Halmoni and the Picnic [Hardcover]

Sook Nyul Choi (Author), Karen Dugan (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 27, 1993 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

When Yunmi's class plans a picnic in Central Park, her Korean grandmother, Halmoni, agrees to chaperone. But Yunmi worries that the other children will make fun of Halmoni's traditional Korean dress and unfamiliar food.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In her first picture book, Choi ( The Year of Impossible Goodbyes ) tackles the sensitive topic of an immigrant's adjustment to life in the United States. Yunmi's grandmother Halmoni has just moved to New York City from Korea and she's having a tough time getting acclimated. She doesn't speak much English, she doesn't understand the customs and she misses her homeland and her friends. In an effort to reach out to the old woman, Yunmi's friends ask Halmoni to chaperone the class picnic in Central Park. Yunmi is both excited and scared at the prospect--maybe the other kids will make fun of Halmoni's clothes and the traditional kimbap (rice/vegetable rolls) that she insists on bringing to the outing. But the children turn out to be fine ambassadors, and Halmoni feels pleased and welcome. Choi's text, sentimental but never saccharine, captures a jumble of emotions, both Halmoni's and Yunmi's. Both must find a common ground where pride, love and tolerance can coexist. With a light hand Choi delivers a happy ending. Dugan's serviceable pencil and watercolor illustrations are warm in spirit and accurate in their detail, as in depictions of Halmoni's dress. Bright Korean-inspired borders framing each painting provide an authentic flavor. This gentle intergenerational book should appeal on many levels, and will be especially appreciated by those seeking contemporary Asian American fare. Ages 4-8.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Yunmi, a Korean-American third-grader in a N.Y.C. parochial school, worries about her grandmother Halmoni, who's been in the US only two months and is having a hard time with the English language and American customs. When Yunmi's friends invite Halmoni to chaperon a class picnic and Halmoni insists on bringing special Korean food, Yunmi fears her classmates may turn up their noses at the kimbap or make fun of Halmoni's traditional clothing. But thanks to Halmoni's gentle, generous ways and the children's good- natured curiosity, the day is a great success--and Halmoni is even emboldened to say goodbye in English. Manhattan looks clean and picturesque in color illustrations that fill alternate pages, bordered in beautiful Korean textile designs. A sensitive exploration of difficulties facing immigrants, particularly older people who don't get the crash course in American culture provided by school or a job. (Picture book. 5-9) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children (September 27, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395616263
• ISBN-13: 978-0395616260
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #771,396 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Touching, January 19, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Halmoni and the Picnic (Hardcover)

Perhaps the best aspect of this book is the obvious love between Yunmi and her Halmoni (grandmother). When Halmoni makes kimbap (a labor-intensive traditional Korean food), it is a labor of love for the Korean-American granddaughter she does not always understand. When Yunmi calls hello to her teacher on the street, Halmoni worries that her granddaughter is showing disrespect. In Halmoni's time and culture, a little girl should not attract a teacher's attention. In Yunmi's society, such a greeting is not only respectful but friendly. Although Halmoni's sadness is resolved a little too easily (is it realistic that small school-children would happily eat seaweed?), the children's innocent acceptance and validation of Halmoni is a beautiful example to other Korean-American families struggling to fit into predominantly Caucasian America. A little girl learns to be proud of her grandmother and heritage.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book is awesome!, March 3, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Halmoni and the Picnic (Hardcover)

Yunmi's Grandmother Halmoni did not talk English because she was Koren. One day the teacher wanted to have a picnic and wanted adults to come. Yunmi wanted Halmoni to come and she said yes and every one loved her. We liked when Halmoni set up the food because it looks good. We didn't like when Halmoni missed Korea because she was sad. We think families and their kids should read this book.

Mrs. Wallace's Second Grade Class

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great children's book!, January 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Halmoni and the Picnic (Hardcover)

The text and illustrations are good, I think books such as these are hard to come by. Rarely is there a book which deals with generation/culture gaps as well as My Halmoni and the Picnic. It was sensitive, touching and very rewarding to read. Whether one is Korean or not, the book weaves the importance of the relationship we as people should have with our grandmothers (or grandfathers) and how much we can learn from the wisdom and experience.