Product Description

When Yunmi's class plans a picnic in Central Park, her Korean grandmother, Halmoni, agrees to chaperone. But Yunmi worries that the other children will make fun of Halmoni's traditional Korean dress and unfamiliar food.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #766808 in Books
• Published on: 1993-08-30
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .37" h x 7.56" w x 10.29" l, .81 pounds
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From Publishers Weekly
In her first picture book, Choi ( The Year of Impossible Goodbyes ) tackles the sensitive topic of an immigrant's adjustment to life in the United States. Yunmi's grandmother Halmoni has just moved to New York City from Korea and she's having a tough time getting acclimated. She doesn't speak much English, she doesn't understand the customs and she misses her homeland and her friends. In an effort to reach out to the old woman, Yunmi's friends ask Halmoni to chaperone the class picnic in Central Park. Yunmi is both excited and scared at the prospect--maybe the other kids will make fun of Halmoni's clothes and the traditional kimbap (rice/vegetable rolls) that she insists on bringing to the outing. But the children turn out to be fine ambassadors, and Halmoni feels pleased and welcome. Choi's text, sentimental but never saccharine, captures a jumble of emotions, both Halmoni's and Yunmi's. Both must find a common ground where pride, love and tolerance can coexist. With a light hand Choi delivers a happy ending. Dugan's serviceable pencil and watercolor illustrations are warm in spirit and accurate in their detail, as in depictions of Halmoni's dress. Bright Korean-inspired borders framing each painting provide an authentic flavor. This gentle intergenerational book should appeal on many levels, and will be especially appreciated by those seeking contemporary Asian American fare. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews
Yunmi, a Korean-American third-grader in a N.Y.C. parochial school, worries about her grandmother Halmoni, who's been in the US only two months and is having a hard time with the English language and American customs. When Yunmi's friends invite Halmoni to chaperon a class picnic and Halmoni insists on bringing special Korean food, Yunmi fears her classmates may turn up their noses at the kimbap or make fun of Halmoni's traditional clothing. But thanks to Halmoni's gentle, generous ways and the children's good- natured curiosity, the day is a great success--and Halmoni is even emboldened to say goodbye in English. Manhattan looks clean and picturesque in color illustrations that fill alternate pages, bordered in beautiful Korean textile designs. A sensitive exploration of difficulties facing immigrants, particularly older people who don't get the crash course in American culture provided by school or a job. (Picture book. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

Review
In her first picture book, Choi ( The Year of Impossible Goodbyes ) tackles the sensitive topic of an immigrant's adjustment to life in the United States. Yunmi's grandmother Halmoni has just moved to New York City from Korea and she's having a tough time getting acclimated. She doesn't speak much English, she doesn't understand the customs and she misses her homeland and her friends. In an effort to reach out to the old woman, Yunmi's friends ask Halmoni to chaperone the class picnic in Central Park. Yunmi is both excited and scared at the prospect--maybe the other kids will make fun of Halmoni's clothes and the traditional kimbap (rice/vegetable rolls) that she insists on bringing to the outing. But the children turn out to be fine ambassadors, and Halmoni feels pleased and welcome. Choi's text, sentimental but never saccharine, captures a jumble of emotions, both Halmoni's and Yunmi's. Both must find a common ground where pride, love and tolerance can coexist. With a light hand Choi delivers a happy ending. Dugan's serviceable pencil and watercolor illustrations are warm in spirit and accurate in their detail, as in depictions of Halmoni's dress. Bright Korean-inspired borders framing each painting provide an authentic flavor. This gentle intergenerational book should appeal on many levels, and will be especially appreciated by those seeking contemporary Asian American fare. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

(Publishers Weekly )

Yunmi, a Korean-American third-grader in a N.Y.C. parochial school, worries about her grandmother Halmoni, who's been in the US only two months and is having a hard time with the English language and American customs. When Yunmi's friends invite Halmoni to chaperon a class picnic and Halmoni insists on bringing special Korean food, Yunmi fears her classmates may turn up their noses at the kimbap or make fun of Halmoni's traditional clothing. But thanks to Halmoni's gentle, generous ways and the children's good- natured curiosity, the day is a great success--and Halmoni is even emboldened to say goodbye in English. Manhattan looks clean and picturesque in color illustrations that fill alternate pages, bordered in beautiful Korean textile designs. A sensitive exploration of difficulties facing immigrants, particularly older people who don't get the crash course in American culture provided by school or a job. (Picture book. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. 

(Kirkus Reviews )