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GOYANGI MEANS CAT

Goyangi Means Cat
Author Information
Author's Last Name: 
McDonnell
Author's First Name: 
Christine
Illustrator's First Name: 
Steve
Illustrator's Last Name: 
Johnson
Publisher: 
Viking
Publication Date: 
2011
2013 Nomination (not yet selected): 

Soo Min comes from Korea to live with her adopted American family. Everything is strange, but it is Goyangi, the family Siamese cat, who helps her adjust and she loves him. With him, she isn't afraid. Then Goyanji goes missing. Lush, realistic collages incorporating oil paint, as well as textures from both East and West, bring the book to life. The climax of this touching story simply and subtly shows that Soo Min is now truly home. Up to Seven. Annette Klause

Collage, muted acrylics, and oil paints create patterns reflecting the Eastern and Western worlds of an adopted Korean child. Bonding with “goyangi,” the cat in her new house, she weeps when it goes missing. Its return helps her accept that both she and Goyangi are home.

Comments

Meeting Notes September

by ladamson - 09/29/2011 - 11:20am
Meeting Notes September 23
 
Positive Comments:
  • The lush illustrations with textures resembling fabrics and prints bring the story to life.
  • This story about a slightly older child arriving at a new home, and adjusting, has an ending that conveys she has finally accepted it. 
Observations:
  • Knowing if the Korean words are appropriate would be helpful. 
Concerns:
  • The illustrations are slightly hazy.
  • This seems like an average adoption book with a purpose rather than a good story.