(2) K-3 Shinbi is a ghost who doesn't care for haunting houses. She prefers sitting on her favorite rock and stargazing. When a shooting star flies through the sky, she wishes for a friend. One day, she sees a "Hi" on her favorite rock and leaves a response. Its recipient is Greem, the shadow formed by the same rock during the daylight hours, who also longs for a friend. The two leave messages for each other, primarily about constellations, something Greem has never seen. Greem thinks the Big Dipper looks more like a whale, and Shinbi says Cancer looks less like a crab and more like a child doing a handstand. When a "star parade" adorns the night sky, it provides enough light for them to finally meet, "pouring their hearts out to each other" for one glorious night. Min's depiction of Shinbi is the sort of ghost that won't frighten children: she's composed of rounded lines and rosy cheeks. Greem is shaped precisely the same but filled with the dark colors of night. Most of the richly colored spreads are full bleed; the occasional use of borders accelerates the action. The sky filled with shooting stars is particularly dazzling with its sparkling, warm colors against the darkness.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2024

(2) K-3 In this sweet debut, we meet timid Willow the rabbit, who lives in an abandoned mail collection box near a bustling street. She doesn't like to venture out, preferring to stay in her snug home. After a boy named Theo mistakes Willow's home for an active mailbox, she reads the letter he's dropped inside: Theo has written to the moon to see if it can shine brightly for his mother's birthday. Willow is determined to deliver this letter to the moon and, after several failed attempts, she finally succeeds in her mission, by sacrificing something dear. In the end, the boy's wish comes true--and Willow makes a new friend. The subdued rose and yellow hues of Willow's home are juxtaposed with the bright, rich blues and greens of the outdoor world in Min's velvety soft and textured illustrations. Willow's journey on an enormous, splendid, glowing pink-and-yellow bird steals the show, even if a gust of wind stalls her plans. Willow, a lovable protagonist, is consistently outlined in scarlet red to set off her white fur from the rest of the action, the vivid color doubling as a reminder of the excitement she feels at undertaking a risky, frightening ­journey--all in the name of compassion.

Reviewer: Julie Danielson | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2021