Instagram Story Viewer

📣 Thrilled to announce that I’m now represented by Susan Hawk @UpstartCrowLiterary 📣 Can’t wait to send new stories out to the world with her! We’ve already started working on some very exciting stuff, so watch this space 🤗 In the meantime, you can also visit my website sojungkimmccarthy.art (link in bio) for more of my illustrations or request a PDF portfolio from us.

#kidlit #kidlitart #childrensbook #childrensbookillustration #picturebook #picturebookillustration #esea #eseaartist #eseaillustrator #illustratoroninstagram #koreanillustrator #asianillustrator #hanbok #kidsbooks #kidlituk #kidlitartpostcard

🎂Happy book birthday to BINNA’S DALGONA🥳 Can’t believe this day has come, but my author-illustrator debut picture book is out today from Dial Books For Young Readers @penguinkids! You can order it through the link in my bio🎉

I have to thank the whole team for hard-carrying my whining self through the whole journey, luckily I think we’ve taken a scenic route 😉 Thanks a million to my wonderful editor Michelle Lee @cupoflee for always understanding like 찰떡 sweet rice cake exactly where I was trying to go, art director Jennifer Kelly & designer Maya Tatsukawa @petitemayat for letting me have all the fun illustrating! Also many thanks Sylvia Bi @rowatree for making sure we have a solid foundation for this book. Abby Synnes @abbysynnes I guess I’ll still have to rely on you for a while… Look after me please 🙏

And of course a massive thank-you to Lydia Silver, I wouldn’t have written a word of this book without you telling me to write real people stuff! Binna owes you her life ☺️ I would also like to thank Becca Langton and everyone at Darley Anderson Children’s for finding the perfect home for Binna.

It’s only 3pm here but I’m now off to 🥂🍾 if you don’t mind 😎

#publicationday #bookbirthday #picturebook #childrensbook #kidlitart #kidlit #dalgona #binnasdalgona #koreanfood #aapiheritagemonth #childrensbookillustration #koreanamerican #bookhive25 #koreandiaspora #koreanbritish

I’m a little late in sharing this but it’s super exciting that BINNA’S DALGONA is already getting great reviews 😍 “A delightfully gentle tale of navigating language barriers” is what it is! Ahh!! Pre-order link in bio✨ Coming out on 13 May✨

#kidlit #childrensbook #picturebook #kidlitart #kirkusreviews #childrenspublishing #bookreview #languagelearning #languagebarrier #immigration #koreanillustrator #dalgona #korea #childrensbookreview #picturebookreview #bookhive25 #DialBooksForYoungReaders

I’m a little late in sharing this but it’s super exciting that BINNA’S DALGONA is already getting great reviews 😍 “A delightfully gentle tale of navigating language barriers” is what it is! Ahh!! Pre-order link in bio✨ Coming out on 13 May✨

#kidlit #childrensbook #picturebook #kidlitart #kirkusreviews #childrenspublishing #bookreview #languagelearning #languagebarrier #immigration #koreanillustrator #dalgona #korea #childrensbookreview #picturebookreview #bookhive25 #DialBooksForYoungReaders

Today’s the 1st book birthday of BINNA’S DALGONA, my author-illustrator debut PB! So I thought I’d reshare what I wrote for @yabookscentral a year ago. Lots of things happened since then, but these words are still true. If you haven’t heard already, Dial is closing down & my wonderful editor is laid off, so I don’t know what will happen to this book in another year’s time. But whatever happens, happy birthday, Binna! You will always be my shining star 🌟

Btw, If you love a book, please buy a copy so it can keep existing & so other wonderful books can also be published. BINNA’S DALGONA is still available! Link in bio!

#diversechildrensbooks #aapi #aapiheritagemonth #weneeddiversebooks #representationmatters

Today’s the 1st book birthday of BINNA’S DALGONA, my author-illustrator debut PB! So I thought I’d reshare what I wrote for @yabookscentral a year ago. Lots of things happened since then, but these words are still true. If you haven’t heard already, Dial is closing down & my wonderful editor is laid off, so I don’t know what will happen to this book in another year’s time. But whatever happens, happy birthday, Binna! You will always be my shining star 🌟

Btw, If you love a book, please buy a copy so it can keep existing & so other wonderful books can also be published. BINNA’S DALGONA is still available! Link in bio!

#diversechildrensbooks #aapi #aapiheritagemonth #weneeddiversebooks #representationmatters

Today’s the 1st book birthday of BINNA’S DALGONA, my author-illustrator debut PB! So I thought I’d reshare what I wrote for @yabookscentral a year ago. Lots of things happened since then, but these words are still true. If you haven’t heard already, Dial is closing down & my wonderful editor is laid off, so I don’t know what will happen to this book in another year’s time. But whatever happens, happy birthday, Binna! You will always be my shining star 🌟

Btw, If you love a book, please buy a copy so it can keep existing & so other wonderful books can also be published. BINNA’S DALGONA is still available! Link in bio!

#diversechildrensbooks #aapi #aapiheritagemonth #weneeddiversebooks #representationmatters

Today’s the 1st book birthday of BINNA’S DALGONA, my author-illustrator debut PB! So I thought I’d reshare what I wrote for @yabookscentral a year ago. Lots of things happened since then, but these words are still true. If you haven’t heard already, Dial is closing down & my wonderful editor is laid off, so I don’t know what will happen to this book in another year’s time. But whatever happens, happy birthday, Binna! You will always be my shining star 🌟

Btw, If you love a book, please buy a copy so it can keep existing & so other wonderful books can also be published. BINNA’S DALGONA is still available! Link in bio!

#diversechildrensbooks #aapi #aapiheritagemonth #weneeddiversebooks #representationmatters

Today’s the 1st book birthday of BINNA’S DALGONA, my author-illustrator debut PB! So I thought I’d reshare what I wrote for @yabookscentral a year ago. Lots of things happened since then, but these words are still true. If you haven’t heard already, Dial is closing down & my wonderful editor is laid off, so I don’t know what will happen to this book in another year’s time. But whatever happens, happy birthday, Binna! You will always be my shining star 🌟

Btw, If you love a book, please buy a copy so it can keep existing & so other wonderful books can also be published. BINNA’S DALGONA is still available! Link in bio!

#diversechildrensbooks #aapi #aapiheritagemonth #weneeddiversebooks #representationmatters

Today’s the 1st book birthday of BINNA’S DALGONA, my author-illustrator debut PB! So I thought I’d reshare what I wrote for @yabookscentral a year ago. Lots of things happened since then, but these words are still true. If you haven’t heard already, Dial is closing down & my wonderful editor is laid off, so I don’t know what will happen to this book in another year’s time. But whatever happens, happy birthday, Binna! You will always be my shining star 🌟

Btw, If you love a book, please buy a copy so it can keep existing & so other wonderful books can also be published. BINNA’S DALGONA is still available! Link in bio!

#diversechildrensbooks #aapi #aapiheritagemonth #weneeddiversebooks #representationmatters

📚💖🤩 So very happy to uplift these *fabulous* picture books with #PBStudyBuddy: I AM A BON DANCER, CAN YOU IMAGINE?, and BINNA’S DALGONA. Please share and support them too!

#PBStudyBuddy #Kidlit
#IAmABonDancer @brandialwayswrites @colorshelf @holidayhousepeachtree
#CanYouImagine @ltolin @yas.imamura @simonkids @ssedlib
#BinnasDalgona @creativesojung @penguinkids @penguinclassroom

💫 Psst! Want to suggest a book for a future #PBStudyBuddy feature? See how to do so at pbstudybuddy.com/submit. No DM requests please. Thank you!

#kidlit #kidlitart #kidsbookstagram #bookstagram #picturebooks #childrensbooks #teachers #teachersofinstagram #schoollibrarian #librarians #librariansofinstagram

For this month’s #KidLitArtPostcard, I offer this fun scene from my picture book BINNA’S DALGONA. Binna’s just emigrated to a new country & is trying to find a way to make it her new home despite the language barrier & culture differences 💖

Hi all, I’m Sojung Kim-McCarthy, Korean author & illustrator based in the UK. I illustrate PB~MG & am open to exciting projects we can work on together :)

✉️ sojungkimmccarthy@gmail.com
🏡 sojungkimmccarthy.art
🏢 Susan Hawk | @UpstartCrowLiterary

#aanhpiheritagemonth #aanhpi #kidlitart #koreanillustrator

Happy #AANHPI Heritage Month! I hope everyone gets to celebrate the richness of all the culture, language, food and stories that we bring to our communities. And remember- we are stronger together💖

#aanhpiheritagemonth #kidlit #picturebook #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

Still processing what I’ve (re)learned at my first trip to @BolognaChildrensBookFair last week. I can’t say everything was just as I dreamed - my overqualified printer crashed so I couldn’t print out the poster I wanted to bring; British Airways cancelled & rescheduled our flight so we had one less day in Bologna than planned; I saw/heard about some appalling behaviour from other visitors (including disrespect for other people’s work and thefts of various materials). But it was great to sit in a safe space and listen to people who love this craft called children’s book illustration. Thanks a million for the insights to all who delivered wonderful masterclasses. I’ve learned some new things and was reminded of some other things. My most important take away: play more & have fun 🎨

#bcbf2026 #kidlitart #bolognachildrensbookfair #bologna #childrensbook

We distilled Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to “Every child has a right to be shielded from the risk of mortality or malnutrition.” Here it is from the document with art from @creativesojung Sojung Kim-McCarthy and her quote: “Food means love, community, and protection. I offer my spare bedroom as an emergency accommodation for refugee & asylum seeker guests...And the best thing I can do is prepare a nutritious, hearty, home-cooked meal for them - their national dish, if possible...Our peace bubble expands one recipe at a time...”

We distilled Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to “Every child has a right to be shielded from the risk of mortality or malnutrition.” Here it is from the document with art from @creativesojung Sojung Kim-McCarthy and her quote: “Food means love, community, and protection. I offer my spare bedroom as an emergency accommodation for refugee & asylum seeker guests...And the best thing I can do is prepare a nutritious, hearty, home-cooked meal for them - their national dish, if possible...Our peace bubble expands one recipe at a time...”

We distilled Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to “Every child has a right to be shielded from the risk of mortality or malnutrition.” Here it is from the document with art from @creativesojung Sojung Kim-McCarthy and her quote: “Food means love, community, and protection. I offer my spare bedroom as an emergency accommodation for refugee & asylum seeker guests...And the best thing I can do is prepare a nutritious, hearty, home-cooked meal for them - their national dish, if possible...Our peace bubble expands one recipe at a time...”

We distilled Article 24 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to “Every child has a right to be shielded from the risk of mortality or malnutrition.” Here it is from the document with art from @creativesojung Sojung Kim-McCarthy and her quote: “Food means love, community, and protection. I offer my spare bedroom as an emergency accommodation for refugee & asylum seeker guests...And the best thing I can do is prepare a nutritious, hearty, home-cooked meal for them - their national dish, if possible...Our peace bubble expands one recipe at a time...”

✨🏆✨Delighted to share on this #WorldBookDay that BINNA’S DALGONA is selected for 2026 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People!

Awarded by National Council For Social Studies @ncss_network & Children’s Book Council @childrensbookcouncil, this list features K-12 annotated titles published in the previous calendar year that are exceptional books for use in social studies classrooms, selected by social studies educators.

As always, thanks a million to the team @penguinkids - the wonderful editor of this book Michelle Lee @cupoflee & designer @petitemayat & the publicist @abbysynnes

Find some wonderful books in the full list - link in bio!

#KidLit #ChildrensBook #PictureBook #NSSTB2026

Meet @creativesojung! “Sojung Kim-McCarthy is an award-winning author-illustrator based in the seaside town of Bournemouth, UK.
She makes stories and pictures about finding a new home and family, belonging and fitting in, and her Korean heritage. When not working on books, she is making soup for her local community kitchen in her giant cauldron, or learning new recipes from the refugee guests she hosts in her spare bedroom.”

Meet @creativesojung! “Sojung Kim-McCarthy is an award-winning author-illustrator based in the seaside town of Bournemouth, UK.
She makes stories and pictures about finding a new home and family, belonging and fitting in, and her Korean heritage. When not working on books, she is making soup for her local community kitchen in her giant cauldron, or learning new recipes from the refugee guests she hosts in her spare bedroom.”

Meet @creativesojung! “Sojung Kim-McCarthy is an award-winning author-illustrator based in the seaside town of Bournemouth, UK.
She makes stories and pictures about finding a new home and family, belonging and fitting in, and her Korean heritage. When not working on books, she is making soup for her local community kitchen in her giant cauldron, or learning new recipes from the refugee guests she hosts in her spare bedroom.”

Meet @creativesojung! “Sojung Kim-McCarthy is an award-winning author-illustrator based in the seaside town of Bournemouth, UK.
She makes stories and pictures about finding a new home and family, belonging and fitting in, and her Korean heritage. When not working on books, she is making soup for her local community kitchen in her giant cauldron, or learning new recipes from the refugee guests she hosts in her spare bedroom.”

Meet @creativesojung! “Sojung Kim-McCarthy is an award-winning author-illustrator based in the seaside town of Bournemouth, UK.
She makes stories and pictures about finding a new home and family, belonging and fitting in, and her Korean heritage. When not working on books, she is making soup for her local community kitchen in her giant cauldron, or learning new recipes from the refugee guests she hosts in her spare bedroom.”

Give. Children. Peace.

#lantern #kidlitart #lanternfestival