Description
Book SynopsisIt's Halmoni's birthday, and everyone is helping in the garden before the celebration, but where is Joon? Jin sees a mess in the kitchen but no sign of Joon anywhere. Where could he have gone? Halmoni has a hunch and sends Jin on an errand through her magical portal into a fantastical world of Korean folklore. Jin is to deliver rice cakes to the notorious miser Jo-harabuhji and hopefully meet Joon on the way. In this strange world, Jin and Joon each meet familiar friends and foe before reuniting to embark on a new mission - to fix Halmoni's magic pot that Joon broke back at the house. Will Jin and Joon succeed in restoring Halmoni's magic pot? And will Halmoni forgive Joon for having broken her favourite magic pot in the first place? This story is about the children's courage to face their fears and their efforts to do the right thing, and how love makes it all possible.
Trade Review★ "Rich in folklore, comedy, and color, a riotous and pleasurable treat."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred
★ Kim's story is absolutely enchanting, but her stupendously vivacious illustrations prove even more memorable. Amplifying details immediately stand out from the first pages: the rice maker found in virtually every Asian American home, the well-used kitchen towel hanging slightly askew, the melding of Western/Korean architectural aesthetics. Kim imbues every scene with infectious energy, inviting readers to join in the clever challenges to bring the family safely back together.
—Terry Hong,
Shelf Awareness, starred
"The graphic novel picture book sequel to the bestselling “Where’s Halmoni?” by Seattle author Julie Kim came out in October with gorgeous art, humor and a story about the immigrant experience of traversing two worlds."
—
Seattle Times
"A lovely and lively sequel and perfect companion to Kim’s first inventive and immersive expedition traversing two cultures."
—Booklist
"This very non-apologetic bilingual nature of the stories is healing to read."
—AsianLitforKids
"Kim infuses her novel with strikingly beautiful landscapes, warm character illustrations, and the nostalgia of childhood curiosity transports audiences straight into the storybook. Her genuine enthusiasm towards her craft is undeniable and shows in every page, making
“Where’s Joon?” a celebration of love, family, and Korean-American experiences."
—The Daily
"Jaw-dropping art with vibrant colors."
—Imagination Soup
