  | Birthday soup Author: Chang, Grace Seo | |
| Price: $23.78 | ||
Summary:
Korean American Maia learns the importance of a mother's love while making a traditional birthday soup.
| Illustrator: | Kim, Jaime |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (07/01/24)
School Library Journal (07/19/24)
Full Text Reviews:
School Library Journal - 07/19/2024 PreS-Gr 2—It's Maia's birthday, and she can't wait to celebrate! In the kitchen she is greeted by the delicious smell of her mother making miyeok guk, Korean for birthday soup. Maia and her family all pitch in to make this special soup while talking about its significance. Maia takes a bite and she feels connected to her family, "Not only her mother, but all the mothers going back as far as she can imagine." Chang's writing is full of sweetness and care. As she shares in her author's note, the story is inspired by her own experiences as a Korean American child. Kim's illustrations are created with a rainbow color palette reflecting the mood of celebration. Notable pages include moments that combine the present with gentle memories of the past. Back matter features a glossary, and miyeok guk recipes from the author's mother and Korean American chef David Chang. VERDICT Chang and Kim have created a beautiful work celebrating the Korean tradition of making birthday soup while showcasing the resonating power of food to facilitate deep connection.—Sarah Pousty - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
School Library Journal - 07/19/2024 PreS-Gr 2—It's Maia's birthday, and she can't wait to celebrate! In the kitchen she is greeted by the delicious smell of her mother making miyeok guk, Korean for birthday soup. Maia and her family all pitch in to make this special soup while talking about its significance. Maia takes a bite and she feels connected to her family, "Not only her mother, but all the mothers going back as far as she can imagine." Chang's writing is full of sweetness and care. As she shares in her author's note, the story is inspired by her own experiences as a Korean American child. Kim's illustrations are created with a rainbow color palette reflecting the mood of celebration. Notable pages include moments that combine the present with gentle memories of the past. Back matter features a glossary, and miyeok guk recipes from the author's mother and Korean American chef David Chang. VERDICT Chang and Kim have created a beautiful work celebrating the Korean tradition of making birthday soup while showcasing the resonating power of food to facilitate deep connection.—Sarah Pousty - Copyright 2024 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
