How could I read Sook Nyul Choi's first picture book, and then not pick up the second one about Yunmi and Halmoni? "Yunmi and Halmoni's Trip" was just as I expected...lovely story, powerful characters, and gorgeous illustrations. The illustrator, Karen Dugan, added a spectacular artistic feel to the book. She did a fine job of representing Asian culture in her illustrations...I was specifically intrigued with the small symbol-like images she had underneath or above the text and the fabulous borders she included around the illustrations which must be some sort of Korean design. It was her careful attention to fine detail that set this book apart from others.
I suppose I enjoyed this book more than the first one for a couple reasons. First, it was interesting being able to read about the different places Yunmi's cousins took her sightseeing in Korea. Second, this book exposes readers to some of the common Korean traditions and customs. Finally, the author did an amazing job representing the pure excitement an immigrant experiences after traveling back to their native country for the first time. Before my Nani (Great-Grandmother) passed away, she always told us stories about coming to the United States from Italy when she was a young girl. My Nana (Grandma), just recently told me about the time she and her sisters planned a special trip to Italy with Nani after her husband passed away. It was her first time returning to Italy and Nana said that Nani's reaction was absolutely indescribable. She said the that the trip was a lifesaver because it was the only thing that helped to lift Nani's spirits after Nanu's death. Apparently she was like a little kid in a candy store, and this is exactly the feeling that Halmoni experienced after returning to Korea for the first time.
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