Where's Halmoni? (Halmoni & Family)

An exceptionally charming and well-executed romp that brings to life loving family relationships and an enticing fairy-tale world.

 An exceptional example of text and art working together to tell a complete story, this book is an excellent choice for either the picture-book or graphic-novel collection.

Additional information about the folktale characters is provided in the back matter.

In Kim's first outing as author, two clever modern-day kids meet characters from Korean lore as they search for their missing halmoni (Korean for grandmother). After Noona and Joon follow tiger tracks through a mysterious door, they're transported to a breathtaking Asian landscape studded with jade-colored mountains and stunted pines. They meet a rabbit who snarfs down their snacks, mischievous goblins who give them a magical door knocker in exchange for yet more snacks (Joon's knapsack is well stocked), a bushy-tailed fox, and a treacherous tiger, all of whom speak only Korean; their lines are written out in Hangul (translations are offered in the back). Readers who don't know Korean won't mind: Noona and Joon don't know much Korean, either, and the pictures make everything clear. The children are never intimidated by their adversaries, even when the action is no-kidding threatening. The sibling banter is believable and delightful, Kim's panel sequences teem with energy, and her story spotlights comedy over danger: at one point, a goblin proffers the children a pair of furry underwear, and the big showdown turns into an epic bout of "rock paper scissors." Ages 5-9. (Oct.)

Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 2--In this fun adventure story inspired by Korean folktales, young Noona and her little brother Joon step into a fantastical land to find their missing Halmoni ("grandmother"). Their journey partitions into three sections, each highlighting lovable or distrusted figures from traditional stories who help or hinder the kids as they search. Where's Halmoni? has all the thrills, laughs, and morals that you could want from a good folktale for kids, but among Western libraries, you will actually find very little like it. Not only does it feature an Asian culture and characters, this title makes several distinctive design choices, as well. One example is Kim's combination of modern and traditional Korean art styles; characters, with their less complicated and more expressive designs, both complement and distinguish themselves from the stunningly painted classic backgrounds. Another is the use of language--while the humans speak in English, creatures from the mythical world respond in Korean. Context makes clear what is being said for those who can't read it; a pictorial chart in the back also provides a translation. One key line does include a transliteration. Many of the written and visual details (such as the hand signal for "come here"), could be used to promote discussion. VERDICT For its jaw-dropping art, encouraging bilingual attitude, and conscientious portrayal of Korean culture, Where's Halmoni? is a perfect choice for most collections.--Rachel Forbes, Oakville Public Library, Ont.

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"The genius of Kim's book is that the two kids have started to lose their ability to speak Korean and cannot really understand what the rabbits, goblins and tigers are saying to them. Kim, then, is making a statement about the loss of culture among children of immigrants while also writing a book that returns some of that to them."—New York Times

Featured in the Seattle's Child summer reading issue

"Julie Kim has created a visually stunning world that effortlessly infuses Korean text (Hangul) in rich, expressive art."—Cybils Awards, winner

★ "For its jaw-dropping art, encouraging bilingual attitude, and conscientious portrayal of Korean culture, Where's Halmoni? is a perfect choice." —School Library Journal, starred

★ "A sophisticated mélange of urban households, traditional Asian landscapes, vibrant color schemes, cultural details, subtle visual jokes, [and] pitch-perfect dialogue... This book is an excellent choice for either the picture-book or graphic-novel collection." —Booklist, starred

★ "Kim's bright, expressive illustrations are a delight...an accessible, diverse title for a broad readership." —Kirkus Reviews, starred

★ "The sibling banter is believable and delightful, [and] Kim's panel sequences teem with energy." —Publishers Weekly, starred

"Gentle and humorous." —Horn Book

★ "Gloriously illustrated, full of wit and whimsy, and always staying true to the traditional tales being referenced, this book deserves every starred review it has received." —School Library Journal, starred

"Go deeper into the world of Korean folklore and experience their cultural heritage in unexpected ways." —Kid Lit Frenzy

"Young readers who adore classic fairytales will want to escape into this story again and again."
—Bookish

"This bright book...is fun for all ages." —Motherhood Moment

"Where's Halmoni? is spectacular. Julie Kim has created a book to share with young readers that truly celebrates family, playfulness, mischief and the beauty of Korean folktales." —Read it Real Good

"Infused with Korean folklore, gorgeous, action-packed illustrations, and a pair of siblings on a quest to find their grandmother, this is an absolutely delightful adventure." —This Picture Book Life