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  • Published: 14 November 2023
  • ISBN: 9781632174154
  • Imprint: Blue Star Press
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 120
  • RRP: $45.00

Where's Joon?




Where’s Joon?, the graphic novel picture book follow up to Julie Kim’s bestselling Where’s Halmoni?, pulls readers back into a fantastical world inspired by Korean folklore.

"Kim's story is absolutely enchanting, but her stupendously vivacious illustrations prove even more memorable. Amplifying details immediately stand out from the first pages"--Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness

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.

  • Published: 14 November 2023
  • ISBN: 9781632174154
  • Imprint: Blue Star Press
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 120
  • RRP: $45.00

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Praise for Where's Joon?

Praise for Where's Halmoni?

“For its jaw-dropping art, encouraging bilingual attitude, and conscientious portrayal of Korean culture, Where’s Halmoni? is a perfect choice.” School Library Journal, starred

“A sophisticated mélange of urban households, traditional Asian landscapes, vibrant color schemes, cultural details, subtle visual jokes, [and] pitch-perfect dialogue… This book is an excellent choice for either the picture-book or graphic-novel collection.” Booklist, starred

“Kim’s bright, expressive illustrations are a delight…an accessible, diverse title for a broad readership.” Kirkus Reviews, starred


“The sibling banter is believable and delightful, [and] Kim’s panel sequences teem with energy.” Publishers Weekly, starred

“Gloriously illustrated, full of wit and whimsy, and always staying true to the traditional tales being referenced, this book deserves every starred review it has received.” School Library Journal

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