What Will You Be, Sara Mee? celebrating a special birthday (ages 3 - 8)

First birthdays are a special celebration, one that families remember for a long time. What Will You Be, Sara Mee? is a lovely look at a Korean tradition, and will delight children.

What Will You Be, Sara Mee? 
by Kate Aver Avraham
illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien
MA: Charlesbridge, 2010
ages 3 - 8
available at your local library or favorite bookstore

As Chong greets his baby sister Sara Mee the morning of her first birthday, he asks her, “What will you be, Sara Mee?” It’s a special day for Sara Mee. Her Korean American family is gathering to celebrate her tol, or her first-birthday celebration. There will be food and presents, but most exciting is the traditional Korean game, the toljabee which will predict what she will be when she grows up. Chong, her older brother, is especially excited to see see what Sara Mee will pick from the table. Their halmoni, or grandmother, opens the special family box and Chong takes out the special items one by one.

Take a look at a preview of the book available through Google Books:


Kate Avraham’s sweet story builds to a satisfying conclusion, and Anne O’Brien’s illustrations are full of warmth and togetherness. This is a special book for any family celebrating a little one’s special birthday.

For other reviews, check out The Book Dragon and Waking Brain Cells. The Book Dragon had some interesting comments on the presentation of Korean words, noting that Avraham uses an outdated, jarring method. But the feelings and sentiment behind the book still make this valuable and delightful. The review copy came from our school library.

Review ©2011 Mary Ann Scheuer, Great Kid Books.