What Will You Be, Sara Mee?

January 18, 2010
The collaborators' close connection to their book's theme—Avraham (Joey's Way
) has an adopted Korean daughter, and O'Brien grew up in a bicultural family in South Korea—adds authenticity and warmth to this story of a Korean-American girl's first birthday celebration. Sara Mee's extended family and friends gather for a traditional tol
, at which items representing various professions are placed before her; the object she first touches designates her future path. The narrator, Sara Mee's cheerful six-year-old brother, Chong, is honored to be a key participant in the ceremony and is thrilled when his sister reaches for a symbolic paintbrush. Chong gives her paper and crayons, and she draws pictures for which he—who at his own tol
made a choice that evidently predicted a writing career—supplies the text. Rendered in ink brushline and watercolor, O'Brien's (the Jamaica series) illustrations are welcoming, if not especially memorable; there's no real emotional range beyond genial smiles exhibited among the members of Sara Mee's family. Avraham provides a glossary of Korean words used in the story. Ages 3–6.

February 1, 2010
K-Gr 2-Sara Mee is about to mark her first birthdaya very special day in her Korean-American family. After she is dressed in the colorful silk "hanbok" her grandmother made for the occasion, family and friends gather to celebrate with food and presents. The highlight comes when they play the game "toljabee", which predicts what Sara Mee will be when she grows up. The story is told by her older brother, Chong, who anxiously awaits the game. He is excited when he is allowed to participate by presenting the game pieces to his sister. Sara Mee reaches for the paintbrush and waves it in the air, and everyone knows she will be an artist. Chong puts a pack of paper with crayons in front of her, and while she draws, he writes words to go with her picture. A glossary identifies the Korean words and their meanings, but there is no pronunciation guide. The illustrations are ink brush line with watercolor and done in vibrant colors. The love among family and friends is evident in these pictures, depicting their joy about this important event."Margaret R. Tassia, Millersville University, PA"

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2010
Preschool-G Older brother Chong describes a Korean familys preparation for his baby sister Sara Mees tol, or first birthday celebration. In addition to special food and music, the family plays the game toljabee, in which symbolic items are placed before the child. According to custom, the first item the child grabs predicts his or her future.When Sara Mee picks up the paintbrush, Chong celebrates by making a card, providing words for his sisters scribbles. Watercolor pictures framed with a thick black line focus on Sara Mee, charmingly outfitted in traditional dress, and her very proud, helpful brother. Of particular interest to Korean American families, this festive story also introduces a different cultural birthday tradition to non-Koreans. An authors note personalizes the story and explains a little more; a glossary of terms is appended, but there is no pronunciation guide.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)