Let's Go to Taekwondo!

A Story About Persistence, Bravery, and Breaking Boards

Author Aram Kim
Yoomi wants a yellow belt. But she's afraid to break the board. Grandma to the rescue!

Yoomi and her friends are ready to take on the test for their yellow belts in taekwondo. But Yoomi is afraid to break a board. Meanwhile, Grandma is struggling to learn something new, too.

But Yoomi and Grandma encourage and inspire each other. Yoomi discovers how, with persistence, focus, deep breathing, and above all, a loving Grandma, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

This companion to No Kimchi for Me emphasizes self-confidence, determination, and the value of family. Backmatter about taekwondo, including some Korean vocabulary, is included.

A Junior Library Guild Selection
Aram Kim is a New York-based illustrator and designer who grew up in South Korea. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, she is the author of Cat on the Bus and No Kimchi for Me!, which was a Junior Library Guild selection and a Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.
"In this follow-up to No Kimchi for Me (2017), Kim utilizes her signature bold cartoon style, developing distinct characters with touches of humor. Backmatter includes explanations of taekwondo, symbols of Korean culture, and a glossary. A sweet tale of shared perseverance that bursts with color, culture, and energy."—Kirkus Reviews
 
"Created with pencil, colored pencil, and pastel and assembled digitally, Kim’s art features panels, thought bubbles, and a variety of expressive, energetic animals. Bits of Korean are spoken and written throughout, lending authenticity to this story, which will resonate with anyone who has faced down an obstacle." Publishers Weekly
 
"Incredibly pleasant, colorful illustrations pair with an always engaging subject and valuable lessons to make this a winner."Booklist
 

About

Yoomi wants a yellow belt. But she's afraid to break the board. Grandma to the rescue!

Yoomi and her friends are ready to take on the test for their yellow belts in taekwondo. But Yoomi is afraid to break a board. Meanwhile, Grandma is struggling to learn something new, too.

But Yoomi and Grandma encourage and inspire each other. Yoomi discovers how, with persistence, focus, deep breathing, and above all, a loving Grandma, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

This companion to No Kimchi for Me emphasizes self-confidence, determination, and the value of family. Backmatter about taekwondo, including some Korean vocabulary, is included.

A Junior Library Guild Selection

Author

Aram Kim is a New York-based illustrator and designer who grew up in South Korea. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, she is the author of Cat on the Bus and No Kimchi for Me!, which was a Junior Library Guild selection and a Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.

Praise

"In this follow-up to No Kimchi for Me (2017), Kim utilizes her signature bold cartoon style, developing distinct characters with touches of humor. Backmatter includes explanations of taekwondo, symbols of Korean culture, and a glossary. A sweet tale of shared perseverance that bursts with color, culture, and energy."—Kirkus Reviews
 
"Created with pencil, colored pencil, and pastel and assembled digitally, Kim’s art features panels, thought bubbles, and a variety of expressive, energetic animals. Bits of Korean are spoken and written throughout, lending authenticity to this story, which will resonate with anyone who has faced down an obstacle." Publishers Weekly
 
"Incredibly pleasant, colorful illustrations pair with an always engaging subject and valuable lessons to make this a winner."Booklist
 

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