The Most Perfect Persimmon

by Hannah Chung

In this charming author-illustrator debut, a Korean American girl harvests a perfectly ripe persimmon that she can’t wait to share with Grandma.When Joo Hong harvests a beautiful persimmon from her mom’s garden, she can’t wait to give it to her grandma who is visiting from far away. However, the days leading up to her arrival feel like forever—and the persimmon is looking less and less perfect as time passes by. What can Joo Hong do to make sure it’s perfectly ripe—and not mushy and wrinkly—for Grandma’s visit? A tender story about three generations of Korean women and one perfect persimmon, this debut from author-illustrator Hannah Chung shows that even when things don’t go as planned, something even better may be in store.

Genres: Picture Books, Food, Childrens, Aapi, Family, Asian Literature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 2024

About the author

Hannah Chung is an author-illustrator who loves creating stories with a sense of wonder and warmth. Her art and stories are inspired by playful conversations with children, the many hometowns she grew up in, and all the life lessons from being an older sister. Outside of creating children’s books, Hannah has over a decade of experience as designer and entrepreneur in the field of children’s health and with student innovators, having garnered recognitions like Time Best Inventions and SXSW Interactive Innovation Award. She spends her time in Providence, Rhode Island, and Seoul, South Korea.

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poor Joo Hong! Her grandmother is coming for a visit, but not for a few more weeks. It’s hard to wait, but Joo Hong uses her time to coax the tree in her backyard to yield the most perfect persimmons by hugging the tree, scaring off fruit-seeking birds and checking the fruit, day or shine. Once the perfect persimmons are ready to pick, the grandmother still isn’t here! What if Grandmother arrives too late to get a perfect persimmon?

Author-illustrator Hannah Chung’s picture book captures the anguish of waiting and of fearing that everything won’t be perfect for that beloved visitor. A wonderful book for young and old, dare I say perfect?

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Astra Publishing House and Astra Young Readers in exchange for an honest review.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely debut for readers 4-8 by writer/illustrator Hannah Chung. We follow a young Korean American girl, Joo Hong, who with her mother waits for the perfect time to harvest persimmons for her beloved visiting grandmother.

When she arrives, Joo Hong bursts into tears because the persimmons are just past their prime. No, explains the grandmother, they are just as I like them. They're a "hongshi, with lots of love and care over time."

The lesson: "When things don't go as planned, something even better may be in store." A charming tale perfect for young readers and the adults who love them.

[Jennifer Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a sweet, beautiful book. My 19 month old daughter was immediately enamored with the drawings and asked me to read it again as soon as we finished it.

[Eloise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. It's elegant while balancing many elements, including themes of patience, perfection, control, and family history, along facts about persimmons (which may be new to some readers). The story takes Joo Hong's feelings seriously without ever feeling to heavy or didactic; it's affecting but also delightful.

My favorite part is the care put into every detail of the visuals: Joo Hong's expressions, her and her mother's outfits, the slowly aging persimmons, and even the delightful design under the book jacket. This is an extremely rich and re-readable picture book, even once you know the ending.

[Srujan · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars out of 5. A sweet book about patience and about how love of a grandparent is unconditional. If you have grown up in an Asian, especially an Indian home like me, you might have spent days and occasionally weeks waiting for the green mangoes ripen in a bed of straw and old newspaper. This book reminded me of that. If you ever want to share a nugget of your childhood with your own offspring, this book is a wonderful chance to do just that! ❤️

[Shan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute! I really liked how cultural this book was! It's perfect for all kids to read, and they will definitely learn about either their own culture or someone else's culture. I even learned some stuff! The illustrations were perfect. They were simplistic, yet still detailed enough where the story became full-bodied through both words and illustrations. There was also a very clear plot, and the story flowed nicely and smoothly.
Perfect book, I loved it!

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

First and foremost, thank you Astra Publishing House for my gifted copy!

Upon seeing this cover, I knew it was a sweet treat to consume! It’s a heartwarming story about three generations of Korean women and one perfect persimmon. Its target audience is for preschoolers through third grade but I found it highly charming even as an adult. Also a great conversational piece for discussion with your children on themes of trepidation, longing, hope, and love. I enjoyed the cultural aspects of Korean hospitality and traditions along with an author’s note included at the end of this book.

The artwork is simple yet compelling and emotional. I still can’t believe this is a debut that is both written and illustrated by a single author. A lovely tale overall - 4.5 stars!

[Bre · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter really enjoyed this book. The story is about a little girl trying to keep the picked persimmons perfect for when her grandma comes to visit.
A very cute story, that was very relatable for my 5-year-old daughter. She got really into it and kept asking when the grandma would show up as she worried about the persimmons. I can see us rereading this one often.

[sweet orange books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was perfect!

[Katherine McDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joo Hong is taking care of their persimmon tree. She’s so excited that she eats one before it’s ripe. She can’t wait to share perfect persimmons with her grandma when she comes.

Joo Hong works hard to water and care for the tree until at last it’s time to harvest the fruit! They’re all perfect but grandma won’t be coming until a little later. The persimmons start to darken and change until they’re definitely no longer perfect.

When grandma arrives, Joo Hong can’t help but cry. She tried so hard. Grandma shows her they’re delicious this way. The persimmons have become hongshis.

I love how sweet this book is. A nice glimpse into another culture and a ripened fruit I never would have thought to try!

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, love, love the illustrations and sweet story here.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

So sweet

[Dione Basseri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandma is coming to visit, and Joo Hong has the best gift to welcome her home: a delicious, perfectly ripe persimmon. But as time passes, the persimmons become dark and mushy, and Joo Hong is crestfallen. But, when Grandma arrives, she teaches Joo Hong about persimmons, and about how we show care to one another.

And now I wish I had the space for another fruit tree! I’m used to persimmons prepared in a Persian manner, but the idea of a mushy, silky persimmon, in the Korean style, now has me quite intrigued. I enjoyed the little note at the end of the book, explaining the tradition of gifting hongshi (perfectly ripe persimmons), and the author’s memories of receiving them from her own grandmother.

The artwork is expressive, especially for Joo Hong. Her varying emotions really come through. There’s a bit more whitespace than I like to see in a picture book, so that did give this a bit of a penalty, down to just 4 stars. Still, this is a great pick for the Fall season, or for preparing a child for a beloved visitor.

Advanced reader copy provided by the publisher.

[Sadie-Jane Huff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 174 of 350 ~ 2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟

I like this author a lot. I find out more about her culture in the sweetest and most endearing stories.

#book174of350 #amreading #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram #reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #booknerds #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #bookaddict #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookchallenge2025 #reviews #lovebooks

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book! Joo Hong has the perfect persimmon and she can’t wait for her grandmother to get there so she can share it with her.

This book is probably aimed more at primary age (K-2, 5-8 years old). It would be perfect for talking about when we wait something better comes or talking about the life cycle of fruits and vegetables and how fruit ripens.

#ThePerfectPersimmon #NetGalley

[Teresa]

Beautiful and sweet

[Rebecca Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hannah Chung’s The Most Perfect Persimmon is a lovely, heartwarming and easy read. I love the cute and softly coloured illustrations that are filled with marvellous details.

Little Joo Hong is excited to see her Grandma who is coming to visit from far away. As a special gift for Grandma, Joo Hong harvests many beautiful persimmons from her backyard. However, as time passes and Grandma’s visit is so far away, Joo Hong’s persimmons begin to lose their beauty. What can she do to save them for Grandma’s visit? And, will the outcome be better than expected?

This is such a moving, gentle, and easy-to-read story! I both laughed and sympathised with Joo Hong as she struggled to get the perfect persimmons. I think it’s a quite relatable story for all ages because who doesn’t want things to go perfectly and then get despondent when things go wrong? But, there’s a simple and sweet happy ending with a great lesson. Maybe, the unexpected may lead you to something wonderful!

I love learning about different cultures and peoples so I really enjoyed that aspect of this book. Chung lovingly presents three generations of Korean women as well as her own personal story as a lovely little author’s note at the end of the book. I love a good persimmon but I had no idea about the Korean tradition of well-ripened persimmons (hongshis!).

I love the adorable and soft artwork. Chung is so talented by weaving together a lovely story with such eyecatching illustrations! Joo Hung is super cute with her pigtails and darling round face. She has so many wonderful expressions-she’s a real character! It’s a small detail but I love how Joo Hong’s clothes changed over time. I especially enjoyed the nature scenes with the stunningly different colours as well as all the amazing little details like the dragonflies and the hungry magpie.The persimmons and persimmon tree are so beautiful. However, for me, the real star is the perfect chubby cat that sneaks into many frames!

Thank you to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for this book in exchange for an honest review.


🌴🌴🌴🌴🌴 out of 5 persimmon trees!

[Elena L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Korean American girl Joo Hong harvests a perfectly ripe persimmon and she can’t wait to share it with grandma who is visiting from far away. However while waiting for her grandma arrival, the persimmon looks less and less perfect. What can Joo Hong do to make sure it's perfectly ripe for grandma’s visit?

Following three generations of Korean women, Chung delivers all the tenderness while covering themes of family, control and patience. With evocative art, the strength of this book is in the details - the care for the persimmon, the innocence and love of a little girl, and the warmth that comes with a family reunited. I cherished every moment and I wanted to give this book (and Joo Hong) a big hug. Utterly charming and culturally relevant, this is a needed read for young and old readers. The perfect debut picture book! (ps: loved reading the memories in the author's note)

[ I received a complimentary copy from the publisher - Astra Young readers . All thoughts are my own ]

[Vanessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a cute story about waiting...until the time is right or for a visit from family. I also loved the Korean culture infused into the illustrations and the story. The grandmother had such a positive reframe on the situations, which I absolutely loved because kids tend to think everything bad is the worst thing in the world, when in reality, it's not always!

Thank you to NetGalley, Hannah Chung, and Astra Publishing House | Astra Young Readers for the opportunity to review and rate this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

[Jiji · Rating 5 out of 5]

True to the author's word, this book indeed radiates the warmth of love within the reader. The storyline are simple and straightforward but it managed to make me invested in every sentences. I like how it potrays a small child's dedication towards something. It is pure, cute and somehow motivates me to do the same: to be dedicated like her.

Illustrations wise: chef kiss!
Sentence & illustration arrangement: seamless and complete each other in an organised style.

Thank you netgalley for the arc given in exchange of an honest review.

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

Joo Hong’s grandmother is coming and she is impatient to give her grandmother the most perfect persimmon. But as each day goes by while she waits for her grandmother to arrive, the persimmons start to look spotted, squishy, not so perfect. I love Joo Hong’s journey to discover that waiting is hard but manageable and sometimes things are the most perfect when they don’t look perfect. Great for kids struggling with impatience and perfection.

[Andreea · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and Astra Publishing House/Astra Young Readers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This book brought me so much joy! Firstly, the story is so wholesome and cute, but the absolute best part about this picture book is the art. The illustrations are adorable and the characters are so expressive - the cat included. Absolutely loved it!

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joo Hong has been waiting SO LONG for her grandmother's visit, and she wants to present her with a perfectly ripened persimmon . . . but all the fruit that Joo's worked so hard to make nice keeps changing, and now it's ugly and wrinkled. Will the long-awaited visit be ruined?

This is a sweet story about longing, and preparations, and, yes, love - with simple yet evocative illustrations by the author. It's just a lovely tale!

Thanks to NetGalley and Astra Publishing for the read.

[The Bibliophile Doctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and Astra publishing House for the wonderful ARC in exchange of honest review.

This story of Joo Hong made me nostalgic. It has those vibes which reminds you of your own childhood and your relationship with your grandparents.

A story can be so much than just a story, it can be wrapped as a blanket of warmth and the most perfect Persimmon proves it.

Highly recommended.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this story and the cultural messages that come through the story.

It is really well written and has a lovely flow to the story.

The illustrations in the book are great and they bring the story to life.

I loved the family tradition too and that it will continue for years to come.

It is 5 stars from me for this one - very highly recommended!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this tale! Based on the author's own experience, I loved the message that when it looked perfect, it didn't taste great - and when it no longer looked great that was when it tasted the best! You can't always judge things by their outsides.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

a really enjoyable story of anticipation and a cultural joy.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story about Korean hospitality and waiting to see a loved one.

[Sylvia Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore the incredibly cute, lovable, and expressive main character in THE MOST PERFECT PERSIMMON and this wonderfully illustrated story which makes you absolutely drool throughout!