"Hanna on the inside and Haejin on the outside,
they walk along the sidewalk like Umma taught
them. There's a forest in the afternoon light, and
Hanna imagines she's a woodland creature going
to a party.
"Did you know that bunny rabbits love parties?"
says Hanna. "I'm going to tell Appa.""
Korean sisters Haejin and Hanna are thrilled to learn from their mother that their father is coming home tomorrow. Once Umma leaves for work, Haejin shares her idea they make something special for his return. Their cookbook offers a recipe for hotteok, and they have almost everything they need to make it. With what's left in their piggy bank, they prepare for a trip to the nearby grocery.
It's a cold morning. Haejin encourages her little sister to wear her winter books; Hanna prefers the sandals she loves. Off they go through the cool air to get the baking powder needed for their surprise. Once home again, the work begins in earnest; Hanna helps with what she can. When it comes time to roll the dough, Hanna's enthusiasm leads to disaster!
What will they do now? They have spent all their money, their surprise for Appa is ruined. Or is it?
This sweet story has its roots in a memory of kindness and warmth, as Ms. Yoon explains in a note that ends the book. She also adds a hotteok recipe for the sweet pancakes filled with sweet brown sugar that are a very popular street snack in Korea. Illustrations, created in ink, watercolor, and colored pencil, fill the pages with warmth, expressive characters, humor, and the joy found in family celebrations.
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