A Celebration: The Year of the Boar begins Feb. 18th.
New Clothes for New Year's Day
by Hyun-Joo Bae
I remember at an SCBWI conference, moderators read from a picture book manuscript about a Japanese girl putting on her kimono. None of the panelists--drawn from the publishing industry, wouldn't you know it--went for it. I kinda liked it. Why did it have to have conflict, drama, a character arc? It was a book about kimonos, fer cryin' out loud.
So I was thrilled that Kane/Miller sent me this Korean version of the same idea: a young girl putting on her new clothes so she can join her family in marking the start of the lunar calendar. That's all she does is get dressed, but I can vouch as the Mommy of an 18-month-old clothes horse that little girls eat this stuff up.
She starts out in her white under-robe, over which she layers the fancy, homemade clothes that will help her start the year fresh. She dons a silk skirt in blazing red, embroidered with the Chinese character for "luck," a rainbow-striped jacket that fastens at her chest, colorful hair ribbons, a good-luck sachet to pin to her jacket, and much else. Even the details on her socks and the embroidery on her shoes are noted with loving detail.
Along the way, we learn much about Korean customs.
The illustrations look like pen and ink, with vivid crimsons and jade greens against a pale yellow background embellished with mazes or stylized flowers. Each page has that signature Eastern blend of simplicity of composition and the harmony of all its elements.
Try to pry this from your daughter's hands, I dare you.
Note: Don't miss the end notes, which are an education in themselves.
FYI: Kelly also reviews this book.
Rating: *\*\*\
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