CHOI, Kathleen & Suk Nyul Choi. Giving Thanks with Halmoni: Celebrating Chuseok, the Korean Harvest Festival. illus. by Il Sung Na. 32p. Abrams/Red Comet. Aug. 2025. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781636551616.
Gr 2-4–A heartwarming tale that beautifully captures the essence of the Korean holiday Chuseok. The story revolves around Su-Jin and her grandmother, Halmoni, who has recently moved in with Su-Jin’s family. Concerned that Halmoni will miss the traditional celebrations in Korea, Su-Jin and her diverse group of friends decide to organize a Chuseok party of their own. Preparations for the party are detailed with charming illustrations in soft colors, blending sketch and digital drawings. Su-Jin and her friends wrap little gifts in bojagi cloth and prepare traditional foods like Korean scallion pancakes and rice cakes. On the special day, friends and family gather to share stories of their ancestors and play Korean games, creating a festive and inclusive atmosphere. Each page features two or three sentences, making it suitable for children with longer attention spans or higher reading levels. Back matter includes definitions for Korean words and a brief history of the celebration. VERDICT A delightful story about friendship, acceptance, and kindness, perfect for introducing young readers to the rich traditions of Chuseok.–Haley Amendt

HABIB, Grace. Chuseok: A Good Harvest Festival. illus. by Grace Habib. 22p. (Our Neighborhood). little bee. Aug. 2025. Board $9.99. ISBN 9781499817782.
Toddler-PreS–Young readers follow a sister and brother on the day of Chuseok, a Korean autumnal festival. In vibrant illustrations with an appearance akin to pastel drawings, they enjoy traditional foods such as jeon, wear beautiful hanbok, and help their parents make offerings to their ancestors. Habib makes the entire celebration look appealing for young readers, with simple but deliciously depicted food and cheerful characters earnestly participating in activities with their loved ones. Librarians and readers alike should note that this book is intended for an audience already familiar with the holiday, as there are no definitions for the Korean terms used or explanations about the traditions depicted. VERDICT An affirming, sweet board book for families who celebrate Chuseok.–Alexandra Quay