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Halmoni & Family #2
Where's Joon?
Where's Joon? is the highly anticipated sequel to Where's Halmoni?, the bestselling, award-winning debut by Julie Kim.
In this graphic novel picture book, Julie Kim beckons readers once again into a colorful, fantastical world filled with "jaw-dropping art" ( School Library Journal ), plenty of humor, and multilayered storytelling that illuminates the immigrant experience of traversing two worlds ,Ìýboth cultural and generational.
Jin is helping Halmoni in the garden for her birthday celebration, but where's Joon?ÌýBesides the bigÌýmess in the kitchen,ÌýJin and Halmoni seeÌýno signs of JoonÌýanywhere.ÌýWhere could he have gone?
Ìý
Luckily, Halmoni has a hunch. She sends Jin on an errand through her magical portal into theÌýwondrousÌýworldÌýof Korean folktales withÌýits dazzling landscapes andÌýcuriousÌýcharacters. ÌýInÌýthis land of enchantment, Jin and Joon meet familiar friends andÌýfoeÌýbefore reuniting to embark on a new mission to fix Halmoni'sÌýmagic pot.
Ìý
This beautifully illustrated graphicÌýnovelÌýpicture book is filled with delightful visual Easter eggs andÌýincludesÌýKorean language as one of its story-telling tools that is reader friendly at all levels.ÌýInÌýthe back are illustrated translations of Korean text and further readingÌýon the original Korean folktales that have inspired Julie Kim's books.
Another captivating and timeless book from Julie Kim, Where's Joon? is a beguiling tale about children's courage to face their fears and how love makesÌýeverythingÌýpossible.
In this graphic novel picture book, Julie Kim beckons readers once again into a colorful, fantastical world filled with "jaw-dropping art" ( School Library Journal ), plenty of humor, and multilayered storytelling that illuminates the immigrant experience of traversing two worlds ,Ìýboth cultural and generational.
Jin is helping Halmoni in the garden for her birthday celebration, but where's Joon?ÌýBesides the bigÌýmess in the kitchen,ÌýJin and Halmoni seeÌýno signs of JoonÌýanywhere.ÌýWhere could he have gone?
Ìý
Luckily, Halmoni has a hunch. She sends Jin on an errand through her magical portal into theÌýwondrousÌýworldÌýof Korean folktales withÌýits dazzling landscapes andÌýcuriousÌýcharacters. ÌýInÌýthis land of enchantment, Jin and Joon meet familiar friends andÌýfoeÌýbefore reuniting to embark on a new mission to fix Halmoni'sÌýmagic pot.
Ìý
This beautifully illustrated graphicÌýnovelÌýpicture book is filled with delightful visual Easter eggs andÌýincludesÌýKorean language as one of its story-telling tools that is reader friendly at all levels.ÌýInÌýthe back are illustrated translations of Korean text and further readingÌýon the original Korean folktales that have inspired Julie Kim's books.
Another captivating and timeless book from Julie Kim, Where's Joon? is a beguiling tale about children's courage to face their fears and how love makesÌýeverythingÌýpossible.
120 pages, Hardcover
Published October 10, 2023
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 25, 2024
Joon and Jin help halmoni, with the added bonus of beautiful illustrations. I adore the lucky pot and fish friend.
July 26, 2023
Though I enjoyed this book, I must say that all of the references that have been given in the last of the book by author, said to from Korean folktales, were in reality from Indian Jatak-tales which were translated in multi-languages over the world.
Most of the Jatak-tales were translated and adapted as retellings in Aesop tales also. These were the moral stories to let people knew about society they live in and to learn about the different characters of people in the world. Told with the façade of animals these stories written long before even 434BC.
Well, coming back to the reviews, this picture book depicted very well on the subject of moral education with the touch of wittiness, in this retelling, having many tales clubbed together. To know how Jin & Joon went on an adventure staged by their grandmother (pronounced in Korean as 'Halmoni') and what they did on that journey is worth reading.
For stories: 5.0
For wrong original references for the folk-tales: 3.0 (Deducing 2.0)
Most of the Jatak-tales were translated and adapted as retellings in Aesop tales also. These were the moral stories to let people knew about society they live in and to learn about the different characters of people in the world. Told with the façade of animals these stories written long before even 434BC.
Well, coming back to the reviews, this picture book depicted very well on the subject of moral education with the touch of wittiness, in this retelling, having many tales clubbed together. To know how Jin & Joon went on an adventure staged by their grandmother (pronounced in Korean as 'Halmoni') and what they did on that journey is worth reading.
For stories: 5.0
For wrong original references for the folk-tales: 3.0 (Deducing 2.0)
June 12, 2023
*Review by US-based, non-Korean speaker*
Beautiful cover and lovely hand drawn illustrations in this Korean culture- and language-based graphic novel. I'm sure this book will appeal to many Korean children who are bilingual English/Korean, or those whose families may want them to learn more written Korean language, as well as folk stories and myths from Korea. It will also appeal to all children looking to learn about other cultures. This book is longer, at ~120 pages, and would probably target children in 3-6th grade, or possibly older, depending on their Korean language skills.
The book is based on Halmoni (a young girl) and her brother, Joon, and their grandmother. Joon is missing and grandmother sends Halmoni to fetch him. Along the way Halmoni and Joon have various adventures that are inspired by 4 Korean folk tales/myths described in English at the end of the book. The book is written primarily in English, but has a fair amount of Korean language included, and a graphic dictionary at the back to decode the language. I think you can read the book and understand most of it with what is written in English.
I think it is important that more cultures are represented to children of all heritages in the US, for purposes of education, global cultural appreciation, and acceptance. For those reasons, I applaud books like Where's Joon, that don't dumb down a single thing, but instead produce a beautiful and culturally authentic children's book. Publication date 10/10/23.
Thank you, Little Bigfoot, an imprint of Sasquatch Books, and NetGalley, for providing an eARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
@lbfbooks #lbfbooks @netgalley #netgalley
Beautiful cover and lovely hand drawn illustrations in this Korean culture- and language-based graphic novel. I'm sure this book will appeal to many Korean children who are bilingual English/Korean, or those whose families may want them to learn more written Korean language, as well as folk stories and myths from Korea. It will also appeal to all children looking to learn about other cultures. This book is longer, at ~120 pages, and would probably target children in 3-6th grade, or possibly older, depending on their Korean language skills.
The book is based on Halmoni (a young girl) and her brother, Joon, and their grandmother. Joon is missing and grandmother sends Halmoni to fetch him. Along the way Halmoni and Joon have various adventures that are inspired by 4 Korean folk tales/myths described in English at the end of the book. The book is written primarily in English, but has a fair amount of Korean language included, and a graphic dictionary at the back to decode the language. I think you can read the book and understand most of it with what is written in English.
I think it is important that more cultures are represented to children of all heritages in the US, for purposes of education, global cultural appreciation, and acceptance. For those reasons, I applaud books like Where's Joon, that don't dumb down a single thing, but instead produce a beautiful and culturally authentic children's book. Publication date 10/10/23.
Thank you, Little Bigfoot, an imprint of Sasquatch Books, and NetGalley, for providing an eARC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
@lbfbooks #lbfbooks @netgalley #netgalley
October 20, 2023
A book I think I should have been able to enjoy, but one that proved just far too weird for its own good. The story and the presentation both contribute to that, and while I can drop hints and advice about the latter, the former is just there for the bonkersness of it. This features a child worried about breaking a pot, but he shouldn’t worry, as when the goldfish passes on a message to his gran the family can reunite through making their own trapdoor-shaped wormholes from one place to another, and avoid a hungry tiger, and encounter the world’s most miserly man, and so on and so forth.
A lot of this (including of course the talking, rice-eating rabbit’s contributions) is still in Korean, but we don’t know until we come to the end there is a translation provided � but why we are left in the dark about this until hitting the last pages, and probably forced to read it all a second time, is beyond me. Also at the end is some kind of justification, saying how this bit refers to that traditional Korean legend, and how that was lifted from there, and suchlike. All that might ease the reader into these pages if they’re made aware in advance, but it doesn’t really help the cockamamie randomness of much of this. I mean, I would have thought myself a prime audience for such story-appropriating junior read fantasies, but this really seemed, in content and approach, to be best suited for the Korean audiences who would have known more and understood more about it from the get-go. As such it’s three stars � and no, none of the stars have traipsed up or down through a rapidly-created trapdoor into another corner of the world...
A lot of this (including of course the talking, rice-eating rabbit’s contributions) is still in Korean, but we don’t know until we come to the end there is a translation provided � but why we are left in the dark about this until hitting the last pages, and probably forced to read it all a second time, is beyond me. Also at the end is some kind of justification, saying how this bit refers to that traditional Korean legend, and how that was lifted from there, and suchlike. All that might ease the reader into these pages if they’re made aware in advance, but it doesn’t really help the cockamamie randomness of much of this. I mean, I would have thought myself a prime audience for such story-appropriating junior read fantasies, but this really seemed, in content and approach, to be best suited for the Korean audiences who would have known more and understood more about it from the get-go. As such it’s three stars � and no, none of the stars have traipsed up or down through a rapidly-created trapdoor into another corner of the world...
October 29, 2023
Joon broke Halmoni's pot and has gone missing. Jin, through Halmoni's magic door handles, goes to the Mountain spirit shrine to bring her brother home.
In this sequel, Kim weaves her own version of Korean folktales and myths into the story - "Gold Axe Silver Axe" (Geum-dokki Eun-dokki); "Sun girl and Moon boy" (Haenim, Dalnim); "The miserly Jo-reuk" (Ja-rin-go-bi, Jo-reuk); "Foundation myth of Dangun" (Dahn-gun Shin-hwa). I love the humorous tone and the illustrations are just stunning, plus the story is very immersive. I love how we get to share the cultural heritage with the characters. Highly recommend this book!
- note: the last pages have the translation for Korean text (Hangul) and the folktale-inspired characters
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Little Bigfoot . All opinions are my own ]
In this sequel, Kim weaves her own version of Korean folktales and myths into the story - "Gold Axe Silver Axe" (Geum-dokki Eun-dokki); "Sun girl and Moon boy" (Haenim, Dalnim); "The miserly Jo-reuk" (Ja-rin-go-bi, Jo-reuk); "Foundation myth of Dangun" (Dahn-gun Shin-hwa). I love the humorous tone and the illustrations are just stunning, plus the story is very immersive. I love how we get to share the cultural heritage with the characters. Highly recommend this book!
- note: the last pages have the translation for Korean text (Hangul) and the folktale-inspired characters
[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Little Bigfoot . All opinions are my own ]
October 29, 2023
I received a free copy from Catalyst Press.
First, the artwork is gorgeous. The details are terrific to study and the overall pictures are amazing. The story retells a Korean tale that will also be recognized from other cultures. Jin is sent to find her brother Joon after he disappears. Halmoni notices he may have used some of her magic to leave though she isn't sure why. The story actually begins on the end pages so don't miss what happened and how he left home. Also note the final illustrations on the final end pages. The story unfolds as Joon tries to repair Halmoni's pot but is unsuccessful. He is given a quest and if he succeeds, the pot will be returned. Jin undertakes her own quest to locate Joon and encounters adventures along the way. They connect and complete the main mission before returning home.
Don't miss the Korean translations included at the end of the story.
First, the artwork is gorgeous. The details are terrific to study and the overall pictures are amazing. The story retells a Korean tale that will also be recognized from other cultures. Jin is sent to find her brother Joon after he disappears. Halmoni notices he may have used some of her magic to leave though she isn't sure why. The story actually begins on the end pages so don't miss what happened and how he left home. Also note the final illustrations on the final end pages. The story unfolds as Joon tries to repair Halmoni's pot but is unsuccessful. He is given a quest and if he succeeds, the pot will be returned. Jin undertakes her own quest to locate Joon and encounters adventures along the way. They connect and complete the main mission before returning home.
Don't miss the Korean translations included at the end of the story.
November 11, 2023
This was quite lovely !! A magical story about a boy who accidentally breaks his grandmother's pot--& goes on a little adventure to recover it. I had *no* idea there were translations in the back (some of the characters speak Korean) but that didn't stop me from having fun reading it. Google Translate did a great job of helping me! lol. A unique children's story & one I think would be so fun to read to kids or make cool activities from. In graphic novel format with BEAUTIFUL illustrations.
Thank you very kindly to Sasquatch Books / Penguin / the author for providing an advanced physical copy to review! Thoughts are my own, & my thoughts are--y'all need to read this one. :)
Thank you very kindly to Sasquatch Books / Penguin / the author for providing an advanced physical copy to review! Thoughts are my own, & my thoughts are--y'all need to read this one. :)
December 21, 2023
After some mysterious sounds in the kitchen, Joon has disappeared. Halmoni sends Jin into the fantasy world to help him get back home. Armed with only a box of tteok, Jin sets out into the world of monsters and magic. Meanwhile, Joon is trying to figure out how to fix Halmoni's pot with the help of a friendly rabbit, and is sent on a quest.
I love that Julie Kim is taking us back to spend more time with Halmoni, Joon, and Jin. In the back of the book she shares the various Korean folktales she wove into this story. The back of the book also includes translations for the Korean text parts of the story. A delightful story of family love and adventure.
I love that Julie Kim is taking us back to spend more time with Halmoni, Joon, and Jin. In the back of the book she shares the various Korean folktales she wove into this story. The back of the book also includes translations for the Korean text parts of the story. A delightful story of family love and adventure.
January 22, 2024
This is the second book in this series. This time we learn "Noona's" (big sister's) name, Jin. Jin and Halmoni are working in the garden when Jin realizes she has no idea where Joon is. Halmoni's precious pot is the reason, yet again, why Joon and Jin end up in the fantastical world through the magical doors that their family has access to. Having accidentally broken Halmoni's pot, Joon tries to get it fixed. Sent on a quest to do so, will Joon and Jin succeed?
I read this book first, before "Where's Halmoni?", the first book in the series. I found it much more helpful and enjoyable to read them in consecutive order.
I read this book first, before "Where's Halmoni?", the first book in the series. I found it much more helpful and enjoyable to read them in consecutive order.
October 24, 2023
I absolutely loved "Where's Joon?" by author/illustrator Julie Kim. Like the prequel, "Where's Halmoni?" there are so many small details of Korean folklore and culture packed into the illustrations. The character's are also adorable. Halmoni, Jin (aka Noona, or big sister), and Joon are so relatable. The siblings support each other rather than dragging each other down, which is so nice to see, and Halmoni provides a guiding presence for her grandchildren. Highly recommended!
November 24, 2023
An easy graphic novel with both Korean and English. While there's a glossary in the end for the Korean, readers can follow the story without knowing what the Korean actually says, thanks to the expressive pictures. I like how Korean folktale elements were incorporated, with the original folktales explained in the end. A fun book for primary grade readers.
January 15, 2024
Oh no! Joon accidentally breaks Halmoni's favorite clay pot! He runs away but Halmoni figures out where he has gone and sends Halmoni - with a gift of cake and a warning about tigers - to bring Joon back home.
I loved this! Especially the part with the tiger!
Julie Kim provides translations and the myths that were incorporated into the story. The story is funny and sweet.
I loved this! Especially the part with the tiger!
Julie Kim provides translations and the myths that were incorporated into the story. The story is funny and sweet.
September 24, 2023
Thank you Little Bigfoot for the advanced review copy of this wonderful book. This beautifully illustrated book highlights Korean folklore stories reimagined and retold by Julie Kim. I really enjoyed this beautiful book and am looking forward to sharing it with my students.
October 14, 2023
This is a wonderful follow up to Where's Halmoni?. Julie Kim's illustrations are breathtaking and she expertly, lovingly weaves meaning and folktales throughout this story. Where's Joon? is easily a new favorite.
December 7, 2023
Very cute!! Love the illustration and characters! It also helps me practice reading Korean and trying to piece what is being said. I may not understand everything but I'm glad there was a section of translation in the back to help!
January 29, 2024
To be so honest, you really need to read Where's Halmoni before this one -- because they story might not make sense otherwise. But assuming you do, the Korean text, the gorgeous illustrations, and fantastical story are all exceptional. Just a wonderfully rich graphic novel.
November 30, 2024
That rabbit and I had more in common than I’d like to think about. These books have been my 6 year old delight. We used the google translate to follow along instead of using the back page. While the translator wasn’t very accurate it was fun for her to learn.
May 28, 2023
This was the cutest and most fun little graphic novel I have seen in my entire life.
Absolutely everyone should read it.
Absolutely everyone should read it.
August 11, 2023
So cute! Just as much fun as the first one. It's a great introduction to Korean language and folklore.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley.
I received a digital ARC from Netgalley.
October 19, 2023
What a luscious, folkloric delight!
October 26, 2023
Gorgeous art and a fun story.
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October 30, 2023Delightful sequel. I liked how the author incorporated Korean folklore and mythology again.
December 20, 2023
Imaginative and rich, this was a really engaging book to read with my nine year old.
January 4, 2024
A young boy breaks his grandma's pot and runs away. His sister goes off to find him and together they return in time to celebrate grandma's birthday.
January 15, 2024
The fantasy story was endearing and fun, and the illustrations were luscious.
January 21, 2024
As intriguing and as beautifully illustrated as its predecessor, Where's Halmoni!
February 29, 2024
Beautifully illustrated, imaginative and fun!
March 8, 2024
85%
A combination of Korean folktales woven into one very fun, Alice-In-Wonderland-esque story. I appreciate that it included the stories that inspired this one at the end.
A combination of Korean folktales woven into one very fun, Alice-In-Wonderland-esque story. I appreciate that it included the stories that inspired this one at the end.
May 12, 2024
Really fun to read with my young child and talk about the details each of us noticed. A beautiful, fantastical book.
October 9, 2023
I was surprised to see this book and instantly devoured it since I enjoyed the uniqueness of Where's Halmoni? A broken pot leads two siblings into a whole new adventure steeped in rich Korean fables lore.
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