The way this book is illustrated is very unique and very powerful.  The best way I can describe it — as I would turn the page and see the picture it would give me a particular feeling that completely influenced the way I would read the text.  I realize that this is what an illustration is supposed to do, but so far I haven’t felt it as dramatically as I did when I read this book.  The illustrations set the tone and directed me as to how I should read the book.  I will be reading more books illustrated by Steve Johnson and Lou Fancher pronto.  I wonder if it is just this book or if they’re always like this?  Either way, their work for this book is very impressive.

The story is equally as impressive.  It is about a young girl, Soo Min, who is adopted and moves from Korea to the US.  She finds the transition (understandably) difficult, but finds solace in her new parents’ cat.  One day the cat goes outside and Soo Min is very upset.  The cat comes back at the end of the day and she is relieved.  This event also inspires her to say her first word in English: “home.”

While this book is about adoption, anyone can identify with the Soo Min finding comfort in a difficult situation and finding a way to adjust and adapt to a major life change.

I loved this book.

Where Obtained:  Library.

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