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Table of Contents
About The Book
A moving, lyrical picture book ode to codeswitching about a young Korean American child who must reconcile the outgoing, confident mother they see at home with the mother who is shy and reticent outside the house.
When a young Korean American boy goes to a new school, he catches himself acting differently, shy and uncomfortable in the new environment. To his surprise, he notices his mom doing the same thing!
Outside Mom wears plain, practical clothes. Inside Mom loves her sparkly shirt. Outside Mom is quiet and likes to listen. But Inside Mom is full of stories and jokes! But when does Inside Mom come…outside?
When a young Korean American boy goes to a new school, he catches himself acting differently, shy and uncomfortable in the new environment. To his surprise, he notices his mom doing the same thing!
Outside Mom wears plain, practical clothes. Inside Mom loves her sparkly shirt. Outside Mom is quiet and likes to listen. But Inside Mom is full of stories and jokes! But when does Inside Mom come…outside?
About The Author
Photo courtesy of the author
Jane Park is a former schoolteacher and an award-winning media producer. Her own fond memories of playing with empty kimchi jars inspired her to write Juna’s Jar. She’s also the author of picture book Outside Mom, Inside Mom. Jane’s always up for a good adventure, especially ones that involve her kids and their jars. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her family.
About The Illustrator
Photo courtesy of the author
Lenny Wen is an author and illustrator who was born in Indonesia. She is the illustrator of several picture books, such as Cal Everett’s Halloween Is Coming!, Amy Robach and Andrew Shue’s Better Together!, Jackie Azúa Kramer’s Empanadas for Everyone, and Jane Park’s Outside Mom, Inside Mom. Lenny currently lives in Austria. When she is not illustrating or writing, you might find her staring at the trees, contemplating story ideas, reading books, filling up her cup with coffee, or hugging her dog.
Why We Love It
“This gentle, lyrical tale is an ode to the power of immigrant communities and to code-switching, and connects children’s experiences to that of their parents in ways that are sweetly affirming, connecting, and kind.”
—Alyza L., Editor, on Outside Mom, Inside Mom
Product Details
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (March 27, 2025)
- Length: 32 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665929509
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
"Offering a thought-provoking lesson in perception, Park has crafted a balanced and sensitive look at an immigrant family’s experience, delightfully lightening her energetic narrative with moments of comedy. Wen deftly uses cooler colors to portray scenes of Outside Mom while employing a warmer palette for the expressive and boisterous Inside Mom.
Warm, insightful, and tender."
– Kirkus Reviews
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
- Book Cover Image (jpg): Outside Mom, Inside Mom Hardcover 9781665929509
- Author Photo (jpg): Jane Park Photo courtesy of the author(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
