Let's Go to Taekwondo!

by Aram Kim

Published 6 April 2020
Yoomi wants a yellow belt. But she's afraid to break the board. Grandma to the rescue!

Yoomi and her friends are ready to take on the test for their yellow belts in taekwondo. But Yoomi is afraid to break a board. Meanwhile, Grandma is struggling to learn something new, too.

But Yoomi and Grandma encourage and inspire each other. Yoomi discovers how, with persistence, focus, deep breathing, and above all, a loving Grandma, even the toughest challenges can be overcome.

This companion to No Kimchi for Me emphasizes self-confidence, determination, and the value of family. Backmatter about taekwondo, including some Korean vocabulary, is included.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A Bank Street Best Childrens Book of the Year!

Baby Cousin's Big Day

by Aram Kim

Published 22 July 2025
Yoomi wants her baby cousin to be happy–on her 1st birthday and for the rest of her life. Can Yoomi help?

The whole family is gathering to celebrate baby cousin’s 1st birthday. They will do the doljabi! Dasom’s mommy will assemble a microphone, a ball, money, yarn, a paintbrush, and other things. Dasom will pick something, and that will decide her future. If she picks a ball, she will be an athlete. If she picks a paintbrush, she will be an artist. 

Yoomi is worried. What if Dasom picks a paintbrush and doesn’t want to be an artist? Grandma assures Yoomi that Dasom can become whatever she wants–but maybe she will be a creative person, just like an artist. 

Then baby Dasom’s choice surprises everyone. She picks Yoomi!

Yoomi’s concern displays empathy, and her questioning shows a girl exercising her critical thinking muscles in this delightful story about family customs and relationships. 

YOOMI FRIENDS AND FAMILY is a picture book series about a Korean girl,  her loved ones, and her culture. Other books in the series are No Kimchi for Me!, a Junior Library Guild selection and a Bank Street College Best Book of the Year, Let’s Go to Taekwondo: A Story About Persistence, Bravery, and Breaking Boards, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and Sunday Funday in Koreatown, a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection.