Today’s Mother Essentials list comes from the wonderfully imaginative world of Hyewon Yum—a Brooklyn-based illustrator and author whose tender, beautifully observed picture books have earned some of the industry’s top honors. Known for titles like Toto (one of our favorite 2025 releases!), Grandpa Across the Ocean, The Twins’ Blanket, and Saturday Is Swimming Day (a Charlotte Zolotow Honor), Yum’s work often captures the small emotional moments of childhood with striking warmth. Her debut, Mom, It’s My First Day of Kindergarten!, received the Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award, and 2024’s Ode to a Bad Day picked up a Boston Globe–Horn Book Honor.

When she’s not painting in her Brooklyn studio, Yum (who was born and raised in Seoul, Korea) is mom to sons Gaang, 21, and Sahn, 16—and a devoted observer of the everyday joys that spark creativity and keep family life grounded. Below, she shares the beloved tools, comforts, and inspirations (including her latest book, A Spoonful of the Sea) that make up her Mother Essentials.

Miyeokguk (Seaweed Soup). “Koreans eat Miyeokguk for their birthday. My new book, A Spoonful of the Sea, is honoring the tradition of serving miyeokguk on birthdays and is inspired by the lives of Korea’s haenyeo. This picture book celebrates the bond between mothers and daughters.” A Spoonful of the Sea, $17.70, Bookshop and Amazon.

Caran d’Ache Crayon. “I got this crayon set when I was in college, and I’m still using them. They are so soft, vivid, and last years and years.” Caran d’Ache Neocolor, $73.99, Amazon.

Arches Watercolor Paper. “This is my favorite working surface by far. It’s quite expensive, so you don’t want to screw up. Yeah, you become a little too careful.” Arches Aquarelle Watercolor Block, Hot Pressed, 9×12 Inch Sheets, $47.76, Amazon.

Monsters by Claire Dederer. “I love being surrounded by books. My recent favorite is Monsters by Claire Dederer.” Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma, $15.84, Bookshop and Amazon.

Reading Glasses. “Well, well, well, I need reading glasses. I need to order more since I crushed one.” Haley Glasses in Russet Red, $95, Warby Parker.

Kimchi. “My kids love kimchi. Sometimes (only sometimes) I make kimchi. And I use this recipe.”

Libby. “My eyes get tired so easily. So I listen to audiobooks all the time. My cell phone is for this app.” LibbyApp.com

Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar. “I am so annoyed by all the cap-opening and cluttering bottles. So I use this soap for my hair and body. Easy and cheap!” Dove Sensitive Skin Beauty Bar (4-Pack), $9.74, Amazon.

CocoJune Yogurt. “This is so yummy! My new favorite yogurt.” CocoJune.co

Yunchan Lim. “I happened to see him playing up close and became obsessed. Now I listen to this every morning: Rachmaninoff piano concerto No.3.” Listen via Spotify.

Kuro. “My black toy poodle. I tend to stay home happily without stepping outside the door. This little guy makes me go out and take a break from the desk or my beloved couch.”

Pernille on Netflix. “This Norwegian dramedy series is available on Netflix. The show follows the life of Pernille (Pørni), a single mother in her middle age. If you love Sarah Lancashire in Happy Valley, this is your next one.” Pernille via Netflix.

For more MOTHER ESSENTIALS, peep our recent features with artist Lena Corwin, Hello!Lucky’s sister duo, doula and author Latham Thomas, Carla Wingett of Idlewild Floral, on Andrea Faulkner Williams of Tubby Todd, Hana Getachew of Bole Road Textiles, artist & author Carissa Potter Carlson, actress & activist Hilary Swank, the co-founders of Hearth Display, author and organizer Aida Mariam Davis, design consultant Joyce Lee, self-care advocate Rachel Garahan, DJ Va$htie Kola, designer Rebecca Minkoff, VEERT founder Julia Lang, cookbook author Jenné Claiborne, Neha Ruch of Mother Untitled, model, writer, and activist Cameron Russell, author Nasozi Kakembo, kid-lit talent Bo Lu, artist Suzy Ultman, and Super Smalls founder Maria Duenas Jacob.