Baby Cousin’s Big Day

PreS-Gr 2–Young readers are welcomed into a cozy Korean household preparing for a baby’s first birthday, or doljanchi, a cherished cultural tradition. An animal cast gently guides readers through the day’s events, building excitement as family members gather and make predictions about the baby’s future. Korean language is naturally integrated, offering exposure to cultural vocabulary in context. While the pencil-drawn illustrations are sweet and expressive, they are a bit unpolished. The text encourages early literacy strategies like making connections and predicting outcomes, making it a useful tool for classroom read-alouds. This book also ties in well with curriculum centered on teaching holidays and traditions for early grades. Themes of family celebration and cultural pride are presented simply and accessibly for young children. A highlight is the spotlight on a Korean holiday, expanding representation beyond more commonly depicted traditions. Back matter offers additional context about the doljanchi, which educators can use to deepen discussions or extend learning.