Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • I’m Signing Books at ALA 2025 in Philly!
Menu
Children's Books About Thailand

14 Wonderful Children’s Books About Thailand

Posted on April 18, 2018April 22, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Read these wonderful children’s books about Thailand and learn about the country’s beautiful culture! These stories are sure to delight your young reader.

A teacher mentioned that she was grateful for my lists of Laos and Hmong children’s books but she was looking for books covering Thailand and Myanmar/Burma for students in her classroom who were recent immigrants from these countries. This list (and the one Myanmar) is for her.

 

14 Wonderful Children’s Books About Thailand

 

Mela and the Elephant by Dow Phumiruk, illustrated by Ziyue Chen

Kindness needs no reward, for it brings happiness and warmth to the heart.

Mela set forth on an adventure but didn’t take her little brother along because he had nothing to offer her. Her adventure went awry and the animals that she gave gifts to in exchange for help, ran off with her offerings without helping her.

Finally, an elephant helps Mela get home without asking for anything in return. This is a lesson that Mela puts to use the next day. Thai customs are woven throughout this story set in Thailand including bowing with clasped hands to show gratitude. Use this picture book to teach kindness and explore Thai culture. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Hush! A Thai Lullaby by Minfong Ho, illustrations by Holly Meade

In this rhyming story, a mother asks the wildlife around her to stay quiet while the baby is asleep. The animals reflect the wildlife of Thailand: mosquito, lizard, cat, mouse, frog, pig, duck, monkey, buffalo, and elephant. Use this book to compare to a picture book about animals on a farm in the United States. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Peek! A Thai Hide-and-Seek by Minfong Ho, illustrated by Holly Meade

Continue exploring the wildlife of Thailand in this sequel to Hush! With the same rhyming text, help the dad search for his little girl who’s wandered away, meeting along the way: dragonfly, rooster, puppy, turtle, monkey, hornbill, snake, elephant, crocodile, and tiger. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Umbrella Queen by Shirin Yim Bridges, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo

In Noot’s village, it’s always been the same. They make umbrellas to sell decorated with flowers and butterflies. Noot has always wanted to paint umbrellas and when she’s allowed to, she paints what she is told to do. On her own, though, she makes tiny umbrellas and paints elephants cavorting.

This year the king is visiting to pick the umbrella queen, the person who paints the most beautiful umbrella. Will the king like Noot’s tiny umbrellas? [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Nu Dang and His Kite by Jacqueline Ayer

First published in 1949 when Thailand was Siam, this picture book was recently reprinted by Enchanted Lion Books. The gorgeous illustrations and timeless story make this relevant today.

Nu Dang is a little boy who loves to fly his kite, but one day the wind makes off with it so he sets off down the long brown river to find it. The river is busy with the floating market merchants and buyers, priests, and boatmen.

His journey to find his kite takes him back home, where his kite has floated down to meet him. This is a great picture book to experience the bustle of life in Thailand. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Paper-Flower Tree: A Tale from Thailand by Jacqueline Ayer

A peddler stops at a little girl’s remote village bringing with him a paper flower tree. She longs for one of her own so he gifts her a paper flower with a bead as a seed. She plants it and faithfully waters it, hoping for a tree of her own, while the villagers think she’s foolish.

When the peddler returns, along with a performing troupe, she receives a lovely surprise. The rhythms, sights, and sounds of rural Thailand are gently conveyed in this story that feels like a folk tale of wishes and dreams. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

The Man Who Caught Fish by Walter Lyon Krudop

This reads like a folktale cautioning against greed and arrogance. A stranger with a fishing pole is able to pull up fish after fish, even though the local fisherman catches very little all year. His rule is “one person, one fish” and he generously gives the fish away.

A king catches wind of the fisherman and desires a basketful of fish. The man complies with his rule of one fish per person, even when the king locks him in jail. Obsessed with the man and his fishing ability, the king has a plan but it doesn’t turn out how he thinks it will.

Use this book to compare to the story of Beauty and the Beast. [picture book, ages 4 and up]

Elephants of the Tsunami by Jana Laiz, illustrated by Tara Cafiero

Eight elephants who entertain by giving people rides on the white sands of Khao Lak Beach detected the movements deep in the earth of the coming earthquake that no human could feel.

The elephants sensed the danger but kept on working trying to communicate to their handlers who did not understand why the elephants were agitated.

Finally, two of the elephants took off, running for higher ground; their mahouts chasing after them on foot. Before the two off-duty elephants took off for the hills, they ran to the beach to rescue people stranded there. The elephants saved all these people’s lives. They are real-life heroes.

I don’t love the font or the page layout, but this story is a moving one told orally. It’s a wonderful reminder of the intelligence and gentleness of the elephants who are endangered. A portion of the proceeds of this book is donated to Tsunami Relief. [picture book, ages 6 and up (because of the descriptions of the devastation from the tsunami)]

Building a Dream: How the Boys of Koh Panyee Became Champions by Darshana Khiani, illustrated by Dow Phumiruk

What do you do if you love soccer but your village is built on stilts and there are no soccer fields and no space to practice? Boys from the village of Koh Paynee didn’t let that stop them. They decided to cobble together scraps of wood to build their own soccer pitch on the water. The soccer field had its own challenges. Foul balls went into the ocean. The pitch was unstable which meant the soccer players had to develop excellent balance. Could these additional skills they learned from their unique soccer field make them champions?

Based on a true story, Darshana Khiani brings this inspiring true story to life with lyrical prose. Dow Phumiruk, a Thai-American, recalls the beauty of Southern Thailand in her vibrant illustrations that depict their amazing accomplishment. [picture book biography, ages 5 and up]

Tua and the Elephants by R. P. Harris, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo 

This gentle easy chapter book was inspired by the plight of the Asian elephants living in a refuge park in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The authors have created a plucky young girl, Tua, who is moved to save a young elephant from its cruel handlers.

In order to save this elephant, she must traverse the night markets of Chiang Mai, hide out in a Buddhist temple, and race to find a sanctuary where it will be safe. Though the bad guys are bad, there is a cartoon element to their antics and they are never scary, so I think this book would work well for ages 7 and up. [early chapter book, ages 7 and up]

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat

Review by Children’s Books Heal:

“Set in a Thai fantasy world, The Last Mapmaker is a suspenseful and thrilling high-seas adventure that will captivate readers, It will introduce them to some history of early colonizers exploring uncharted countries and staking their claims. And sometimes there are environmental consequences that are detrimental to the country.” [middle grade, ages 8 and up]

The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat

More books by Christina Soontornvat

Buddhism in Thailand by Frances Hawker and Sunantha Phusomsai, photography by Bruce Campbell

Baan, at eight years old, is invited to become a Buddhist monk and leaves his family during the rainy season to learn more about Buddhism. His grandfather, a rice farmer, was a monk for two years. There is a special initiation ceremony as Baan becomes a monk.

He learns meditation, the 10 rules for being a young monk, and performs tasks such as fetching water. After three months, Baan returns home after completing a leaving ceremony. There is someone special that is coming home too! This is a gentle story of family and the Buddhist faith. [nonfiction picture book, ages 6 and up]

Thai Children’s Favorite Stories: Fables, Myths, Legends and Fairy Tales by Marian D. Toth, illustrated by Patcharee Meesukhon

Traditional folk tales from Thailand are retold for a modern audience. These delightful stories not only amuse but also convey the culture and values of the Thai people. How the Bay of Bangkok Came to Be tells the story of how a kite-shaped Thailand’s geography.

Why Do We Have Thunder and Lightning? is due to Mekhala, a Thai goddess flashing her crystal ball to tease the god of thunder, Ramasura. How the Thais Learned to be Calm is about why the Thai people are taught to be gentle and well-mannered.

There are many more stories in this book perfect for reading aloud at school or at bedtime. [chapter book, ages 6 and up]

All About Thailand: Stories, Songs, Crafts and Games for Kids by Elaine Russell, illustrated by Patcharee Meesukhon and Vinit Yeesman

What I like about this series from Tuttle is that it covers a wide range of information, making it a one-stop shop for ways to teach kids about the culture of a country. From folk tales to activities, this book includes geography, songs, and crafts. You can pick and choose what to do and read about.

With this one book, you cover nonfiction, fiction, and activities to experience a glimpse into Thai culture. [nonfiction resource book, ages 8 and up. It also works for younger ages if an adult reads aloud and leads the activity portion.]

p.s. Thank you to January Sanalak who wrote me with suggestions.

“There’s honestly not too many Thai/Thai American books:
Tua and the Elephant by RP Harris
The Umbrella Queen by Shirin Bridges
The Girl Who Wore Too Much: A Folktale from Thailand by Margaret Reed MacDonald
Elephants of the Tsunami by Jana Laiz
The Paper Flower Tree by Jacqueline Ayer
I think this is all to my knowledge, I wish more Thai/Thai Americans were writing more children’s picture books. Booki Vivat is Thai/American she writes the Frazzled Series for grade school, her main character is Chinese American but I’m still in full support, cute story.
And Pintip Dunn wrote a YA novel Girl on the Verge, with a Thai-American protagonist, I think it’s the first I’ve ever seen/read. It’s a thriller. “
p.p.s. There are some Thai Cave rescue books out!

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

Wonderful Children's Books About Thailand

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.

 

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

      • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
      • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
      • Starred review from School Library Journal
      • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
      • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
      • Green Earth Book Award longlist
      • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

5 thoughts on “14 Wonderful Children’s Books About Thailand”

  1. Stephanie says:
    April 18, 2018 at 12:37 pm

    I have read several of these and have them listed on my website as well, but I am excited to learn of books I didn’t know existed! Thanks for putting this together and sharing it, Mia!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      April 26, 2018 at 11:50 am

      Books on Thailand were so hard to find, I was so surprised by that! I’ll keep this post updated as I run into more.

      Reply
  2. Shawn McCafferty says:
    September 25, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    Have you run across an English language fiction book for older kids (tweens? teens?) about a young American girl who goes to live with her father in Northern Thailand (Chiang Mai/Rai). I saw it at a bookstore in Chiang Mai a year ago…and can’t seem to find it via the internet. Can’t remember the title or author either 🙁 It may have been locally published in CM which is part of the problem. It seemed like a really good book for tweens/teens interested in other cultures or those possibly facing an international move and being a Third Culture Kid in your tween/teen years…

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      September 25, 2018 at 2:35 pm

      Hi Shawn,
      I’m so sorry but I don’t know that book. I did a Google search but did not come up with anything either. 🙁 I’ll ask on my Facebook page for PragmaticMom.

      Reply
  3. Toey says:
    May 18, 2021 at 10:57 pm

    Hi

    I would like you to make a quotation please contact me as email nichanank@nist.ac.th
    Thank you.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • My Daughter’s Start Up SWARM wins $100k from VentureCat! June 20, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025! June 18, 2025
  • Cover Reveal for Fight for the Right to Read June 16, 2025
  • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025! June 13, 2025
  • Sumo Joe turns 6 Years Old and 6 book GIVEAWAY! June 11, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT