Happy Chuseok!
As promised in last week’s post, this week I’m featuring special guest author: Tina Cho!
I first contacted Tina after stumbling across Rice from Heaven on Amazon one day. It turned out that she and I had more in common than I expected, and I have been enjoying getting to know her from the opposite side of the world. I was thrilled when she agreed to an interview, and I hope you enjoy learning more about Tina and her work as much as I have!
Although you have written several books for the educational market, this is your first picture book for the general market. With that in mind, will you tell us a little about yourself?
I grew up in Iowa and am an elementary teacher. This is my 15th year of traditional teaching from both the US and South Korea. I’m married and have two children, now both teens. We moved to Korea in 2010, as my husband is originally from South Korea. I’ve been teaching at an international Christian school for the past three years. I started writing in 2008 for the educational and children’s markets.
I understand Rice from Heaven was inspired by an experience you had while living in Korea. For those who don’t already know, why did you write Rice from Heaven?
God has placed on my heart a passion for North Korean refugees, of whom I knew nothing about when I lived in the States. When my colleague started tutoring some refugees English, she told me about the event of sending rice over the border in big balloons. I got to help with this event and knew I would write about it someday.
How has your perspective on North and South Korea changed since you began living in South Korea?
I have learned that some South Koreans don’t favor unification, and they look down on their North Korean neighbors, just as some Americans look down on illegal immigrants.
I have learned that most Korean people are hard-working and loyal to family. Since living here, I have a more global outlook on life. Korea is a beautiful country with its mountains, rivers, oceans, and many colorful flora.
What do you wish people knew about North and South Korea?
I think some people think of S.Korea as a third world country, which it used to be from war days. But now it’s very advanced, especially technologically. South Korea has the second fastest Internet in the world, and so when I go home to the States, I feel like I’m going back in time, hehe. I wish people knew how safe it is to live in South Korea. I feel safer here than in the US where there are so many killings. Little kids walk everywhere here by themselves. People can leave their stuff on their seat at a restaurant, and no one takes it. Regarding North Korea, I wish people understood the human rights problem, how so many people are living in concentration camps, trying to escape the country, and the oppression and brainwashing they receive from the regime.
You are a teacher, mother, and author. How do you make time to write?
When my kids were younger, and I homeschooled, I wrote in the afternoons and evenings. My husband would sometimes take them to the park. Saturdays are dedicated to writing. Now since I’m back to full time teaching, I write in the evenings and Saturdays.
What is your favorite part of Rice from Heaven? (pages, phrases, illustrations, etc.) Why?
My favorite spread is the second spread of the two girls looking at each other, one from S.Korea and one from N.Korea. Keum Jin Song did an excellent job contrasting the two places. It’s just gorgeous, set on a white background. I guess my favorite line is on the last page: “In the morning, hungry children will find rice from heaven.” That was my hope, as I watched the balloons soar in the sky, that children and families would find rice on the ground the next morning.
Reading a good story is entertaining. However, we all know reading can also be a catalyst for learning and discovery. How would you like to see parents and teachers use Rice from Heaven at home and in the classroom?
My ultimate desire is that readers will have compassion and find opportunities to show kindness to others in need. I also have teacher guides on my website with other ideas for teaching reading and language arts. Families can pray for North Korean refugees who are currently trying to cross.
What’s next for you?
In 2019 Korean Celebrations, a nonfiction picture book with Tuttle Publishing will be out, showing and explaining the many Korean holidays.
In 2020 Breakfast with Jesus, a nonfiction picture book with Harvest House will be out, showcasing children around the world with their different breakfasts and how they share Jesus’ love.
I have a couple stories currently on submission with editors. Waiting to hear back, while I think of new stories to write. 🙂
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about Rice from Heaven, writing, teaching, Korea, or yourself?
I’m thankful for the many readers, buyers, publishing team, my agent, and writers like you, who have shown support for Rice from Heaven! I’m not able to be in the States for its book birthday/debut, so I’m extremely grateful for all the book love shown. My prayer and hope is that is sheds light on another side of North Korea–to think about the children and what they endure. This summer was one of the hottest on record for Korea. I can’t imagine those families dealing with the heat with no air conditioning!
I’m available for Skype/Google Hangouts for schools and for those of you in Korea–school visits. See my website for more details. Thank you!
Thank you so much for your time, Tina! It was a pleasure to learn more about you and your work, and we look forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve next!
Me (Joy) here again. A few final notes…
- If you haven’t already, go pick up a copy of Rice from Heaven. You can read more about the book and how to use it in last week’s post.
- Tina has teaching resources and ideas available on her website! Check them out here and here!
- If you want to hear more from Tina, you can find her on Twitter and Pinterest. You can also find more of her social media links and email back at her website.
- Go out and try some Korean food in honor of Chuseok!
Your turn! Did you learn anything new about Korea this week or last week? What was it?
P.S. Celebrate life!