Striking illustrations carry the load in this heartfelt story of parental absence.
A young Korean boy’s feeling of longing is captured in this story of a father who works far away from his family.
“Will Father come home tomorrow?” asks June, a young Korean boy, of his mother. Curiously, a photo of the father dreamily transforms in the accompanying illustration into the shape of a goose flying across the sky. The next day, June and his older brother, Hyun, return from school, rushing into the arms of a goose dressed in a shirt and tie. Scenes of a happy family quickly pass by, with the affectionate father consistently depicted as an anthropomorphic goose. Soon enough, there is “a goodbye that happens often,” as June embraces his father before he flies away again. The author’s note reveals the Korean phrase, gireogi appa, which literally means goose dad. (Literal-minded readers befuddled by the goose symbolism might wish this information had appeared in an introduction.) Jung describes a lifestyle in which fathers work and live apart from their families to provide for their children’s education. The sacrifice, however noble, has consequences. Debut author/illustrator Jung captures the tender emotions through images in a warm color palette of peaches and browns. The writing, however, lacks cohesion, with limited flow between the pages. Still, the pain of missing a parent, which this book captures, is one many children will recognize.
Striking illustrations carry the load in this heartfelt story of parental absence. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Nov. 10, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-338-35570-3
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Orchard/Scholastic
Review Posted Online: Sept. 28, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2020
BOOK REVIEW
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change.
A dog who belongs to an expecting couple adjusts to home life as a new baby arrives.
Pepita, the family pet, is beloved and still so little they call her Bebita (baby girl). But Pepita’s world is changing as her Mami and Papi await the arrival of a baby. Pepita is used to being spoiled “with treats and tummy rubs and my favorite fluffy pillow….But lately, things have been changing.” As the home gets new additions like a crib and gifts from the grandparents, Pepita feels left out, no longer the center of attention. Once the baby arrives, Pepita tries to adjust but is kept up at night by crying and doesn’t get playtime like before. But Pepita’s sweetness shines through as she finds ways to help out and bond with the new baby. “I feel so proud to be the big sister,” she concludes. The book is sprinkled with Spanish phrases, reflecting that Pepita is part of a Latine household; readers unfamiliar with Spanish will find the glossary helpful. Illustrations are warm and cuddly throughout, and the story is highly relatable; soon-to-be big siblings fretting over a new arrival will find it especially comforting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A heartwarming reminder to embrace change. (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 12, 2023
ISBN: 9780593566985
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: July 13, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2023
A multilayered, endearing treasure of a day.
Spending a day with Gong Gong doesn’t sound like very much fun to May.
Gong Gong doesn’t speak English, and May doesn’t know Chinese. How can they have a good day together? As they stroll through an urban Chinatown, May’s perpetually sanguine maternal grandfather chats with friends and visits shops. At each stop, Cantonese words fly back and forth, many clearly pointed at May, who understands none of it. It’s equally exasperating trying to communicate with Gong Gong in English, and by the time they join a card game in the park with Gong Gong’s friends, May is tired, hungry, and frustrated. But although it seems like Gong Gong hasn’t been attentive so far, when May’s day finally comes to a head, it is clear that he has. First-person text gives glimpses into May’s lively thoughts as they evolve through the day, and Gong Gong’s unchangingly jolly face reflects what could be mistaken for blithe obliviousness but is actually his way of showing love through sharing the people and places of his life. Through adorable illustrations that exude humor and warmth, this portrait of intergenerational affection is also a tribute to life in Chinatown neighborhoods: Street vendors, a busker playing a Chinese violin, a dim sum restaurant, and more all combine to add a distinctive texture.
A multilayered, endearing treasure of a day. (glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Sept. 8, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-77321-429-0
Page Count: 36
Publisher: Annick Press
Review Posted Online: June 29, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2020
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