Tomorrow Is New Year's Day
on Goodreads (184)
What’s inside...
From Korean American author-illustrator Aram Kim, Tomorrow is New Year's Day follows a little girl named Mina as she shares the fun customs of Seollal—the Korean Lunar New Year—with her classmates. Excited to show off her colorful hanbok, demonstrate sebae, and make tteokguk with her friends, Mina eagerly prepares for her favorite day of the year. Her little brother might join too, if he can shake off his bad mood. This joyful book highlights the importance of sharing cultural celebrations and includes a glossary of Korean terms with pronunciation guide to deepen understanding.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-6
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did Mina learn about New Year traditions in the story?
How do you think Mina felt when she shared her culture with her friends?
Why is it important to share and learn about different traditions?
What are some traditions we have in our family? How do they make you feel?
If you could create a new tradition for New Year, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing your own favorite New Year memory or tradition to help your child feel more comfortable sharing theirs.
Encourage your child to draw or write about a new tradition they might like to start, using Mina’s experience as inspiration.
Use the book's illustrations to engage younger children, pointing to different elements and asking them to describe what they see.
Discuss the diversity of traditions and cultures, highlighting the importance of respect and appreciation for different ways of celebrating.
If possible, involve other family members in the discussion to enrich the conversation with various perspectives and experiences.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Cultural Diversity
Explanation: This book explores the celebration of Korean Lunar New Year, Seollal, showcasing diverse traditions and customs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect different cultures in their community, fostering inclusivity and open-mindedness.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Family
Explanation: The story highlights the gathering of family members during Seollal, emphasizing the joy and support found in familial bonds.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to value and cherish time spent with their family, recognizing the support system they offer in their growth and development.
Example Lesson: Tradition and Heritage
Explanation: ‘Tomorrow Is New Year’s Day’ brings to life the beauty and significance of traditional Korean attire and food, educating young readers on the preservation of cultural heritage.
Real-World Application: Kids learn to take pride in their own heritage and understand the role traditions play in shaping personal and community identity.
Example Lesson: The Joy of Preparation
Explanation: The book details the preparations for the New Year celebrations, involving the protagonist in activities like cooking and decorating.
Real-World Application: Children get inspired to participate in household chores and festivities, learning responsibility and teamwork while enjoying the process of preparation.
Example Lesson: Generosity and Giving
Explanation: In the story, characters exchange gifts as part of the celebration, underscoring themes of generosity and gratitude.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice generosity in their daily lives, understanding the pleasure and fulfillment that comes from giving and sharing with others.