Where's Halmoni?
A Korean Children's Book (Halmoni & Family)
Published on 6. January 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
96 pages
978-1-63217-623-3 (ISBN)
Description
". . . features two young Korean American siblings who take a trip through a magical portal into a land filled with characters from old Korean fables. . . Kim is making a statement about the loss of culture among children of immigrants while also writing a book that returns some of that to them."
-Jay Caspian King, The New York Times
Immerse young readers in a beautifully illustrated adventure that blends Korean folktales, vivid folklore, and the visual excitement of graphic novels for kids, now in paperback. Perfect for families and classrooms looking for meaningful, imaginative picture books celebrating Korean culture.
Why Families Love This Book
A magical adventure begins when two siblings search for their missing Halmoni and discover a hidden window leading to a world inspired by classic Korean folktales.
Features beloved folklore characters including dokkebi (goblins), a greedy tiger, a clever rabbit, and a sly fox.
Stunning artwork and rich visual storytelling make it a standout among graphic novels for kids and multicultural Korean books for kids.
Korean dialogue appears throughout the story with translations included at the end-ideal for language learners and families exploring Korean culture.
Created by author Julie Kim and inspired by the Korean folktales she grew up hearing.
Packed with Easter eggs and details that encourage re-reading for kids who love immersive graphic novels.
A must-have addition to any collection of graphic novels for girls and boys, this enchanting journey sparks curiosity, celebrates heritage, and delights readers of all ages.
-Jay Caspian King, The New York Times
Immerse young readers in a beautifully illustrated adventure that blends Korean folktales, vivid folklore, and the visual excitement of graphic novels for kids, now in paperback. Perfect for families and classrooms looking for meaningful, imaginative picture books celebrating Korean culture.
Why Families Love This Book
A magical adventure begins when two siblings search for their missing Halmoni and discover a hidden window leading to a world inspired by classic Korean folktales.
Features beloved folklore characters including dokkebi (goblins), a greedy tiger, a clever rabbit, and a sly fox.
Stunning artwork and rich visual storytelling make it a standout among graphic novels for kids and multicultural Korean books for kids.
Korean dialogue appears throughout the story with translations included at the end-ideal for language learners and families exploring Korean culture.
Created by author Julie Kim and inspired by the Korean folktales she grew up hearing.
Packed with Easter eggs and details that encourage re-reading for kids who love immersive graphic novels.
A must-have addition to any collection of graphic novels for girls and boys, this enchanting journey sparks curiosity, celebrates heritage, and delights readers of all ages.
Reviews / Votes
"The genius of Kim's book is that the two kids have started to lose their ability to speak Korean and cannot really understand what the rabbits, goblins and tigers are saying to them. Kim, then, is making a statement about the loss of culture among children of immigrants while also writing a book that returns some of that to them."-New York Times
Featured in the Seattle's Child summer reading issue
"Julie Kim has created a visually stunning world that effortlessly infuses Korean text (Hangul) in rich, expressive art."
-Cybils Awards, winner
"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 melange 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
"Gentle and humorous."
-Horn Book
"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, starred
"Go deeper into the world of Korean folklore and experience their cultural heritage in unexpected ways."
-Kid Lit Frenzy
"Young readers who adore classic fairytales will want to escape into this story again and again."
-Bookish
"This bright book...is fun for all ages."
-Motherhood Moment
"Where's Halmoni? is spectacular. Julie Kim has created a book to share with young readers that truly celebrates family, playfulness, mischief and the beauty of Korean folktales."
-Read it Real Good
"Infused with Korean folklore, gorgeous, action-packed illustrations, and a pair of siblings on a quest to find their grandmother, this is an absolutely delightful adventure."
-This Picture Book Life
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Blue Star Press
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Kindergarten to Fourth Grade, Interest Age: From 5 to 9 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Dimensions
Height: 251 mm
Width: 203 mm
Thickness: 10 mm
Weight
318 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-63217-623-3 (9781632176233)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
01/2026
Blue Star Press
€18.49
Available for download
Person
JULIE KIM is an author and illustrator living in Seattle, WA. A graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, her illustrations have been featured in several children's books including My Special Space, The Mysterious Spinners, and Gloria's First Day. Kims' work has also been featured in magazines including Cricket, Cicada, Ladybuy, Babybug, Scholastic, and Mondo. Where's Halmoni? is her authorial debut.