The House Before Falling into the Sea

“This gorgeous picture book depicts a historical moment rarely, if ever, covered in picture books—the Korean War—with stunning illustrations and deft prose that centers on a young girl’s experience. . . . It’s an accessible, compassionate, and lovely picture book."—Book Riot

*“Drawing from her own family’s experiences, Wang has crafted a lyrical gem of a story. Adopting a child’s perspective, the author manages to make topics such as warfare and loss of one’s home comprehensible to a young audience, while Cha’s bold strokes and splashes of color convey movement and enhance the emotional weight of the subject."—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

*“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 surprisingly beautiful turns of phrase and metaphors (“we sat like two quiet hills, the breeze combing through our hair”). 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.”—The Horn Book Review, starred review

*“Wang’s story, based on her mother’s account of growing up in a household that welcomed people displaced during the Korean War, is a touching narrative that focuses mainly on the children’s experiences. The back matter includes an informative glossary and notes from both the writer and the illustrator, whose grandmother lived near the story’s setting as a teenager. Cha’s expressive mixed-media illustrations reflect the characters’ emotions and recreate the beautiful setting in this moving picture book.”—Booklist, starred review