 Illustration by Farida Zaman from my book KOREAN CELEBRATIONS Proverbs 22:6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it. It's Children's Day here in Korea, and we've been blessed with the day off from school & work. If you'd like to know more about Korea's Children's Day, I blogged about it here. My kids are in high school now, and so we celebrated by eating at Subway and doing some light shopping. Plus, it was a rainy day. Things are easing up in Korea. Korean public schools will start next week with grades staggered. International schools like mine are still working on their schedules. May is also Children's Book Week. I thought I'd share some favorite books my kids have enjoyed over the years.  Isaac liked: The Crossover by Kwame Alexander Where the Mountain Meets the Moon trilogy by Grace Lin The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney Stink The Incredible Shrinking Kid series by Megan McDonald The Lemonade Wars series by Jacqueline Davies Geronimo Stilton series Anna liked: Dork Diaries series by Rachel Russell The Cupcake Diaries series by Coco Simon Thea Stilton series Cam Jansen series by David Adler The Cul-de-sac Kids series by Beverly Lewis Linda Sue Park's MG novels Are you seeing a consistency? At least with my kids, upper elementary through teenage years are hooked on a series. Mine were comfortable with a certain author and then would buy/check out all the subsequent books. I must share one favorite board book of each of my kids.
Can you guess who liked which one? Well, enjoy Children's Book Week with your favorites & the children in your life!
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 Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him. Psalm 127:3 Of all the holidays in Korea, my children pay attention to today's holiday: May 5th, Children's Day. We left early for the Children's Grand Park, a free national park, where some festivities would be held. This day was started by Jeong Hwan Bang in 1923 while Korea was under Japanese rule. The oppressed Koreans saw no future for themselves, but they had hope in their children as the future of Korea. Time Magazine 1951 described a Korean Children's Day parade that read "Children are the Nation's Flower." Mr. Bang believed Koreans could take their country back by educating the children. He believed children should be able to dream and be respected, just like adults. Mr. Bang advocated for children's rights, wrote stories and songs, and lectured. Thanks to him we can celebrate this holiday. Children are the future of our nation. Let's show respect for children. Children who grow up with ridicule and contempt from others will become people who disrespect others, while children who grow up with respect from others will become people who respect others in turn. ~ Jeong Hwan Bang  How do they celebrate? Since it's a national holiday, there's no school! And most parents are off work so that they can spend the day with their kids. Some take them to the zoo, amusement parks, the national Children's Grand Park, or on picnics. Most of the children receive a gift. (Last year I made the mistake of being in ToysRus on this day, and it was packed!) You can see more photos in the slideshow below. The Grand Park is wonderful as it has a small zoo, amusement park, playgrounds, a botanical center, and spacious land which is rare in Seoul. I also like seeing the old architecture to remind the people of culture. I wish our America had a Children's Day. As I researched online, it looks like some people have tried to get one started, but nothing yet. As I say, Every day is Children's Day in America. :) And lastly, treasure your children today. Give them hugs and kisses and read to them. Especially as many S.Korean parents are mourning over their lost high schoolers from the April 16th ferry tragedy. As of today, there are 242 deaths, 60 still missing. God bless our children, our future. |
Tina M. Cho, children's authorI'm a children's author and freelance writer for the educational market. Welcome! 
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