The Kimchi Fridge

An empty kimchi fridge brings an extended family of Korean descent together to ferment delicious fun.Mina has a dire need for kimchi stew, but her mother is so distracted playing video games that she can only suggest checking the kimchi refrigerator in the garage. Mina’s crucial discovery—“We’re all out!”—rallies Omma to text the aunties, tie her hair back, cinch that apron, pull on rubber gloves, and announce, “It’s kimjang time.” Grandparents, aunts, cousins, and neighbors quickly assemble with all the necessary ingredients to boil, split, soak, salt, peel, and slice their way to creating everyone’s “own favorite kimchi.” In between, Mina’s dad shows off his K-pop dance moves and brother Jungsu never puts down his phone (except to do the dishes) while the rest of the chefs chatter on. Mina initially struggles with wrapping her kimchi leaves just right, but Omma assures her that not-so-perfect efforts will still be delicious. Their work yields plenty of kimchi to restock many fridges. The next kimjang might seem far off, but “some things are worth waiting for.” Korean American Cho enhances her exuberantly entertaining text with thousands-of-years-old kimjang history; her author’s note mentions the global growth of kimchi consumption. Korean American Kang’s colorfully energetic spreads are an irresistible invitation to join the delectable party.A multilayered feast for the senses—singing, boogie-ing, salivating to Korea’s national culinary treasure. * Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW *

Tina Cho (Author)

Tina Cho is the author of Rice from Heaven: The Secret Mission to Feed North Koreans, Korean Celebrations, The Other Side of Tomorrow, The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story, and more. After living in South Korea for ten years, Tina, her husband, and two kids reside in Iowa where Tina also teaches kindergarten.

Cindy Kang (Illustrator)

Cindy Kang is a New York-based illustrator from Seoul, South Korea. She has created artworks for a diverse array of clients in editorial, advertising, publishing, and children’s books. Her works have received awards and recognition from the World Illustration Awards, American Illustration, The Society of Illustrators, and 3x3 Magazine, among others.

When not at her desk, she loves to travel, collecting small, meaningful items that hold special stories, and writing in her journal until she loses track of time.