Fall 2024

Starred Review Slippery, Spicy, Tingly

A Kimchi Mystery

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

Keo loves kimchi! And he loves Halmoni, his grandmother!

But when Halmoni unexpectedly comes to visit and digs a big hole in the backyard, he’s not sure what’s going on. Could Halmoni be planning to bury a secret treasure?! Yangsook Choi, author and illustrator of the beloved picture book The Name Jar, serves up a tasty new story that’s bursting with heart, humor, mystery, and . . . cabbage!

Format Your Price Add
979-8-7656-1018-3
$14.24
979-8-7656-3020-4
$23.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Category Diverse Books: #OwnVoices, Diverse Books: Race & Ethnicity, Diversity
Copyright 2024
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Carolrhoda Books ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2024-10-01
Text Type Informational Fiction
BISACS JUV050000, JUV013030, JUV011020
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Guided Reading Level M
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Author/Illustrator note, Original artwork, Pronunciation guide, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Reviews

Starred Review Booklist

“Based on Korean author and illustrator Choi’s relationship with her own grandmother, the story’s playful drawings and writing create a fun, lighthearted feel. The gentle pastel illustrations capture Halmoni’s quirky personality through her facial expressions and movements, as well as Keo’s curiosity and wonder.”—starred, Booklist

Publishers Weekly

“Choi’s imaginative Keo offers a well-reasoned foil to the actions of “slippery, spicy, and tingly as kimchi” Halmoni, while acrylic and colored pencil illustrations, finished digitally, depict the family activities in warm hues and imagined fantastical events in blue-green tones."—Publishers Weekly

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“This book promotes diversity and teaches about the Korean culture. It would be perfect for teachers looking to discuss cultural differences and have children share about their favorite dishes. Reviewer Rating: 5”—Children’s Literature

School Library Journal

“This is a lovely family story about the sharing of making food together. The warm, friendly artwork is a perfect complement to the story.”—School Library Journal

Kirkus Reviews

“A slippery, spicy tale that tingles with wit and whimsy.”—Kirkus Reviews