Slippery, Spicy, Tingly: An Interview with Author Yangsook Choi

There’s nothing more delicious than a good mystery! And Keo’s grandmother reveals the best treasure in Slippery, Spicy, Tingly: A Kimchi Mystery by Yangsook Choi. In this heartwarming picture book, Keo’s halmoni unexpectedly comes to visit and digs a hole in the backyard. He’s not sure what’s going on, but he’s going to find out!

Today author Yangsook Choi joins us on the Lerner blog to share her creative process, why kimchi is so important, and her hopes for young readers. Keep reading to see the official book trailer!

How did you come up with the title?

The story celebrates kimchi, an iconic Korean food but also celebrates the intergenerational relationships between a doubtful boy and his zestful grandmother. In the title, I wanted to capture the taste and texture of well-ripe kimchi as well as halmoni’s colorful personality. I began by picking two dozen words that seemed close to describing them. The process of weighing all the options took weeks, but it was worth it to add spice to the title.

Why is kimchi so important in Korean heritage and culture?

Kimchi has been a food journey of thousands and thousands of cabbages for centuries. As recipes are passed down from generation to generation, kimchi symbolizes strength and survival. Kimchi also kindles sharing and storytelling. Koreans consume almost two million tons of kimchi every year, trading stories, laughter, and occasional tears.

How do you create authentic characters like Keo and halmoni?

I start by making rough sketches of my characters, and drawing them over and over again until I like what I see. While drawing them, I wonder what they think and what they feel, how they’d act or react. Not everyone thinks, talks, or acts the same way. The best way for me to learn about the characters I’m creating is to see them through the eyes of empathy instead of seeing them with judgment or impatience. I have to say that’s one of the best things I’ve learned as a storyteller, and I’m still learning it.

What part of the book was the most fun to illustrate?

The scene where a cabbage is tickling Keo’s foot in his dream. My foot actually felt tingly while painting that. Certain scenes are swimming in my head early on, even before I start sketching. That scene is one of them. Eating kimchi makes my creativity soar to imaginative heights!

What do you hope readers will learn from reading Slippery, Spicy, Tingly: A Kimchi Mystery?

My hope is that readers won’t judge a food by how different or unpleasant it smells, but by how nutritious it is for our body. How important it is to live in harmony with nature for better health and Earth. And how much love quirky grandparents have even for the most suspicious of their grandchildren.

What is your favorite part about writing for children?

Sprinkling hope into stories to help the young readers grow and see themselves as a GREAT character. When they can see themselves this way, their life stories will become stronger and full of flavor!

Praise for Slippery, Spicy, Tingly

★ “Based on Korean author and illustrator Choi’s relationship with her own grandmother, the story’s playful drawings and writing create a fun, lighthearted feel. The gentle pastel illustrations capture Halmoni’s quirky personality through her facial expressions and movements, as well as Keo’s curiosity and wonder.”—starred, Booklist

“A slippery, spicy tale that tingles with wit and whimsy.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Choi’s imaginative Keo offers a well-reasoned foil to the actions of “slippery, spicy, and tingly as kimchi” Halmoni, while acrylic and colored pencil illustrations, finished digitally, depict the family activities in warm hues and imagined fantastical events in blue-green tones.”—Publishers Weekly

“This is a lovely family story about the sharing of making food together. The warm, friendly artwork is a perfect complement to the story.”—School Library Journal

“This book promotes diversity and teaches about the Korean culture. It would be perfect for teachers looking to discuss cultural differences and have children share about their favorite dishes. Reviewer Rating: 5″—Children’s Literature

Watch the Official Book Trailer!

Connect with the Author

Yangsook Choi grew up in Korea and moved to New York to study art. She has written and illustrated many books, earning several awards including a New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year, an ALA Notable Book, and an International Reading Association’s Children’s Book Award. She splits her time between Seoul and New York.

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