Celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival By Kathleen Choi – YA Books Central
About This Book:
Giving Thanks with Halmoni is a heartwarming picture book that introduces young readers to the rich traditions of Chuseok, Korea’s harvest moon festival.
As the moon grows fuller each night, Su-Jin’s halmoni (grandmother) prepares for the biggest Korean holiday of the year—a time for family, gratitude, and remembrance.
Eager to share the celebration, Su-Jin invites her friends Maddy and Keisha to help Halmoni get ready. Together, they prepare traditional foods, wrap gifts in colorful cloth, play festive games, and learn how to honor ancestors. Along the way, the girls discover how to wish each other a happy Chuseok in Korean and explore the connections between Korean and American Thanksgiving traditions.
With vibrant illustrations by Il Sung Na and storytelling by Kathleen Choi and Sook Nyul Choi, this book beautifully captures the spirit of Chuseok and the joy of cultural exchange. A touching tale of friendship, identity, and belonging, it’s perfect for readers ages 4–7 and families looking to celebrate heritage and gratitude together.
*Review Contributed By Cherokee Crum, Staff Reviewer*
Cozy and heartfelt
Giving Thanks with Halmoni immerses the reader in the preparations of the Korean holiday Chuseok.
This mother-Daughter author duo tells story of an immigrant grandmother (Halmoni) adjusting to life in another country, providing insight into the emotions this generation may experience. It also shows how the family and friends can help their loved one adjust to the change of cultures and traditions, or learn more about their own heritage.
Giving Thanks with Halmoni gives readers a little taste on this special Korean holiday celebrating the Harvest Moon, opening the door for further exploration and learning.
The illustrations are light, subdued shades of olive greens, pinks, and browns, with a little bit of navy blue for pop. Many Korean images are included – the chest she uses to set her reading lamp on, the cloth bojagi (Korean wrapping), the foods being prepared, cooking devices, and Korean games played. The quilt/bojagi endpapers give a homey feel and the hidden cover art (under the dust-cover) is beautiful.
Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival is the kind of book you want to share with family & friends, leaving the readers feeling happy, grateful, and connected.