Jin Woo

Rating:
Summary: A story of adoption and brotherhood
Review: "Jin Woo" is a children's book by Eve Bunting, with illustrations by Chris Soentpiet. The book tells the story of David, a young adoptee whose family is preparing to adopt a second child: a Korean baby boy named Jin Woo.

Like many children expecting a new child into the family, David has some concerns. But his parents assure him that the love they share with the new baby will not diminish the love they have for him. And David bonds with his new brother, ensuring the unity of the newly enlarged family.

This is a good story with educational value. The author brings up some interesting aspects of cross-cultural/international adoption. The easy-to-read text is well complemented by Soentpiet's colorful, realistic illustrations. I recommend "Jin Woo" for both home and classroom.

Rating:
Summary: A Beautiful Touching Book
Review: As a family with a child who was adopted from Guatemala, we always look for adoptive family stories. We knew this would be good because Eve Bunting is already one of our favorites. But this lovely book exceeded our expectations. The words were beautiful and the pictures were so wonderful. As we were reading it, all the adults were teary eyed. The next day, we reread it and our little 8 year old was as interested as the day before, and her Godfather, an artist himself ,was amazed at how the pictures show the detail and the emotion in the family so beautifully and so clearly. We recommend it wholeheartedly.

Rating:
Summary: A child's reaction to adoption
Review: David is the only son (adopted himself) in his family, until Mom and Dad start talking about adopting a baby from Korea. He's not sure how to feel about it, even though he told his parents he was "okay." He watches as his parents prepare for his new brother's arrival with a beautiful nursery and a special dinner before going to the airport to wait for Jin Woo. The escort encourages the parents not to forget Jin Woo's cultural heritage as he grows up. The story concludes with David reading a letter "from Jin Woo" and a discussion with his parents about how their love for him will not decrease, even though there is another son in their lives.

Let me say the illustrations in this book are gorgeous! You see realistic emotions on each face, from anticipation to uncertainty. Maybe this set of parents are a-typical for what Americans are like, but I sure wish I had a loving, nurturing set like them. I like how the father is there, being supportive and loving every step of the way.

Rating:
Summary: A sibling's story of adoption
Review: Eve Bunting, the popular children's author has written this book about a boy named David's feelings when his new brother, Jin Woo, arrives from Korea. David, who is Caucasian like his parents, wonders if there was as much anticipation and fanfare when he was adopted. He deals with mixed feelings as his parents get the phone call and they all drive to the airport to pick up Jin Woo. He thinks he's happy about the new arrival, but he's unsure about what changes the baby will bring, and if his parents will have still have enough time & love for him. (When his mother says "I can't wait for the baby to arrive," David thinks, "I can wait. I could wait longer.")

When Jin Woo arrives (about six months old, I'd say), David gets to hold him, and when he plays "this little piggy" with his little brother, he is the recipient of Jin Woo's first laugh.

When they arrive home, his mother hands him a letter which she says is from Jin Woo. "...I'm glad that I have you to help me. Mom and Dad told me how much they love you. And how much they will love me. They say they have so much love inside of them that what they give to me won't take any away from you." David is reassured and feels happy. The ending illustration is a lovely family picture of the four of them.

The illustrator, Chris Sontpiet (a Korean adoptee himself) has pictured the tale in brightly-lit watercolors and animated expressions that lend a bit of a hyper-real aura to the illustrations. The emotions are nicely accentuated and David's contrasting feelings are well-portrayed.

Rating:
Summary: [Jin Woo]
Review: I GIVE this book 5 stars because it's a good book and it has a baby in this stroy and I love babies. It's a good story, and everybody should read it. Eve Bunting and Chris Soentpiet did a good job on this book and I hope they read it again because it is a good book. I love it very much and my favorite part is when they said they're going to get a baby and my other favorite part is when the brother takes good care of Jin Woo.

Rating:
Summary: Megan from Ashley River Creative Arts El.
Review: The book Jin Woo tells a story with words but you don't have to look at the words. It's just as good with the illustrations. The illustrations show brilliant and life like pictures. Bright and beautiful illustrations can really catch one's eye. Chris's pictures are the best. I love his creative pictures. I give it five stars.