Lily lives in Washington, DC. Her grandpa lives in Korea. A rice-paper scroll that Grandpa plans to finish painting with Lily shows her how their love overcomes differences and distances, even death.
At a seaside school in a fishing village in South Korea, Sarang and her classmates sit surrounded by empty desks. Sagang doesn’t mind : there’s always time for her questions and she’s always near the front of the line at lunchtime. But then whispers begin – that the classes are too small, that too many families have left to find work. If the school closes, Sarang and her eomma and appa will have to move away so that Sarang can get an education…but that would mean leaving her beloved halmeoni behind. Can Sarang come up with a plan that will keep the school’s doors open and her family together? >>> Inspired by real events, the author and the illustrator create a tender take on the power of intergenerational bonds and the importance of education and taking action for causes you believe in.
On the day of Tanabata Maturi, the Star Festival, Keiko, her mama and her grandmother make tanzaku wishes. Obaasan (grandmother in Japanese) tells Keiko the Tanabata Legend: The Emperor of the Heavens separates his daughter, Orihimme, from her love, Hikoboshi, all year. On this day (July 7), the two stars finally reunite, crossing a bridge over the Milky Way. At the celebration, Keiko and her family take in the colorful decorations and eat delicious food like nagashi somen. But when Obaasan gets lost in the crowd, Keiko and Mama must make their own bridge to find her again- and see if their tanzaku wishes come true. >>>On the last pages, more information about Tanabata is found.
Long ago in Korea, a young boy named Sun-sin dreamed of traveling around the world with his pet turtle, Goburi. But Sun-sin was poor, so his dream seemed impossible. Then the king announced a contest to design a new battleship to defend the land. The winner would sail the ocean with the royal navy! Determined to win, Sun-shin tried to build a model battleship. Each attempt failed miserably against the powerful sea, and like his models, Sun-sin’s dream sank to the bottom. Then Sun-sin noticed how Goburi was small but mighty, slow but steady, and impossible to sink. Suddenly, Sun-sin had a great idea. >>> Loosely based on the true story of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and his Turtle Ship. >>>>On the last page, more detail of the historical story is found.
When a young girl and her family emigrate from Taiwan to America, she leaves behind her beloved popo, her grandmother. She misses her popo every day, but even if their visits are fleeting, their love is ever true and strong. This delicate, emotionally rich picture book celebrates a special connection that crosses time zones and oceans as Popo and her granddaughter hold each other in their hearts forever. >>> On the last pages, found Notes form the author and the illustrator, as well as Glossary. >>>>Julia Kuo’s books in SHI collection.
Mina can’t wait to share the customs of Korean Lunar New Year’s Day with all her friends at school. She will show her classmates her colorful hanbok (traditional Korean outfit) and demonstrate how to do sebae (New Year’s greeting to show respect for elders), and then everyone will make tasty tteokguk (rice cake soup for New Year’s Day) in the cafeteria. Yum! Her little brother may even join in on the fun…..if she can find a way out of his bad mood. >>> On the last pages, found a glossary of Korean terms, with pronunciation guide.
By Ying Chang Compestine, Illustrated by Tungwai Chau (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers – 2001 )
It’s the Chinese New Year, and the Chang Family has only enough rice flour to make one nián-gão, a special New Year’s rice cake, for the entire family to eat. But this delicious little nián-gão has other ideas. “Ai yo! I don’t think so!” it cries, coming to life and escaping. Ming, Cong, little Da and their parents chase the nián-gão all over the village until it runs into a hungry, old woman and sends her tumbling to the ground. Though Da is a small boy, his heart is big enough to share the treat with her, even though that leaves Da’s family with nothing to eat for their own celebration. But the Changs’ generosity doesn’t go unnoticed. When they return home, they find the Kitchen God has left a wonderful surprise for them.>>> On the last pages, found about Celebrating Chinese New Year and instruction how to make nián-gão.>>>> Ying Chang Compestine’s books in SHI collection.
By Bobbie Peyton, Illustrated by Diobelle Cerna ( Sleeping Bear Press – 2023)
“Jojo, come dance!” calls Lola (grandmother). And Jojo tries. But dancing the hop-jumping tinikling is harder than it looks. It reminds Jojo of happing between his Filipino background and American life – something Lola has been doing for years. She makes it look as easy as her dancing. Jojo thinks of his own days at home and at school – he’s pretty good at that too! So, following Lola’s lead, Jojo tries again…and pretty soon he’s dancing the tinikling! >>> On the last pages, found ” More about the Tinikling”.>>>>Diobelle Cerna’s books in SHI collection.
[Long ago, my grandfather came to this new land. He pushed our tiny boat along the surface of the water, gentle as a lullaby, gentle as the waves kissing the shore of our new home.] Before it became his home, the jungle was the land-full of awe-inspiring animals, lush trees, and endless water. Still Ti feared the unknown. He didn’t feel brave or capable, but Grandather stood by his side, reminding him that the world around them is big, wonderful and ready to welcome them into its song…if they’re willing to listen. The married book creators take readers on a lyrical journey of nature and family inspired by Vietnamese mythology and the realities of making a new home. >>> Found the authors’ note after the story.
By Zana Fraillon, Illustrated by Phil Lesnie ( Greystone Kids – 2021)
When the Curiosities choose Miro to nest on, he is led to discover all the marvels waiting in the shadows where no one else looks. Sometimes, though, the Curiosities can make Miro feel alone and invisible in the darkness. But maybe Miro isn’t as alone as he thinks…. Featuring gorgeous art inspired by Phil Lesnie’s Filipino heritage, and a gentle, heart-touching story from Zana Fraillon, this book is a nuanced portrait of neurodiversity, big emotions, and how differences can unite communities. It encourages us all to embrace and celebrate our unique inner worlds.>>>Phil Lesnie’s books in SHI collection.