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A Spoonful of the Sea

by Hyewon Yum Publisher: NORTON YOUNG READERS

A birthday bowl with generations of meaning

Regular price $18.12 USD
Regular price $30.21 USD Sale price $18.12 USD
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Hardcover New English

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AlbakiReads Editorial

A birthday bowl with generations of meaning

A birthday girl hoping for cake instead receives miyeokguk, a Korean seaweed soup. As her mother explains the soup’s place in honoring mothers after childbirth, the meal opens onto the work of haenyeo—women who dive for shellfish and seaweed—and a family tradition traced through generations of daughters. The birthday celebration thus connects one child’s disappointment with stories of birth, women’s labor, and inherited customs. The picture-book premise brings cultural heritage and the natural world together through a familiar family ritual.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 exploring family traditions and birthday celebrations
  • Young readers interested in Korean food and cultural heritage
  • Families looking for a picture book about mothers and intergenerational connections

Themes

MotherhoodKorean food and heritageIntergenerational traditionsWomen’s relationship with nature

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

On her birthday, a girl is presented with a bowl of miyeokguk, seaweed soup--instead of the cake she wants. As she stirs her soup, her mother tells her how mothers eat it after giving birth and how it is served on birthdays to honor them; about haenyeo, women who dive into the ocean's depths to harvest shellfish and seaweed; and how, many mothers ago, a pregnant haenyeo saw a whale eating seaweed after giving birth and tried it after having her own baby--creating a tradition that would continue for generations of daughters to come.

Award-winning picture book creator Hyewon Yum has crafted a luminous and heartfelt celebration of motherhood, heritage, and the deep-rooted connection between women and nature.

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In-stock items normally dispatch within 1–2 business days. The ZIP-code estimator on this page is informational only; the final shipping method, price, and availability are confirmed at checkout for your full order.

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Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

T
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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

O
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Olivia

Smooth.