> Skip to content
[]
  • Published: 14 November 2023
  • ISBN: 9781632174154
  • Imprint: Blue Star Press
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 120
  • RRP: $50.00

Where's Joon?

A Korean Children's Book (Halmoni & Family)




Where’s Joon?, the graphic novel picture book follow up to Julie Kim’s bestselling Where’s Halmoni?, pulls readers back into a fantastical world inspired by Korean folklore.

"Kim's story is absolutely enchanting, but her stupendously vivacious illustrations prove even more memorable. Amplifying details immediately stand out from the first pages" —Terry Hong, Shelf Awareness


Where's Joon? is the highly anticipated sequel to Where's Halmoni?, the bestselling, award-winning debut by Julie Kim. In this magical graphic novel adventure inspired by Korean folktales, readers are once again beckoned into a colorful, fantastical world filled with "jaw-dropping art" (School Library Journal).


When Joon goes missing just as Halmoni’s birthday celebration begins, Jin must once again step through a hidden portal into a fantastical world drawn from classic Korean folklore to bring him home.


Blending breathtaking artwork, humor, and heart, Where’s Joon? invites young readers back into Julie Kim’s richly imagined universe—where goblins roam, magic pots crackle, and courage grows through love and family. Perfect for families, classrooms, and readers who love immersive, multicultural graphic novels.


Why Families Love This Book

  1. A new folklore-filled adventure featuring dazzling landscapes and beloved characters inspired by traditional Korean folktales
  2. Jaw-dropping visual storytelling, praised by School Library Journal, that makes this a standout graphic novel for kids
  3. Authentic Korean language moments, with Korean dialogue woven throughout and illustrated translations included in the back
  4. Packed with visual Easter eggs and layered storytelling that reward close reading and encourage re-reading
  5. Themes of courage, family, and belonging, exploring the immigrant experience across generations and cultures
A beautiful companion to Where’s Halmoni? and a must-have addition to any collection of graphic novels for girls and boys, Where’s Joon? is a heartfelt, imaginative journey that celebrates heritage, bravery, and the magic of finding one another.
  • Published: 14 November 2023
  • ISBN: 9781632174154
  • Imprint: Blue Star Press
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 120
  • RRP: $50.00

Also by Julie Kim

See all

Praise for Where's Joon?

Praise for Where's Halmoni?

“For its jaw-dropping art, encouraging bilingual attitude, and conscientious portrayal of Korean culture, Where’s Halmoni? is a perfect choice.” School Library Journal, starred

“A sophisticated mélange of urban households, traditional Asian landscapes, vibrant color schemes, cultural details, subtle visual jokes, [and] pitch-perfect dialogue… This book is an excellent choice for either the picture-book or graphic-novel collection.” Booklist, starred

“Kim’s bright, expressive illustrations are a delight…an accessible, diverse title for a broad readership.” Kirkus Reviews, starred


“The sibling banter is believable and delightful, [and] Kim’s panel sequences teem with energy.” Publishers Weekly, starred

“Gloriously illustrated, full of wit and whimsy, and always staying true to the traditional tales being referenced, this book deserves every starred review it has received.” School Library Journal

Praise for Where's Halmoni?

“For its jaw-dropping art, encouraging bilingual attitude, and conscientious portrayal of Korean culture, Where’s Halmoni? is a perfect choice.” School Library Journal, starred

“A sophisticated mélange of urban households, traditional Asian landscapes, vibrant color schemes, cultural details, subtle visual jokes, [and] pitch-perfect dialogue… This book is an excellent choice for either the picture-book or graphic-novel collection.” Booklist, starred

“Kim’s bright, expressive illustrations are a delight…an accessible, diverse title for a broad readership.” Kirkus Reviews, starred


“The sibling banter is believable and delightful, [and] Kim’s panel sequences teem with energy.” Publishers Weekly, starred

“Gloriously illustrated, full of wit and whimsy, and always staying true to the traditional tales being referenced, this book deserves every starred review it has received.” School Library Journal