YOON AND THE CHRISTMAS MITTEN

Childhood Education, Fall 2007 by Lee, Lea

Recorvits, Helen YOON AND THE CHRISTMAS MITTEN. Il. by Gabi Swiatkowska. ISBN 0-374-38688-9. New York: Frances Foster Books, 2006. 32 pp. $16.00. Readers will enjoy reading about Yoon, an immigrant Korean girl, as she learns the unfamiliar customs associated with Christmas. Yoon is excited about the idea of Santa Claus, Christmas mittens, the North Pole, reindeer, and holiday melodies. Although she remains proud of her own heritage, Yoon still yearns to familiarize herself with America and experience its traditions, as introduced to her by her classmates and teacher. Yoon's clever and gentle confrontation with her parents' contradicting messages of living only as Korean result in her parents accepting the idea of a dual citizenship. Through Yoon's persistence, she is able to fulfill her Christmas fantasy. Readers of all cultural backgrounds will sympathize with Yoon's intergenerational conflicts and the humor of the acculturation process that are intertwined in this story. The beautiful illustrations display a perfect combination of fantasy and reality. This wonderful multicultural book will inspire readers to discover some cultural differences between Korea and America, to cherish both, and to become and remain open-minded. Ages 5-10. Reviewed by Lea Lee, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Reviewed by Lea Lee, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA