Purchase to Support Our Program

“Expressive cartoons are rendered with a soft pastel palette and peppered with charming details as Nara and Papa knead the dough… This delectable tale concludes with mother and child enjoying a warm loaf; a touching author’s note closes out the work… A lovingly crafted tale, baked in with tender memories.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“This is a wonderful book for children who are dealing with the aftermath of a familial loss. While it features a heavy topic, it’s done in a way that is light and shows how life goes on.”

—Booklist

“When an unexpected death interrupts a special familial ritual, a child carries a shared legacy forward in this heartening story.”

—Publishers Weekly

Bread Days

Written by Hannah Chung
Illustrated by Hannah Chung
Published by Astra Young Readers

Nara loves nothing more than her bread days with Papa. Together, they mix, fold, and score dough, and eagerly watch as it rises to a delicious loaf in the oven. But one day, Papa is no longer there, and Nara’s bread days are suddenly empty. Instead, she’s left with feelings and memories that sadden and confuse her. But when Nara starts to take care of the sourdough starter she and Papa once made, she finds solace in bread days again—and, together with Mama, is able to keep a family tradition alive in memory of past loved ones.

Primary ISBN: 9781662621017
Publication Date: September 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 04 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.

Engagement Materials:

A letter from author, Hannah Chung

Creator Hannah Chung introduces BREAD DAYS!

Discussion Guide

Activity Sheets

Source: Astra Young Readers