Bumi by Ellina Oh
This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here.
Bumi is an adorable orange monster with a little sprout growing out of his head. He spent his whole young life in his monster village with his monster family. Everyone was kind and food was plentiful, but there were not a lot of different kinds of food–and Bumi loved food. While it was difficult, Bumi knew that he needed to follow his heart and try foods he’d never encountered before. And so, Bumi left his family and village behind and headed to New York City. Bumi just knew that New York City had the kind of food variety he craved. Of all the things Bumi tried in New York City, one food stood far above the rest: chocolate. Bumi had never had chocolate before and relished in its flavor and texture. The chocolate inspired Bumi so much that he became determined to start a chocolate cafe. He works diligently in many ways to open his cafe. But when the business isn’t as popular as Bumi dreamed, what can he do to keep his dream alive?
Bumi by Ellina Oh is immensely charming. Given that the book is for a younger audience, the conflicts of Bumi’s home village not having enough variety of food (instead of not enough food) and Bumi not initially having a booming business are perfect levels of difficulty for young readers to see Bumi navigate. Additionally, Bumi loving food, but also knowing there are so many kinds he has never tasted is a notion that can open a lot of young readers’ minds. Often, kids think their family, their traditions, and even the food they eat is the norm and that there isn’t anything better out there. Bumi is a gentle way to challenge that notion for young kids. What foods have kids heard of, but not tried? What dishes can they imagine, but don’t know whether they’re real? What kinds of foods (e.g. fruits, desserts, or soups) do they wish they knew more kinds of? These are just some questions that could be asked to readers after they finish Bumi.
Of course, Bumi’s love of chocolate will also strike a chord with a lot of readers (as it did with me). Bumi’s appreciation of chocolate in all its “bitterness, sweetness, crunchiness, and creaminess,” is such a well-rounded description of the delectable treat. I would have struggled to say it so succinctly and effectively (if pressed, I probably would’ve just said I like its sweet taste).
Also, Bumi’s perseverance and commitment to his goals and dreams is clearly shown in a way young readers can appreciate. Too often, books written for children do a lot of telling instead of showing, but young author and illustrator Ellina Oh is able to show how Bumi makes his own choices, learns how to dedicate his efforts, and thinks creatively when things aren’t going as he’d dreamed. These are all valuable lessons to impart on young readers.
I would be remiss to not sing the praises of Oh’s art. Bumi is charmingly rendered. He has bright, but not blindingly, orange skin. He looks human enough that readers can easily find him cute, but the sprout adorably growing out of the top of Bumi’s head also immediately signals that he is fantastical. Oh’s illustrations also have a wonderful subtle texture with, at times, strokes of the art implement coming through. Bumi’s expressions are always clear, so it’s easy to tell how he’s feeling–which is important to understanding his journey. Finally, I don’t want to give too much away, but there is a twist on the book’s page style when it comes time for Bumi’s chocolate cafe to open that clearly communicates how monumental the moment is for Bumi.
Bumi is an endearing picture book written and illustrated by the talented Ellina Oh. Readers of all ages will smile at the book’s story, messages, and pictures.
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