A slippery, spicy tale that tingles with wit and whimsy.
An eccentric grandmother whips up a special treat.
Korean American Keo is startled when Halmoni (Grandmother) bursts through the door; she lives far away and typically visits only in the summer. Apparently she’s here to spend time with him, but Keo’s suspicious: “Behind her smiley face, she could be as slippery, spicy, and tingly as kimchi.” Besides, Halmoni has tons of interests—Keo doesn’t think she has time for him. Still, his imagination is sparked as Halmoni cleans a gigantic jar. He observes her digging a hole in the backyard and concludes she’s preparing her grave. But this “super senior” isn’t dead yet; Halmoni cackles and announces that they’re making kimchi. Soon after, Halmoni leaves early one morning. Time passes, and Keo digs up the jar to find some delicious kimchi. “Natural storage makes kimchi taste best,” as Keo’s mother explains. Later, he discovers a note in the jar from Halmoni—proof positive that his grandmother loves him after all. Relying on simple pastel hues and textures, Choi depicts characters with quirky expressions, bringing out Halmoni’s personality and portraying Keo’s roller coaster of emotions. The phrase “slippery, spicy, and tingly” is repeated throughout, including in the songs Halmoni sings. And though the tale is darkly humorous at times, it’s infused with real warmth as Keo realizes the depth of his grandmother’s feelings for him.
A slippery, spicy tale that tingles with wit and whimsy. (pronunciation guide, author’s note, more about kimchi) (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2024
ISBN: 9798765610183
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Carolrhoda
Review Posted Online: July 19, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2024
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D.
Breakout kid barber J.D. embraces a summer of opportunity.
Readers met J.D. Jones just as he took his hometown of Meridian, Mississippi, by storm, winning himself community acclaim and a chair at the revered Hart and Sons barbershop in series opener J.D. and the Great Barber Battle(2021). What’s next for the haircut prodigy? School’s just getting out, and there’s so much life happening outside—if only one can escape home learning with the grandparents. J.D.’s sister, Vanessa, brings along multitalented mutual friend Jessyka to share an ambitious challenge: “Let’s start a YouTube channel!” Can they get millions of views and wow the whole world? They are already amazing at haircuts and hairstyles—all they need is to learn how to make a great YouTube video. The story models strategies for scripting short videos reflecting the templates of viral YouTube hair tutorials, inviting readers to not only see the journey of the characters, but maybe also practice these skills at home. This book is bound to educate all about some of the most storied and cherished traditions within the Black community. Bringing in Vanessa is a great touch to extend the series across gender, and hopefully she’ll get a chance to lead her own adventures. This book blends skill-building, entrepreneurship, and strong family values to give young Black children visions of what’s possible when they follow their passions and embrace their community.
A strong second outing for Dillard and J.D. (Fiction. 6-9)Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-11155-0
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Kokila
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape.
The fourth installment in Delacre’s early-reader series centers on the rich musical traditions of Puerto Rico, once again featuring sibling tree frogs Rafi and Rosi Coquí.
Readers learn along with Rafi and Rosi as they explore bomba, plena, and salsa in three chapters. A glossary at the beginning sets readers up well to understand the Spanish vocabulary, including accurate phoneticization for non-Spanish speakers. The stories focus on Rafi and Rosi’s relationship within a musical context. For example, in one chapter Rafi finds out that he attracts a larger audience playing his homemade güiro with Rosi’s help even though he initially excluded her: “Big brothers only.” Even when he makes mistakes, as the older brother, Rafi consoles Rosi when she is embarrassed or angry at him. In each instance, their shared joy for music and dance ultimately shines through any upsets—a valuable reflection of unity. Informational backmatter and author’s sources are extensive. Undoubtedly these will help teachers, librarians, and parents to develop Puerto Rican cultural programs, curriculum, or home activities to extend young readers’ learning. The inclusion of instructions to make one’s own homemade güiro is a thoughtful addition. The Spanish translation, also by Delacre and published simultaneously, will require a more advanced reader than the English one to recognize and comprehend contractions (“pa’bajo-pa-pa’rriba”) and relatively sophisticated vocabulary.
A welcome, well-researched reflection of cultural pride in the early-reader landscape. (Early reader. 7-9)Pub Date: Sept. 17, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-89239-429-6
Page Count: 64
Publisher: Children's Book Press
Review Posted Online: July 27, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 2019
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