Kimchi, Kimchi Every Day

"The young Korean girl who narrates eats kimchi every day. However, her diet is far from monotonous. She eats it fried, stewed, in a roll, on noodles, and more, displaying the versatility of this traditional dish. Kim's text is engaging, with simple words arranged into exquisitely paced rhymes that walk readers through each day of the week and include gentle repetition. Complementing the text is artwork that consists of digitally enhanced collages arranged on hanji, Korean handmade paper that here has been brightly colored. Kim shows the main character in various clothes including pajamas, school clothes, and a traditional Korean hanbok. An expressive gray bunny companion accompanies the young girl on every page. Endpapers display repeating images of the cute bunny enjoying a variety of kimchi dishes. Extensive back matter introduces readers to a variety of kimchi facts and dishes, and for those who are still reluctant to try it, ideas for adding kimchi to American staples such as hamburgers and french fries. VERDICT: A delicious read-aloud and perfect recommendation for every child, any day of the week."--starred, School Library Journal

"Using a day-of-the-week format, this simple rhyming book displays various ways to enjoy the 'crunchy, salty, and spicy' fermented food. The first spread previews dishes detailed throughout as the narrator, an East Asian-cued child in a yellow rain jacket and boots, throws their arms wide, proclaiming: 'I eat KIMCHI every day./ I like KIMCHI every way!' Each day features a different aspect of the ingredient at hand, kicking off with Sunday's survey of kimchi types and proceeding from Monday's kimchi pancake ('round and crunchy') to Saturday's kimchi and ramyun ('never bland'). While the rhymes aren't always spot-on, the layered illustrations--created using colored paper, hanji, and digital art--are eye-popping, dimensional, and delectable. For added cuteness, a gray bunny follows along as an encouraging culinary buddy. A kimchi glossary and facts conclude."--Publishers Weekly

"A child eats their way through the week.

Accompanied by a small gray bunny, a Korean child with pigtails throws their hands in the air, declaring, 'I eat kimchi every day. I like kimchi every way!' An eye-catching spread depicts a table with the child's Sunday meal: various dishes, including green onions, tofu, cucumber, and napa cabbage, flavored with kimchi. Illustrations created using colored paper, hanji, and digital art rely on textured layers and bright colors. The spare, rhyming narrative uses popping onomatopoeia and culinary descriptors as it weaves in waves across the spread. Each day progresses with a different popular Korean dish made with kimchi. Monday brings kimchi pancakes, while Tuesday shows the child pinching closed plump white dumplings. Korean words are incorporated in describing a boiling pot of kimchi stew on Wednesday, while Thursday rolls in with a full plate of kimchi kimbap. On Friday it's time for a crackling pot of kimchi fried rice topped with an egg, and finally it's Saturday, with ramyun complete with toppings including, of course, kimchi. The child narrator is in constant motion, dancing around the dishes of food with the bunny. They bring it all to a close dressed in a traditional hanbok, surrounded by kimchi jars while they once more express their love for the food. Appended are additional facts and a pictorial glossary explaining each dish. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Bright and joyful; just like kimchi, this tale has a delectable kick."--Kirkus Revews