Bee-bim Bop! By Linda Sue Park

Written by Linda Sue Park, Illustrated by Ho Baek Lee, Published by Clarion Books, 2005. (Picture Book, ages 3-6)

BeeBimBap

This is an oldie but goodie. After reading this to a class of first graders, a student raised their hand and said, “I’m hungry! Why do you always read us delicious books?!?” Her mom was volunteering during checkout time and was immediately informed that they were making bee-bim bop for dinner. Yep, I did my job that day.

BACKGROUND

In quick rhyming verse, a young Korean-American girl helps her Mama make bee-bim-bap for the whole family. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud, perfect as a fun exploration into Korean food. The author included a recipe for hungry readers.

PAIR WITH

No Kimchi For Me! by Aram Kim

Dumpling Soup by Jama Kim Rattigan

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Bee-bim Bop!

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Grizzly Boy by Barbara Davis Pyles

Written by Barbara Davis Pyles, Illustrations by Tracy Subisak, Published by Little Bigfoot, 2018. (Picture Book, 6-9)

Grizzly Boy When I brought this title home my oldest son made me read it aloud over and over again and each time it never failed to crack him up. Subisak’s illustrations are edgy and hilarious. The story itself is also relatable for parents and kids. Sometimes you just feel like going “wild”!

BACKGROUND

Asian American Theo wakes up and decides that he’s no longer a boy, he’s a Grizzly Bear that’s wild and free! But Mama says Grizzly or not he still needs to go to school. Can this free spirit navigate the classroom?

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that reads more like a graphic novel in certain parts. If you are looking for a laugh out loud read, this would be it. Also great to open a discussion about emotional intelligence (some days we just want to go “wild”.)

PAIR WITH

Where’s Halmoni? by by Julie Kim

Little Kunoichi, The Ninja Girl by Sanae Ishida

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Grizzly Boy

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Ojiichan’s Gift by Chieri Uegaki

Written by Chieri Uegaki, Illustrations by Genevieve Simms, Published by Kids Can Press, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 6-8)

Ojiichans gift I was super excited to see another book from Chieri Uegaki, and it did not disappoint! She has such a talent of shining a light on quiet stories from daily life that brings family and culture together. Simms also does an excellent job in establishing the reverent tone of the tale with illustrations that force you to explore each and every page.

BACKGROUND

Mayumi is half White and half Japanese and every year her family spends the summer with her Ojiichan/grandfather in Japan. Growing up it was Mayumi’s and Ojiichan’s tradition to care for his beautiful garden, but as the garden grows so does Ojiichan and his needs, can they find a way to preserve their shared work? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud. This would be a great book to open a discussion about patience, life transitions, or adjustments, especially with an aging grandparent. It also showcases parts of the Japanese culture.

PAIR WITH

Hand Over Hand by Alma Fullerton

When I Found Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Ojiichan’s Gift

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Hand Over Hand by Alma Fullerton

Written by Alma Fullerton, Illustrations by Renné Benoit, Published by Second Story Press, 2017. (Picture Book, ages 4-8)

Picture books featuring Filipinos are still few and far between. It was refreshing to see this picture book show the Philippines in a contemporary setting. Bonus points that it also talks about girl power!

BACKGROUND

A young girl accompanies her Lolo (Grandfather) on his fishing trip. Despite other fishermen saying that girls can’t fish, Lolo and the girl prove that through persistence anything can be accomplished.

BEST FOR

About a five minute read aloud perfect for grandparent’s day, redefining gender roles, or modeling grit.

PAIR WITH

Cora Cooks Pancit by Dorina K. Lazo Gilmoree bookstore

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Hand Over Hand

Shop your local indie bookstore