Where's Joon?

A Korean Children's Book (Halmoni & Family)

Author Julie Kim
Look inside
Hardcover
$22.00 US
8.25"W x 10.28"H x 0.63"D  
On sale Oct 10, 2023 | 120 Pages | 9781632174154
Grades K-4
Reading Level: Lexile GN530L | Fountas & Pinnell O

See Additional Formats
"Kim's story is absolutely enchanting, but her stupendously vivacious illustrations prove even more memorable. Amplifying details immediately stand out from the first pages" —Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness


Where's Joon? is the highly anticipated sequel to Where's Halmoni?, the bestselling, award-winning debut by Julie Kim. In this magical graphic novel adventure inspired by Korean folktales, readers are once again beckoned into a colorful, fantastical world filled with "jaw-dropping art" (School Library Journal).


When Joon goes missing just as Halmoni’s birthday celebration begins, Jin must once again step through a hidden portal into a fantastical world drawn from classic Korean folklore to bring him home.


Blending breathtaking artwork, humor, and heart, Where’s Joon? invites young readers back into Julie Kim’s richly imagined universe—where goblins roam, magic pots crackle, and courage grows through love and family. Perfect for families, classrooms, and readers who love immersive, multicultural graphic novels.


Why Families Love This Book
  1. A new folklore-filled adventure featuring dazzling landscapes and beloved characters inspired by traditional Korean folktales
  2. Jaw-dropping visual storytelling, praised by School Library Journal, that makes this a standout graphic novel for kids
  3. Authentic Korean language moments, with Korean dialogue woven throughout and illustrated translations included in the back
  4. Packed with visual Easter eggs and layered storytelling that reward close reading and encourage re-reading
  5. Themes of courage, family, and belonging, exploring the immigrant experience across generations and cultures


A beautiful companion to Where’s Halmoni? and a must-have addition to any collection of graphic novels for girls and boys, Where’s Joon? is a heartfelt, imaginative journey that celebrates heritage, bravery, and the magic of finding one another.
JULIE KIM is an author and illustrator living in Seattle, WA. She is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, and has mainly done illustration work for various trade, educational, and nonprofit book publishers as well as for children's magazines. Where's Halmoni? was her debut book as author/illustrator and Where's Joon? is the sequel.
★ "Rich in folklore, comedy, and color, a riotous and pleasurable treat."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred

★ Kim's story is absolutely enchanting, but her stupendously vivacious illustrations prove even more memorable. Amplifying details immediately stand out from the first pages: the rice maker found in virtually every Asian American home, the well-used kitchen towel hanging slightly askew, the melding of Western/Korean architectural aesthetics. Kim imbues every scene with infectious energy, inviting readers to join in the clever challenges to bring the family safely back together.
—Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness, starred

"The graphic novel picture book sequel to the bestselling “Where’s Halmoni?” by Seattle author Julie Kim came out in October with gorgeous art, humor and a story about the immigrant experience of traversing two worlds."
Seattle Times

"A lovely and lively sequel and perfect companion to Kim’s first inventive and immersive expedition traversing two cultures."
—Booklist

"This very non-apologetic bilingual nature of the stories is healing to read."
—AsianLitforKids

"Kim infuses her novel with strikingly beautiful landscapes, warm character illustrations, and the nostalgia of childhood curiosity transports audiences straight into the storybook. Her genuine enthusiasm towards her craft is undeniable and shows in every page, making “Where’s Joon?” a celebration of love, family, and Korean-American experiences."
—The Daily

"Jaw-dropping art with vibrant colors."
—Imagination Soup


"A dynamic interweaving of full- and half-spread illustrations and paneled passages highlight Kim’s masterful execution of this bilingual tale."--Little Village Mag
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo

About

"Kim's story is absolutely enchanting, but her stupendously vivacious illustrations prove even more memorable. Amplifying details immediately stand out from the first pages" —Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness


Where's Joon? is the highly anticipated sequel to Where's Halmoni?, the bestselling, award-winning debut by Julie Kim. In this magical graphic novel adventure inspired by Korean folktales, readers are once again beckoned into a colorful, fantastical world filled with "jaw-dropping art" (School Library Journal).


When Joon goes missing just as Halmoni’s birthday celebration begins, Jin must once again step through a hidden portal into a fantastical world drawn from classic Korean folklore to bring him home.


Blending breathtaking artwork, humor, and heart, Where’s Joon? invites young readers back into Julie Kim’s richly imagined universe—where goblins roam, magic pots crackle, and courage grows through love and family. Perfect for families, classrooms, and readers who love immersive, multicultural graphic novels.


Why Families Love This Book
  1. A new folklore-filled adventure featuring dazzling landscapes and beloved characters inspired by traditional Korean folktales
  2. Jaw-dropping visual storytelling, praised by School Library Journal, that makes this a standout graphic novel for kids
  3. Authentic Korean language moments, with Korean dialogue woven throughout and illustrated translations included in the back
  4. Packed with visual Easter eggs and layered storytelling that reward close reading and encourage re-reading
  5. Themes of courage, family, and belonging, exploring the immigrant experience across generations and cultures


A beautiful companion to Where’s Halmoni? and a must-have addition to any collection of graphic novels for girls and boys, Where’s Joon? is a heartfelt, imaginative journey that celebrates heritage, bravery, and the magic of finding one another.

Author

JULIE KIM is an author and illustrator living in Seattle, WA. She is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, and has mainly done illustration work for various trade, educational, and nonprofit book publishers as well as for children's magazines. Where's Halmoni? was her debut book as author/illustrator and Where's Joon? is the sequel.

Praise

★ "Rich in folklore, comedy, and color, a riotous and pleasurable treat."
—Kirkus Reviews, starred

★ Kim's story is absolutely enchanting, but her stupendously vivacious illustrations prove even more memorable. Amplifying details immediately stand out from the first pages: the rice maker found in virtually every Asian American home, the well-used kitchen towel hanging slightly askew, the melding of Western/Korean architectural aesthetics. Kim imbues every scene with infectious energy, inviting readers to join in the clever challenges to bring the family safely back together.
—Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness, starred

"The graphic novel picture book sequel to the bestselling “Where’s Halmoni?” by Seattle author Julie Kim came out in October with gorgeous art, humor and a story about the immigrant experience of traversing two worlds."
Seattle Times

"A lovely and lively sequel and perfect companion to Kim’s first inventive and immersive expedition traversing two cultures."
—Booklist

"This very non-apologetic bilingual nature of the stories is healing to read."
—AsianLitforKids

"Kim infuses her novel with strikingly beautiful landscapes, warm character illustrations, and the nostalgia of childhood curiosity transports audiences straight into the storybook. Her genuine enthusiasm towards her craft is undeniable and shows in every page, making “Where’s Joon?” a celebration of love, family, and Korean-American experiences."
—The Daily

"Jaw-dropping art with vibrant colors."
—Imagination Soup


"A dynamic interweaving of full- and half-spread illustrations and paneled passages highlight Kim’s masterful execution of this bilingual tale."--Little Village Mag

Photos

additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo
additional book photo

Books for Black History Month

In honor of Black History Month this February, we are highlighting essential fiction and nonfiction for students, teachers, and parents to share and discuss this month and beyond. Join Penguin Random House Education in celebrating the contributions of Black authors and illustrators by exploring the titles here: BLACK HISTORY – ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TITLES Explore these

Read more

FROM THE PAGE: An Excerpt from Where’s Joon?

Where’s Joon? is the highly anticipated sequel to Where’s Halmoni?, the bestselling, award-winning debut by Julie Kim. In this graphic novel picture book, Julie Kim beckons readers once again into a colorful, fantastical world filled with “jaw-dropping art” (School Library Journal), plenty of humor, and multilayered storytelling that illuminates the immigrant experience of traversing two worlds, both cultural and generational.

Read more