Kate Aver Avraham, illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien,
What Will You Be, Sara Mee?
Charlesbridge, 2010.

Ages 3-7

On the morning of Korean American Sara Mee's tol, or first birthday, her older brother Chong proudly helps her prepare for the big day. He eagerly awaits the toljabee, a game in which Sara Mee will be offered an array of objects; the one she chooses will prophesize her future. Chong chose a pen at his toljabee, meaning he will be a writer, and as party guests arrive family members hypothesize what Sara Mee might be: a captain, a chef, or even a musician. Illustrator Anne Sibley O'Brien colorfully displays the warmth of a loving family with realistic watercolor illustrations, and author Kate Aver Avraham incorporates Korean words into a childlike narrative that consistently exudes the excitement and anticipation of this cultural tradition. After Sara Mee makes her long-awaited selection, Chong helps his sister create a memento from the special day. Avraham's personal experience celebrating her Korean American daughter's tol adds tenderness and depth to this satisfying and informative narrative.

Carling Febry
August 2010