about danbi books
Danbi is a spunky little Korean American girl with a big heart and big dreams. In each critically acclaimed adventure, Danbi faces life’s bumps with unbridled optimism, courage, and a bold imagination.
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danbi’s favorite day
(Viking, Penguin Books for Young Readers, April 2023)
“We drew a mural and hopped in the puddles. Waterdrops bounced like jewels in the sun. I felt that pink tickle again, and it turned to gold. We were the children of the world.”
In her latest adventure, Danbi is thrilled to invite her friends to celebrate Children's Day, as she did growing up in Korea. She promises kites, tigers, and magic train rides. But when the reality of a picnic behind her parents' deli falls short of her grand plans, Danbi must get creative to save the day.
★ “An endearing and hopeful expression of spontaneous fun and togetherness”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“A joyful, inclusive celebration filled with hope.”
— Booklist
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danbi leads the school parade
(Viking, Penguin Books for Young Readers, July 2020)
An Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Honor Book
"On the first day of my new school in America, my heart beat Boom. Boom."
Danbi is excited to start her new school in America! And a bit nervous, too, for when she walks into the classroom, everything goes quiet. Everyone stares. Danbi wants to join in the dances and the games. But she doesn’t know the rules and just can’t get anything right. Luckily, Danbi isn't one to give up!
★ “Imaginative, irreverent, improvisational fun in kindergarten”
— Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
“Kim’s debut radiates positivity, inclusivity, and hope.”
— Publishers Weekly
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
Thumbnails of Danbi’s Favorite Day
Here is Anna speaking about her creative process:
“Character is at the heart of the stories I want to tell, so I spend a great deal of time understanding my characters from inside out. This, to me, is the most challenging part of writing a story. You literally have to get to know a whole new person, but as in real life, you can never know a person wholly. True characters will surprise you as they grow and take shape, as people almost always do.
Writing the story’s synopsis and story, and building the visual world comes next. Then it’s about finding ways to pace the story by arranging thumbnails of each scene on a 40-pg storyboard, then sketching. (see thumbnail in B&W) This thumbnailing phase can last quite awhile. I work out all the story and visual details until I feel the story works. And only then do final illustrations begin.”
FUN FACTS
Danbi was once a 3/4” scribble on a napkin. Anna explains: “I don’t know why my drawings always start tiny; maybe that’s because they feel more intimate that way.”
Children’s Day is celebrated in many parts of the world on different days. World’s Children’s Day is observed on November 20th with UNICEF’s mission of protecting the rights of every child. In Korea, it is a national holiday celebrated on May 5th to honor children and their importance to the future of the nation. All non-essential businesses close, and families focus on making the day special for kids. There are parades, picnics, TaeKwonDo showcases, and other fun activities such as visiting zoos, aquariums and amusement parks. Make you own Children’s Day party with our downloadable Event Kit.
호떡 (Ho-dduk) are delicious Sweet Korean Pan-Fried pancakes. I was crazy about them growing up and so is Danbi. Find the recipe in our activity sheets.
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