New Clothes for New Year’s Day by Hyun-Joo Bae
March 15, 2007 by Kerri Aldrich
Filed under Book Review, Children's Books, Children's Books (0 to 5 yrs), Children's Books (6 to 10 yrs)
A few weeks ago, I joined Rice Daddies in celebrating their one year anniversary by submitting a kid’s book review. Thanks to Kane/Miller Book Publishers, Rice Daddies was able to share a free book with every entrant, asking only for a review of the book received. Here’s the review of my prize. 
The book that I received is New Clothes for New Year’s Day by Hyun-Joo Bae. Yes, I know that you’re not supposed to judge a book by it’s cover, but this one presents itself beautifully from the first glimpse at the jacket. The artwork, also by Bae, is absolutely stunning and engaging from cover to cover. The book follows a young Korean girl from her waking moments on New Year’s Day. The author does a fantastic job of capturing the gestures, mannerisms and facial expressions of a little girl on a special, momentous day.
I love the way that Bae tells a very playful story from a child’s point of view while also sharing aspects of a Korean tradition that I really knew nothing about. As the little girl goes about dressing for the holiday, you see her appreciation and joy over each special item of clothing and the great significance that it has for her. In addition to the story itself, the last page shows each item of the special New Year’s clothes and the symbolism of those items.
I’m really excited to have this book as a part of our collection, and thankful to be able to share this with my children. Thanks, Rice Daddies.
What a fun book, wonder if it’s at our library . . .
Michelle: I hope so! It is adorable.