“Yoon and the Christmas Mitten”
Author: Helen Recorvits
Illustrator: Gabi Swiatkowska
Age: 4 – 8 Years
Theme: Christmas, Traditions, multicultural
Synopsis: Yoon new to America helps her Korean family adjust to their new life, when her teacher hands her a book about Santa Claus. No matter how hard she tries, her parents insist that they are not a Christmas family. As Yoon learns more about this festive occasion so to does her need to fit in.
Opening: My name is Yoon. I came here from Korea, a country far away.
Sources/Findings: This book lends itself very well to discussion both in the classroom and at home, of different cultures and traditions in other countries. A great opportunity to dig out maps and discover other countries. A great conversation in classrooms of how it would feel like to move to a different country, how would you fit in and feel. This would encourage acceptance of any new kids in the classroom.
Type the word multicultural in Amazon.com and there is wonderful resource books on multicultural Education. or ELL. The Author has previously written ..Yoon is my Name and Yoon and the Jade Braclett.
Awards: NCSS-CBC Notable Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies
Why I like this book: I had reviewed this book earlier in the year but thought it such a special book for this time of year. It’s warm, enlightening, and while it has that christmas feeling it has a wonderful message. It just seemed irresistible.
Quote from my earlier post: When I first saw this book in the library I immediately thought of an online friend, I had come to know earlier this year, through a fan site. The beautiful large watercolour illustrations by Gabi on every page sometimes stretching across two pages, reminded me of the paintings my friend had shown me in her online gallery/website.
For more books with resources please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s blog and find the tab for Picture Perfect Book
Writer and Dreamer at work 
This book sounds lovely, and since my kids’ school focuses on many cultures during this holiday season, it’s a perfect fit!
Thankyou Julie for stopping by. It is a lovely book and would fit well in the classroom.
A good one for broadening horizons, thanks Diane!
Thankyou Catherine. It is interesting looking at how Koreans celebrate New year, the coming together of families, dressing in traditional costume and eating rice cake soup.
One can learn so much.
I’ve had a meal with Koreans, it’s an amazing experience.
You reminded me of a while back when we had Koreans living next door… so friendly, and we had a meal with them…Yes that was an exprience!…LOL.
This seems like such a good book — I have finally learned to go to the library’s website before I even leave someone’s blog review, and do a search for the book. I’m amazed that so many of the books that my blog-friends review, including this one, aren’t available in our city library in any of its branches, but *are* available in a small town somewhere in the province. (Hurray for a province-wide library system — I’ve just requested this one!)
Thanks, Diane.
Your welcome Beth. I often find some of our local libraries do not have the books quoted. But they are changing the system here so I will be able to order books from other areas in Auckland. I have been surprised at the number of books that are actually behind lock and key in our libraries and only alowed out for use within the library…. (not to leave the premises). Huh!
Diane, this sounds like a great read-we have many children at our school who do not celebrate Christmas, and I know that some of them struggle with the holiday celebrations. It is hard to imagine how it would feel to be in their shoes-sounds like this book captures that feeling very well. Thank you!
Hi Kelly, yes this book would definately benefit your school. While little Yoon sees and hears all about the festivities that go with Christmas, the hanging up of stockings and decorating the Christmas tree, her parents refuse to have these in the home because they are not Christmas people, its not their way. Your heart will melt when she hangs her red mitten up.
Diane, what a lovely book to share at Christmas! It must be confusing to a child that has immigrated to the US to learn about fun customs and not fit in. It sounds like the book speaks to the issue in a beautiful way. The illustrations look lovely!
Thankyou Pat, yes it is a special book and your heart will melt when you get to know Yoon. Both the author and illustrator have done a wonderful job with helping us understand. i love this book.
When we immigrated at age seven I had never heard of Santa Clause and the reindeer. We were singing songs one day and I remember the teacher trying to teach me how to snap my fingers to a song. So embarrassing.
I would love to read this book and see how it fits with my immigration experience.We celebrated St Nicholas on Dec fifth and no one knew about him. I can certainly empathize with new kids coming to the States from elsewhere and love books about it. This one sounds to good to miss.
I’ve written the title down and will be looking for it. 🙂
I hope you find this book Clar. It is so special and I think you will understand very well how little Yoon felt. You have brought back lovely memories of my time in Europe and the celebrating of St Nicholas, the snow, gluewine, and hot roasted chestnuts….yum! I have to admit I didn’t know much about St Nicholas until I travelled. Thankyou for popping by and hope you had a joyful St Nick’s day.
This subject intrigues me as I often wonder how children deal with those changes. I’m glad to see Clar shared a bit about her own experience. I am interested in this topic.
So please you dropped by Stacy and enjoyed this topic. I too have wondered how children deal with change. This book makes for a good conversation topic in schools.
This seems like a good book! Interesting subject!
Thankyou Erik, nice of you to drop by and yes it is a good book.
This book sounds wonderful! I can’t wait to get it and see the art in it. It sounds lovely. Thank you!
Hi Loni,thankyou so much for your comment. You will love little Yoon and yes the art work is lovely. Lovely to see you here.
I really like the sound of this book…
Thankyou Tania, didn’t see you there…… glad you dropped by.
Sorry to be so late commenting, Diane! This book sounds lovely! And you’re right – great for this time of year. I love books that tell about different traditions in different cultures – there’s so much to learn. Thanks for sharing this one!
Your never too late commenting Susanna. Your very welcome. Glad you liked it.
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