Author & Illustrator Profile
Yangsook Choi
11 Books
Yangsook Choi is a creator of children's picture books whose work explores themes of family, culture, and belonging. She is known for writing and illustrating stories like The Name Jar and Peach Heaven, which draw upon her own experiences growing up in Korea and moving to the United States. Her rich, vibrant paintings bring emotion to every page she creates. In addition to her original works, she has provided illustrations for books by other writers. Her storytelling helps young readers celebrate their identities and connect with the diverse world around them.
Halloween is creeping closer, and everyone at school is buzzing with excitement over their costumes. But when Kimin announces he is going to dress up as his grandfather, the other children laugh and tease him, saying an old man is not a scary costume at all. They do not realize that his grandfather was not just any ordinary man. Digging through an old trunk filled with dusty belongings, Kimin discovers a hidden family secret: his grandfather was once a traditional Korean mask dancer. The fierce, expressive mask he uncovers holds a powerful magic all its own. Join Kimin as he connects with his heritage in a thrilling way, silencing his classmates and discovering the true meaning behind the mask.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Walking through the doors of a new school is terrifying, especially when you are worried your classmates will not be able to pronounce your name. Unhei has just traveled all the way from Korea to the United States. When it is time to introduce herself on the very first day, she panics and announces she will choose an American name by the end of the week. Her classmates decide to help by filling a glass jar with suggestions like Amanda, Laura, and Suzy. But as Unhei pulls out slip after slip of paper, none of the names feel like they belong to her. Follow Unhei on a heartwarming journey of self-discovery as she learns to embrace her heritage, find her courage, and realize that the best name of all is her own.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Long ago, before the sun and the moon existed, the world was a very dark place. In this ancient Korean folktale, a brother and sister are waiting alone in their cabin for their mother to return from the market. Suddenly, a voice calls out from the shadows, asking them to open the door. But it is not their mother at all. A hungry tiger is prowling outside, wearing their mother's clothes and hoping for an easy meal. Armed only with their sharp wits and a little bit of luck, the children must find a way to outsmart the dangerous beast. Discover a thrilling story of survival and magic as the siblings make a desperate escape into the sky, bringing the first light of day and night to the earth below.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
Keo is absolutely obsessed with the slippery, spicy, and tingly taste of kimchi. He is also thrilled when his beloved Halmoni arrives for a surprise visit. But things take a strange turn when his grandmother grabs a shovel and begins digging a massive hole right in the middle of the backyard. Keo watches from the window, his imagination running wild. Is she hiding stolen goods? Could she be burying a secret family treasure map? As the mystery deepens, Keo sets out to uncover exactly what Halmoni is hiding in the dirt. Dive into a hilarious and mouth-watering adventure filled with family traditions, playful curiosity, and a whole lot of cabbage. You will never look at your backyard the same way again.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Imagine looking up at the sky and watching your favorite fruit tumble down like raindrops. For a young girl named Yangsook living in South Korea, the sweet white peaches of her town are the best treat in the entire world. She often dreams of wandering through the local orchards, eating as much fruit as she possibly can. One day, after weeks of relentless rainstorms, the unbelievable actually happens and the heavy downpour sweeps the fruit from the trees, and it begins to rain peaches. At first, it feels like a delicious dream come true. But soon, Yangsook realizes that the local farmers have lost their entire harvest. Experience a gentle, uplifting story about turning unexpected magic into an opportunity to show kindness and help your neighbors.
6-8 Years
21 Pages
New Cat has a very important job. She lives in Mr. Kim's busy tofu factory in the Bronx, where her main duty is keeping mice away. She loves everything about her home, except for one strict rule: the production room is completely off-limits. But when a sneaky mouse darts through an open door into the forbidden room, New Cat simply cannot resist her instincts. Breaking the rules leads to a shocking discovery, as she spots a fire breaking out among the machines. Suddenly, catching a mouse is the least of her worries. Follow this brave, fluffy silver feline as she leaps into action. Experience a thrilling and heartwarming tale about a special pet who becomes an unexpected hero to save the factory and her beloved owner.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Jihun steps into his new classroom in the United States and makes a quiet promise to himself that today is the day he will make a friend. But fitting in is hard when you are still learning English and do not know anyone. Things get even more complicated when his teacher assigns the class to write a letter to their best friend. Jihun knows exactly who he wants to write to, his best friend Oto back in Korea. There is just one big problem: Oto cannot read. Drawing on his wonderful memories of his old home, Jihun must find a deeply creative way to send his message across the ocean. Explore the challenges of moving to a new country and the beautiful ways we stay connected to those we love.
6-8 Years
19 Pages
Twelve-year-old Sun has crossed the ocean from his village in China, dreaming of arriving in America, the place known as Gold Mountain. But his journey is far from over. Because of the Chinese Exclusion Act, new arrivals are detained at Angel Island. To leave the island and join his father in San Francisco, Sun must pass a grueling oral exam. He studies maps and memorizes facts about his ancestors, but as the long weeks pass in the crowded detention center, the details begin to blur in his mind. Will he remember his direction or be turned away? Follow Sun as he faces the terrifying possibility of being sent back across the sea. This powerful story explores a challenging chapter of history and the deep determination of immigrants fighting for a new life.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Sweep away the old dust and make room for good luck. A young boy is counting down the days until the Lunar New Year, and he is ready for a completely fresh start. He cleans his house, feels his palms itch with the promise of good fortune, and refuses to let negative thoughts ruin his mood. The best part is that you do not have to be Asian to celebrate this special day of the first new moon. His best friends from different backgrounds are just as excited to share the delicious food, the traditional red envelopes, and the feeling of hope. Discover the vibrant traditions of the Lunar New Year through the eyes of a child determined to face the future with bravery and joy.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Mud squelches beneath the feet of farmers while dragonflies dart through the warm air above. In the wet fields of Bali, a tiny seed is about to begin an amazing journey. Here, rice is much more than just a meal you eat for dinner. It is the center of everyday life. Watch as green seedlings are carefully planted, watered by gentle rains, and eventually transform into golden, ripe plants ready for harvest. When the hard work is done, the whole community gathers to give thanks to the goddess of rice for a successful crop. Journey to an island where nature and farming are deeply connected, and discover the beautiful, poetic process of growing the grain that feeds people all around the world.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The ground shakes, tossing you from bed as plates shatter and portraits tumble from the walls. In 1906, a massive earthquake strikes San Francisco, forcing a young Chinese American girl and her family to flee their home in Chinatown. As buildings collapse and fires begin to rage across the city, they must pack what they can carry and journey toward the safety of Golden Gate Park. You will join their tense, uncertain walk alongside hundreds of other refugees seeking shelter. Based on true family history, this story captures the sudden chaos of a natural disaster and the resilience needed to survive it. Experience the courage of one family as they navigate the terrifying aftermath of a historic event and find hope amid the ruins.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
32 Pages
