Published: 9 July 202
4
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Illustrator: Yangsook Choi
Pages: 32
Format: Picture Book
★ ★ ★ – 3 Stars
Today is the day I’ll make friends.
At least, that’s what I promise myself.
Jihun recently moved to the United States. In his new classroom, he receives an assignment to write a letter to his best friend―but he’s not sure how it will turn out. First off, he’s still learning English. Second, he doesn’t have any friends at school yet. What’s more, his best friend back in Korea can’t read.
Fueled by wonderful memories of his former home, Jihun uses his creativity to craft a letter for his best friend, Oto. The result is nothing short of extraordinary and opens a door for Jihun to make new friends.
This is a sweet story about taking a chance and learning to try things even if it’s scary. I enjoyed how our character Jihun tells the story of his cat friend back in Korea. The creative way the Arabic letters are used to draw is clever and the apprehension and the uncertainty comes across really well. The revelation at the end is great and the hopeful ending is a great reward.
The illustrations are realistic and I liked the layout of the present on one side and the past on the other. As Jihun tells us about his memories with Oto in the present we see them reflected in the past.
It is relatively simple but the story captures Jihun’s old life and we understand the connection and friendship he had with Oto. It’s a sweet story about finding a new home and reflecting on what you’ve lost while embracing change.
You can purchase A Letter to my Best Friend via the following
