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“An empty kimchi fridge brings an extended family of Korean descent together to ferment delicious fun. …“It’s kimjang time.” Grandparents, aunts, cousins, and neighbors quickly assemble with all the necessary ingredients to boil, split, soak, salt, peel, and slice their way to creating everyone’s “own favorite kimchi.” …A multilayered feast for the senses—singing, boogie-ing, salivating to Korea’s national culinary treasure.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

The Kimchi Fridge

Written by Tina Cho
Illustrated by Cindy Kang
Published by little bee books

Get ready to eat . . . It’s kimchi time!

On a cold day, Mina wants to warm up with a bowl of her Omma’s kimchi stew. But when she slides to the kimchi fridge . . . It’s empty! Text the aunties and neighbors, it’s kimjang time! Soon Mina’s home is filled with the warmth of laughter, family, and friendship as everyone gathers to make their own batch of mouth-watering kimchi. But when Mina realizes that her kimchi needs time to ferment and won’t be ready to eat for months, what can she do to satisfy her craving?

Primary ISBN: 9781499819489
Publication Date: October 2026
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented:

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Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 2nd Generation

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

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