In this diverse picture book, a young immigrant from South Korea finds community and friendship in an apartment house filled with other newly arrived kids.
When Jae looks out the window of his new home, he wishes he could still see his old village, his old house, and his old friends. But his new apartment feels empty and nothing outside is familiar. Jae just arrived from South Korea and doesn't even speak the new language.
Yet, making friends is the same wherever you go and he soon meets a girl with a colorful bird perched on her shoulder. Rosa knows just how Jae feels and the two become fast friends. Not only does Rosa show Jae his new neighborhood but she shows him how his imagination can bring back memories of his old home. Then Rosa leaves unexpectedly one night but leaves her parrot for Jae. He thinks about the song that Rosa would sing: “When I fly away, my heart stays here.” And when Jae meets two other newly arrived kids, he teaches them Rosa's song and becomes their guide to this new world.
From the creators of the highly acclaimed The Paper Kingdom, comes a new book about the importance of community and demonstrates how a simple act of kindness can be passed along to others.
★ "Striking and raw…. Readers will share the sadness of Jae's loss, but only after seeing Rosa and Jae's joyful playing—a happiness that's distinct to childhood." —Booklist, starred review
Helena Ku Rhee is the award-winning author of picture books, including the bestselling The Paper Kingdom named to many year-end Best Books lists, including NPR, BookPage, Kirkus, Parents Magazine, and the Los Angeles Public Library, among others. The book was also featured on Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, and ABC – TV. Helena is also the author of Sora’s Seashells, a recipient of the 2024 Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor, as well as Rosa’s Song. Her essays have appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and Salon. Helena has lived in various parts of the U.S., Asia, and Europe and now makes her home in Los Angeles.
View titles by Helena Ku Rhee
In this diverse picture book, a young immigrant from South Korea finds community and friendship in an apartment house filled with other newly arrived kids.
When Jae looks out the window of his new home, he wishes he could still see his old village, his old house, and his old friends. But his new apartment feels empty and nothing outside is familiar. Jae just arrived from South Korea and doesn't even speak the new language.
Yet, making friends is the same wherever you go and he soon meets a girl with a colorful bird perched on her shoulder. Rosa knows just how Jae feels and the two become fast friends. Not only does Rosa show Jae his new neighborhood but she shows him how his imagination can bring back memories of his old home. Then Rosa leaves unexpectedly one night but leaves her parrot for Jae. He thinks about the song that Rosa would sing: “When I fly away, my heart stays here.” And when Jae meets two other newly arrived kids, he teaches them Rosa's song and becomes their guide to this new world.
From the creators of the highly acclaimed The Paper Kingdom, comes a new book about the importance of community and demonstrates how a simple act of kindness can be passed along to others.
Reviews
★ "Striking and raw…. Readers will share the sadness of Jae's loss, but only after seeing Rosa and Jae's joyful playing—a happiness that's distinct to childhood." —Booklist, starred review
Author
Helena Ku Rhee is the award-winning author of picture books, including the bestselling The Paper Kingdom named to many year-end Best Books lists, including NPR, BookPage, Kirkus, Parents Magazine, and the Los Angeles Public Library, among others. The book was also featured on Good Morning America, Entertainment Weekly, and ABC – TV. Helena is also the author of Sora’s Seashells, a recipient of the 2024 Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor, as well as Rosa’s Song. Her essays have appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and Salon. Helena has lived in various parts of the U.S., Asia, and Europe and now makes her home in Los Angeles.
View titles by Helena Ku Rhee
