BREAD DAYS
Published by Astra Young Readers | Sept 30, 2025
In this moving yet hopeful picture book for readers ages 4-8, a young girl rediscovers her passion for baking bread as she once did with her papa—and finds joy again in sharing it with her loved ones.
Nara loves nothing more than her bread days with Papa. Together, they mix, fold, and score dough, and eagerly watch as it rises to a delicious loaf in the oven. But one day, Papa is no longer there, and Nara’s bread days are suddenly empty. Instead, she’s left with feelings and memories that sadden and confuse her. But when Nara starts to take care of the sourdough starter she and Papa once made, she finds solace in bread days again—and, together with Mama, is able to keep a family tradition alive in memory of past loved ones. From the author of The Most Perfect Persimmon, this picture book is a touching story of parent-child connection and the love language of food, as well as a comforting read for anyone who has experienced loss.
BOOKSHOP.ORG BEST OF 2025: KIDS
“Expressive cartoons are rendered with a soft pastel palette and peppered with charming details as Nara and Papa knead the dough… This delectable tale concludes with mother and child enjoying a warm loaf; a touching author’s note closes out the work… A lovingly crafted tale, baked in with tender memories.” — Kirkus Review
“This is a wonderful book for children who are dealing with the aftermath of a familial loss. While it features a heavy topic, it’s done in a way that is light and shows how life goes on.” — Booklist
“When an unexpected death interrupts a special familial ritual, a child carries a shared legacy forward in this heartening story… Chung’s digital illustrations open with golds and pinks that echo the warmth of Bread Das, shift to blues and olives as Nara mourns Papa’s absence, then skillfully incorporate the two palettes for a visual hint at the enduring cycle of life.“ — Publishers Weekly
The Most Perfect Persimmon
Published by Astra Young Readers | Aug 27, 2024
In this charming author-illustrator debut, a Korean American girl harvests a perfectly ripe persimmon that she can’t wait to share with Grandma.
When Joo Hong harvests a beautiful persimmon from her mom’s garden, she can’t wait to give it to her grandma who is visiting from far away. However, the days leading up to her arrival feel like forever—and the persimmon is looking less and less perfect as time passes by. What can Joo Hong do to make sure it’s perfectly ripe—and not mushy and wrinkly—for Grandma’s visit? A tender story about three generations of Korean women and one perfect persimmon, this debut from author-illustrator Hannah Chung shows that even when things don’t go as planned, something even better may be in store.
“Endearing cartoon artwork is set against bright backdrops; Joo Hong’s exaggerated facial expressions comically capture her emotions, especially her frustration and impatience. Little ones fixated on the idea of perfection will find a kindred spirit in Joo Hong… A delectable tale that will guide young readers to reexamine their own perceptions.” — Kirkus Review
“A child worries about a harvest ahead of a much-anticipated visit in Chung’s waiting-focused debut… Digital illustrations employ a blue-green palette against which the titular fruits pop under the care of the work’s take-charge protagonist.” — Publishers Weekly
Hannah Chung 