Gr 1–4 —Debut picture book author Wang and illustrator Cha pull from the histories of their families to tell of the harrowing time when Koreans fled from north to south as the Korean War was dividing the country in half. Wang's family lived in a house at the edge of the sea in Busan, and they welcomed distant relatives and neighbors as they made the arduous journey to safety. Kyung, the young girl centered in this story, is fearful of the disruption and challenges of welcoming so many people into their house; but she gradually makes friends and finds ways to share her family's resources. The war gets closer and closer to their safe haven, and when Kyung shares her fears with her mother she is consoled with these words: "It's easier to face our fears if we stick together and hold each other up." Watercolor and other media create beautiful land- and seascapes while capturing the emotions of those escaping war and those welcoming the refugees. Back matter includes additional historical context in both the author and illustrator's notes along with a glossary and notes about Korean names. VERDICT The gift of safety is celebrated in this historical picture book that brims with messages for contemporary children: those whose families have fled to safety and those who have welcome to offer. Highly recommended for all collections, but especially useful for older elementary classes where historical conflicts and contemporary issues are discussed.—John Scott

In this picture book set in 1950, Kyung lives with her family in a seaside house in the southeastern Korean coastal city of Busan. As the North Korean and Chinese militaries push south, many families begin to flee toward Busan. Kyung's parents take several of these refugees in, giving them shelter and safety. The girl shares her home, food, parents' attention, and sleeping mat, which she tolerates but becomes increasingly annoyed about. She eventually learns grace and perspective: "visitors are not stones we can toss into the sea. They are people, our neighbors, to help and to love." Cha's illustrations pay exquisite attention to the beauty of the seaside landscape, using color to intensify the experience of being near the ocean. Vibrant greens and blues swirl, producing the feeling of an ever-moving sea, while wheaty shades of tan create sand and scrub, all of which contrast with the darkness of a makeshift air raid shelter where women and children hide. This gorgeously illustrated book contains beautiful turns of phrase and metaphors ("we sat like two quiet hills, the breeze combing through our hair"). It's a touching homage to the author's own grandparents' heroism, which also offers rare insight into complex feelings about personal sacrifice and witnessing the suffering of others. A glossary is appended, and author and illustrator notes provide historical context.