Book Cover

Hanbok for Hana

Contributor(s): Di Roma Howley, Korena (Author), Kim, Jaime (Illustrator)

ISBN: 9781536236552

Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)

Hardcover
$18.99
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Pub Date: September 8, 2026

Lexile Code: 0000

Target Age Group: 03 to 07

Physical Info: 0.00" H x 0.00" L x 0.00" W ( 1.25 lbs) 32 pages

Descriptions, Reviews, etc.

Description: Hana loves Chuseok, but the Korean holiday doesn't feel the same in her new small town as it did in the big city where she used to live. This is a heartfelt story about family and navigating changes.

It's almost time for Chuseok! Hana always looks forward to the stories, laughter, games, and delicious treats that come with the holiday. And she loves wearing her traditional Korean hanbok, with its big, billowy skirt and a soft rustle. But Hana and her Eomma have moved from a bustling city to a small town, and nothing is the same. Worse, Hana's hanbok is now too small! Last time she needed a new hanbok, they went to a dress shop that smelled of ginseng tea. But here, the only place to buy a hanbok is on the computer screen. When Hana misses the way they did things before, her mom says that she moved to this country at Hana's age and there were a lot of changes then, too--traditions and friends left behind, new friends and experiences discovered. When Hana's mail-order hanbok doesn't fit, she comes up with a sweet solution that blends new and old--perfect for this year's celebration. Lively illustrations enhance this story of creating new traditions and finding community. Back matter includes the history and a description of hanboks, as well as details about Chuseok.

Review Quotes: Conversational text focuses on the holiday's preparations as a part of the small, autonomy-building actions that can help in navigating a big life change. Cartooned digital illustrations set round-eyed characters in settings saturated with deep jewel tones that echo the richness of fall and harvest-time abundance. Modeling acceptance and resilience, it's a heartening tale.
--Publishers Weekly

Howley's smoothly paced narrative pairs well with Kim's artwork, which relies on bright hues that add to the overall feeling of warmth. . . . Tenderly entwines the challenges of big transitions with the joys of a beloved holiday.
--Kirkus Reviews

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