Where's Joon? - by Julie Kim (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

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, both cultural and generational.

Jin is helping Halmoni in the garden for her birthday celebration, but where's Joon? Besides the big mess in the kitchen, Jin and Halmoni see no signs of Joon anywhere. Where could he have gone?

Luckily, Halmoni has a hunch. She sends Jin on an errand through her magical portal into the wondrous world of Korean folktales with its dazzling landscapes and curious characters. In this land of enchantment, Jin and Joon meet familiar friends and foe before reuniting to embark on a new mission to fix Halmoni's magic pot.

This beautifully illustrated graphic novel picture book is filled with delightful visual Easter eggs and includes Korean language as one of its story-telling tools that is reader friendly at all levels. In the back are illustrated translations of Korean text and further reading on 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 makes everything possible.

Review Quotes

★ Kim's story is absolutely enchanting, but her stupendously vivacious illustrations prove even more memorable. Amplifying details immediately stand out from the first pages: the rice maker found in virtually every Asian American home, the well-used kitchen towel hanging slightly askew, the melding of Western/Korean architectural aesthetics. Kim imbues every scene with infectious energy, inviting readers to join in the clever challenges to bring the family safely back together.
--Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness, starred

"The graphic novel picture book sequel to the bestselling "Where's Halmoni?" by Seattle author Julie Kim came out in October with gorgeous art, humor and a story about the immigrant experience of traversing two worlds."
--Seattle Times

"A lovely and lively sequel and perfect companion to Kim's first inventive and immersive expedition traversing two cultures."
--Booklist

"This very non-apologetic bilingual nature of the stories is healing to read."
--AsianLitforKids

"Kim infuses her novel with strikingly beautiful landscapes, warm character illustrations, and the nostalgia of childhood curiosity transports audiences straight into the storybook. Her genuine enthusiasm towards her craft is undeniable and shows in every page, making "Where's Joon?" a celebration of love, family, and Korean-American experiences."
--The Daily

"Jaw-dropping art with vibrant colors."
--Imagination Soup

"A dynamic interweaving of full- and half-spread illustrations and paneled passages highlight Kim's masterful execution of this bilingual tale."--Little Village Mag