, celebrating the glorious world of bubble tea and Asian culture through a whimsical rhyming story. If you’re a boba aficionado, this book is an absolute must-have in your collection—a delightful gift for any fellow boba drink lover out there!
Although not directly about Taiwan, the book explains that boba was created in Taiwan and includes a beautiful illustration of the island.
Order from Amazon (Traditional Chinese)
Order from Amazon (Simplified Chinese)
Big Cities Little Foodies – Taipei
Author: Cheryl Yau Chepusova
Language: English and Traditional Chinese
This delightful book takes you on a yummy journey through Taipei. Feast your eyes on triangular scallion pancake slices, square pineapple cakes that will make your mouth water, and circular pearls dancing in a cup of creamy milk tea. This book is a playful celebration of both shapes and Taiwan’s culinary wonders, inviting you to savor the flavors and indulge in the mouthwatering delights of Taipei!
Globetrots for Tots: TAIWAN
Author: Maryann Chu
Language: English, Chinese, Zhuyin, and Pinyin
Follow Mei Mei and Black Bear as they explore the wonders of Taiwan, from Taipei’s towering skyscrapers to the sun-drenched beaches of Kenting. Join them on an unforgettable adventure and discover the very best that Taiwan has to offer!
A Little Book of Taiwanese Eats
Author: Maryann Chu
Language: English, Chinese, Zhuyin, and Pinyin
A Little Book of Taiwanese Eats is a charming rhyming book that pays homage to the most delectable Taiwanese dishes while embracing Bopomofo, our beloved phonetic alphabet. Overflowing with endearing illustrations and joyful verses, this book offers a mouthwatering literary feast that can be savored by readers of all ages.
臺灣彈起 POP UP TAIWAN
Author: 時報出版
This bilingual book presents five pop-up scenes of Taiwan, featuring Taiwan Overview, Taipei 101, Night Market Snacks, Alishan National Scenic Area, and Mazu Parade. The book provides detailed descriptions of Taiwan’s local style and charm in both Traditional Chinese and English.
T is for Taiwan：台灣A到Z
Author: 玉山社
The author hopes that through this book, children can understand the characteristics of Taiwan through 26 pictures that represent the country’s culture.
Taiwan A-Z
Author: Gabriel, age 11
Language: Traditional Chinese
Discover Taiwan’s food, culture, and renowned landmarks in an alphabet book for children created by Gabriel, an 11-year-old living in Taiwan.
Mama’s Home in Taiwan 媽媽的家在台灣
Author: Chris Huang
Language: Traditional Chinese, Zhuyin, Pinyin, and English
Experience the rich tapestry of culture in the protagonist’s mother’s home country, relish the warmth of family bonds, and develop a profound affection for Taiwan. Mama’s Home in Taiwan beautifully portrays the genuine tale of contemporary Taiwanese immigrants, fostering a strong connection between the younger generation and their ancestral roots, and instilling a sense of pride in being Taiwanese-Americans.
Books about Taiwan in English
Hey Taipei
Author: Kathy Chang
Language: English
Hey Taipei is a rhyming picture book that takes you on an adorable adventure through the colorful streets of Taipei! Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the juiciest fruit at the market, soar sky-high on a gondola ride to the tea mountains in Maokong, and feast on scrumptious soup dumplings and sizzling hotpot! These are some of the scenes in the book that showcase the spirit of Taipei.
Amah Faraway
Author: Margaret Chiu Greanias
Language: English
In this heartwarming book, Kylie travels to visit her Amah, who lives far away in Taipei. As they finally reunite, Kylie’s shyness keeps her from fully connecting with Amah. She grows to love Taiwan and they create joyful memories together.
I love Boba
Author: Katrina Liu
Language: English
This vibrant picture book bursts with colors, celebrating the glorious world of bubble tea and Asian culture through a whimsical rhyming story. If you’re a boba aficionado, this book is an absolute must-have in your collection—a delightful gift for any fellow boba drink lover out there!
Although not directly about Taiwan, the book explains that boba was created in Taiwan and includes a beautiful illustration of the island.
I Dream of Popo
Author: Livia Blackburne
Language: English
When a young girl and her family embark on their journey to America, Popo stays behind in Taiwan. Throughout the story, the audience is taken on a journey through the child’s visits back to Taiwan and showcases the unbreakable connection and affection shared between the grandparent and grandchild that transcends distance, space, and time.
I Dream of Popo is based on the author’s experiences emigrating from Taiwan. One incredibly special thing about this book is that the author, the illustrator, and the editor are all Taiwanese Americans.
The author also offers a free activity kit that you can download
This is Not My Home
Author: Vivienne Chang
Language: English
In an unexpected turn of events, Lily’s world is turned upside down when her mother reveals that they must relocate to Taiwan to care for her elderly Ah Ma. Feeling devastated to leave behind everything she knows and loves, Lily struggles with the idea of a new place that doesn’t feel like home but eventually discovers the true meaning of home. Though it may not happen immediately, Lily holds onto the hope that someday, Taiwan might just become her home too.
Kai the Dancing Butterfly
Author: Crystal Z. Lee
Language: English
Join Kai and Ami, two dancing butterflies hailing from Taiwan, on an exciting adventure! With the Winter Festival dance show approaching in the southern part of the island, they must quickly fly from their current location in northern Taiwan. It’s quite a journey for a butterfly!
Readers are treated to a delightful exploration of Taiwan’s breathtaking natural landscapes, its diverse and fascinating animal species, and the rich tapestry of Indigenous cultures that make the island so unique. This enchanting children’s book is a must-read for those who already love Taiwan or anyone eager to delve into the wonders of Taiwanese culture.
