A Heartwarming Picture Book About Chinese New Year, Family Traditions, and Respecting Personal Boundaries
Author: Caitlin Roeder
Illustrator: Kristen Chow
Age range: 4-8 years
Year: 2026
There always seems to be at least one relative at a family gathering who believes hugs are mandatory. You know the moment. A child spots an approaching auntie, uncle, or grandparent and suddenly becomes very interested in a nearby wall.
Family Kisses takes that familiar family experience and turns it into a warm, thoughtful story that feels both comforting and surprisingly refreshing.
Mei-Li is bursting with excitement because Chinese New Year has finally arrived! The lanterns are bright, the food smells incredible, and her beloved relatives are all knocking at the door. But as the house fills with excited relatives, Mei-Li encounters a feeling that many little ones recognize: she isn’t comfortable with all the sudden hugs and kisses coming her way.
Faced with the pressure of family expectations, Mei-Li works alongside a trusted adult to find a beautiful middle ground. Together, they discover creative ways for her to welcome her family, honor her cultural traditions, and protect her personal boundaries without hurting anyone’s feelings.
One detail I loved learning about this book is that the illustrations include meaningful items from the author’s own family. Caitlin Roeder even shared family photos with illustrator Kristen Chow to help bring Mei-Li’s world to life. Those personal touches make the story feel especially genuine.
Why this book works
- Celebrates Chinese New Year in a warm, authentic way
- Introduces consent and boundaries in an age-appropriate manner
- Shows that love and personal comfort can exist together
- Features a supportive adult who listens without judgment
- Opens natural conversations about greetings and affection
- Diverse family representation woven naturally into the story
Try this at home or in class
Play “My Favorite Greeting.”
Ask children to think of different ways people can greet each other. They might choose a wave, a high five, a fist bump, a smile, a dance move, a handshake, or a hug. Then let each child pick their favorite greeting and practice asking permission before using it. It’s a simple activity that helps children understand that everyone likes different things, and that respecting those differences can be part of being kind.
Family Kisses is a beautiful choice for families, classrooms, and libraries. It celebrates connection without forgetting that every child deserves to feel comfortable in their own space.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More Books You Don’t Want to Miss
Ziva is a majestic Maine Coon who is “Great” in spirit but guarded in heart. When a young girl named Elsie arrives at the same home, they both bring with them a weight that’s hard to put into words. Ziva
“Tonight we hunt for doughnuts… but not the sugary kind.” Under the soft glow of the moon, a girl and her Uncle Darius head out for a quiet walk along the beach, searching for tiny “doughnut” holes in the sand
Most families have two parents at home, but in this gentle story, a young girl lives in a world shaped by just her and her mother. Though she is surrounded by warmth, she still wonders about the father she never