Hop Around {Book Review}

I’m a firm believer that there are many benefits to traveling around the world and visiting other cultures. It can broaden your cultural understanding, lead to an appreciation for diversity, and foster self-discovery. That’s why I am so excited to share with you a new children’s book, called “Hop Around” written by Shvona Chung!

“Hop Around” is a travel and adventure journey about a playful group of hoppers – half-bunny, half special animal friends, who take readers around the world where they learn new customs, culture, cuisine, and art.

In the book, the hoppers travel on a magical uni-carriage to South Korea and meet Goomi, who is also multi-racial.

The book is written by Shvona Chung who is a singer, actor/writer, and entrepreneur. She is a New York City native who currently resides in Los Angeles. Shvona has a passion for storytelling and uses her love for travel and culture to craft beautiful stories for children.

Recently I had the opportunity to interview Shvona and find out what inspired her to write “Hop Around.”

What inspired you to write the book?

Shvona: I was inspired to write “Hop Around” because I have traveled the world, and at the time, my daughter was one year old. We had traveled to Turks and Caicos, New York (where I am a native ), and Toronto when she was three months old. I was so excited to show her the world and the importance of traveling. Being a new mom, immersed in children’s content, I didn’t find anything that covered travel. I chose to create characters and a storyline that would help teach children about travel and how fun it can be.

I love the multi-racial, multi-cultural messaging of the book! My daughter is half Filipino and half Japanese, so it’s nice to see a book address this topic in a loving and playful way. What do you want children and families to take away from the story?

Shvona: I want families to know that “Hop Around” may have fictional characters; however, travel, customs, and culture should be valued and explored. I am multiethnic myself, so I grew up with a void of multiethnic, multiracial characters, so I wanted to definitely bring an element of racial diversity to the characters.

The illustrations in the book are lovely! How closely did you work with Courtney Huddleston? Did you give any specific directions related to the characters in the book?

Shvona: Yes, the illustrator, Courtney, was great to work with. I created every character as well as the mixtures and the appearance of the characters. My niece, Ariyana Pollard, made sketches of the characters that I presented to Courtney.

This first book explores South Korea. Can you share what country will be featured in your second book?

Shvona: Such a great question, I am from Barbados, and in the second book, the hoppers will be taking a journey to Barbados!

“Hop Around” is available now for purchase. For more information, check out the publisher’s website and don’t forget to follow them on Instagram so that you can get the latest updates!

Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. I received a complimentary book which helped facilitate this review. All images are my own unless otherwise noted. The images shown in this post are used with permission. As always, my opinions are 100% my own.