On the morning of Korean American Sara Mee’s tol, or first birthday, her older brother Chong eagerly awaits the toljabee, a game in which Sara Mee will be offered an array of objects; the one she chooses will predict her future. Chong chose a pen at his toljabee , meaning he will be a writer. As party guests arrive, family members prophesy that Sara Mee might be a captain, a chef, or even a musician. Illustrator Anne Sibley O’Brien colorfully displays the warmth of a loving family with realistic watercolor illustrations, and author Kate Aver Avraham incorporates Korean words into a childlike narrative that consistently exudes the excitement and anticipation of this cultural tradition. After Sara Mee makes her long-awaited selection, Chong helps his sister create a memento from the special day. Avraham’s personal experience celebrating her Korean American daughter’s tol brings tenderness and depth to this satisfying and informative narrative. (Ages 3–7)

Will she be an artist? A cook? A writer?

Sara Mee is turning one, and her family and friends gather for her tol, or first-birthday celebration. Food and presents abound, but most exciting of all is the traditional Korean prophecy game, called the toljabee, which predicts what Sara Mee will be when she grows up.

A book for all cultures, WHAT WILL YOU BE, SARA MEE? celebrates siblings, community, and the blending of traditions.