An introduction to Korean - 한국문학번역원 · An introduction to Korean Children's Book An introduction t ... BIR Bori Changbi ... person’s death and the ritual of death

An introduction to Korean


An introduction to Korean Children's Book

An introduction t

Contents

Agape | 6Alma(Munhakdongne Publishing Corp.) | 7Applebee Publishing Co. | 8Baram Public | 9Bear Books | 12Betterbooks | 14BIR Publishing Co., Ltd. | 15Bookstory | 23Bori Publishing Co., Ltd. | 24Borim Press | 26Changbi Publishers, Inc. | 31CheoEum Junior Publishing Co. | 36Choroki | 37Chosunbooks | 38Chungnyunsa Publishing Co., Ltd. | 39

Dahli Children’s Books Inc. | 42Danielstone Kids Publishing Co. | 43Dasan Books Co., Ltd. | 44Daseossure Publishing Company | 45Eorinreuni | 46Gilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd. | 47God’s Win Publishers, Inc. | 56Hangilsa Publishing Co., Ltd. | 57Hankyoreh Children’s Books | 59Hansol Education Co., Ltd. | 60Hanulim Publishing | 63Hanuribooks | 64Hollym Corp., Publishers | 65Houyhnhnm | 66Hyeonamsa Publishing Co., Ltd. | 68Hyoreewon | 69

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Iandbook | 72I-seum | 73 Izzle Books | 77Jaimimage Publishing Co. | 79Jakeunchaekbang | 81Jakkajungsin Publising Co. | 82Jangsoohanulso | 83Jigyungsa Ltd., Publishers | 85Joongang M&B | 87Kookmin Books Co., Ltd. | 88Little Mountain Publishing Co. | 90LITTLE ONE AHyun | 92Maeng & Aeng | 93Marubol Publications | 94Mirae Media & Books Co. | 95Miseghy Children’s Press | 99Moonji Publishing Co., Ltd. | 102Munhakdongne Publishing Corp. | 103

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Nonjang Publishing Co. | 108Nurimbo Publishing Co. | 109Prooni Books | 111Prunsoop Publishing Co., Ltd. | 112Pulbit Publishing Co. | 116Randomhouse Korea | 118Safaribook | 121Sakyejul Publishing Ltd. | 125Sam&Parkers | 130Samseongdang Publishing Co., Ltd. | 131Sanha Publishing Co. | 132Scope (Book-Ocean) | 133Sigongsa Co., Ltd. | 134Silvertuba Co. | 145Sonamoo Publishing | 146StoryBowl | 147Sun & Tree | 148

NPRSThink House | 150Tindrum Publishing Company | 151Totobook | 152Truebook Sinsago Co., Ltd. | 156Urikyoyuk Co., Ltd. | 158Voozfirm Publishers | 160Wisdomhouse Publishing Co., Ltd. | 161Woongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd. | 162YeaRimDang Publishing Co., Ltd. | 172

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Agape

Alma

Applebee

Baram

Bear Books

Betterbooks BorimBookstory

BIR Bori

Changbi

CheoEum Junior

ChungnyunsaChoroki

ChosunbooksC

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The Art Gallery Is Alive-Cartoon Bible through Masterpiece Paintings

Based on the main characters’fantastic adventure, this cartoon bible unfolds biblical talesthrough masterpiece paintings. On their various adventures, Eunyul, his sister Seonyul and hisgirlfriend Daseul, enter the masterpiece paintings that depict biblical scenes and explore theworld of the Bible. Eunyul loves his sister but finds her bothersome from time to time. Oneday when his sister upsets him yet again, he wishes she would disappear. When he finds outthat she has indeed disappeared, he sets out with his girlfriend to find her. After they are pulledinto a painting hanging at an art gallery, they encounter biblical stories and figures, as theytravel through the masterpieces that depict scenes from the Bible. Volume One deals with theCreation and the Great Flood, Volume Two, with Abraham, the ancestor of religion, andVolume Three, with Jacob who wrestled with an angel. Though he has never enjoyed going tothe church, Eunyul begins to develop his faith as he meets various biblical figures and finallylets God deep into his heart. This is a color cartoon with detailed descriptions of “biblicalmasterpieces” such as Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam.”

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Bang [email protected] +82 2 522 5148 www.iagape.co.kr

The Art Gallery Is Alive-Cartoon Bible through Masterpiece Paintings(Misulgwani Saraitda-Myeonghwawa Hamkkehaneun SeonggyeongManhwa)MouseionAgape2009, 224 pagesISBN 978-89-93524-23-9

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Where Did She Fly Without Any Wings?

This book tells the stories of two girls based on the epic poems by Jeong Yak-yong (1762-1836), a leading Silhak scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, and Kim Ryeo (1766-1821), a poetfrom the late Joseon era. “A Bride Who Was Sold” is based on Jeong’s poem“Doganggogabusa” and unfolds the unfortunate life of a woman who wasmarried to a blind old man at the age of 18. Deceived by the matchmaker, the father of the girlmarries his daughter off to the old man. The old man, who has already been married twice andhas three children, abuses his young wife verbally and physically. Unable to endure suchcruelty, the young wife runs away to the mountain, shaves her head and becomes a Buddhistnun but is soon caught and returned home. “The Song of Bangju” is based on Kim Ryeo’spoem “Bangjuga” , which sings of a beautiful and smart girl named Bangju, whosefamily belongs to the lowest class. One summer, a man of high status stops on his way andasks Bangju for a bowl of water. Immediately taken by Bangju, the man asks Bangju’s fatherto give her away as his daughter-in-law. However, in the Joseon period when yangban andlower-class families did not marry across class lines, the father is shocked and refuses theoffer. This book portrays the sufferings of women and lower-class people who lived through atime of strict gender and status discrimination.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Jeon [email protected] +82 31 955 2643www.munhak.com

Where Did She Fly Without Any Wings?(Nalgaedo Eopsi Eodiro Naraganna)Jeong Yak-yong & Kim RyeoAlma(Munhakdongne Publishing Corp.)2009, 144 pagesISBN 978-89-9252-567-1

Good Kid

When do parents say “good girl!” or “good boy!” to their children? When they get up in themorning and wash their faces, when they get dressed by themselves, when they share theirfood with friends, when they clean up after playing with toys, when they greet politely, whenthey get along well with friends without fighting, when they brush their teeth and when theygo to bed early. All of these situations can be found in this pop-up book. Eight differentbehaviors of children such as washing face, getting dressed and greeting politely unfoldcharmingly on each page. Upon turning the page, a pop-up attracts the reader’s attention andlarge-font text describes the children’s behavior. “Good girl!” or “Good boy!” is added next tothe pop-up image of the child. Parents can tell the story using the guidelines on each page.Compliments exert a very powerful effect on children. When the parents encourage them withpositive reinforcements, they are more likely to grow up to be confident leaders. They alsohelp turn desirable behaviors into regular habits. This book is ideal for parents whocompliment their children regularly and children who behave themselves.

By Kim Jung-mi

Cpyright Agent : Cristine Yi (Yu Ri Jang Literature Agency)[email protected] +82 2 735 9515www.applebeebook.com

Good Kid (Ai Chakhae)Choi JiwonIllustrator : Kim JaewonApplebee Publishing Co.2008, 12 pagesISBN 978-89-2620016-2

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No Way, No Way in the World!

No Way, No Way in the World! (Cheonmanui Malsseum Manmanui Kongtteok) is a story ofcartoonist Yi Samil who thinks it is more natural not to bathe or clean. He is second to nonewhen it comes to laziness. One day, he witnesses the miracle of a chick hatching from hisboiled egg. The chick grows quickly and becomes a hen in just two days. Yi hopes that thismiraculous hen will lay golden eggs but soon finds out that all the eggs are ordinary. Stilluncertain, he cracks tens of eggs to make sure but they are, in fact, all ordinary. The next day,the hen suddenly dies. After he buries the hen, Yi conceives the idea to draw an interestingcartoon about a chick that hatched from a boiled egg.

The author has modified and incorporated some famous fairy tales such as Heungbu andNolbu, Jack and the Beanstalk and the Golden Goose into his story. Such familiar tales, whichare entwined with Yi’s story told in a colloquial style, make this book much more fun to read.In particular, the chatty narration that incorporates various proverbs, maxims and detailedexplanations is the finest aspect of this book. The main character who constantly daydreams isdisgraceful and farcical yet pitiful. Though there is no child character in the story, No Way, NoWay in the World! is a book children will be able to enjoy very much.

By Choi Seongkyu

Cpyright Agent : Nam [email protected] +82 2 3142 0495cafe.daum.net/barampub

No Way, No Way in the World!(Cheonmanui Malsseum Manmanui Kongtteok)Yang Ji-anIllustrator : Kim Jung-seokBaram Public2008, 187 pagesISBN 978-89-9087-870-0

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The Last Event

This is a novel for children by children’s story writer Yoo Eun-sil, who has been well receivedby both literary critics and readers for her sensitive and affectionate look at aspects ofchildren’s lives. It is a story of a boy who expands his understanding of life and death throughhis experience of the death and the funeral of his grandfather, his favorite person in the world.The father of the main character Yeonguk always calls his son “useless.” He also ignores hisfather, who is very close to Yeonguk. However, the relationship between Yeonguk and hisgrandfather ends abruptly because of the latter’s sudden death. The scenes of the funeralunfold through the eyes of a child. Even though the funeral is characterized by a strictformality and burdensome traditions, strange and funny incidents also take place, as rathershameful truths of life are revealed at the same time. Throughout the funeral, Yeonguk findshimself crying for his grandfather, deep in his own thoughts and laughing at certain things. Atone point, the special event planned by the grandfather before his death takes everyone bysurprise. The book talks about the meaning of forgiveness and reconciliation through aperson’s death and the ritual of death.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Nam [email protected] +82 2 3142 0495cafe.daum.net/barampub

The Last Event (Majimak Iventeu)Yoo Eun-silBaram Public2010, 208 pagesISBN 978-89-90878-92-2

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I’m Not Going Home

This book discusses children’s wants and psychology through the story of two daughters whodecide to run away from home and their mother who tries to find them. One day, the maincharacters Mijin and Yeonjin decide to run away from home: Mijin is upset because hermother would not let her play with her best friend and the younger sister Yeonjin has been toldto ask her mother to come see her teacher because she has not been paying attention in class.But rather than asking them how they feel, their mother simply forces private tutoring andafter-school classes on them. In response, the girls decide to run away. However, they send herhints about their location in riddles and wait for her: “The place where Mom called me an uglyduckling, the place where she stroked my head while I counted to ten and the place where Isaid ‘Mom, I’m happy.’” Even though the girls are worried that she might not remember thememories they share, she eventually shows up. Watching their mother from their hiding placeas she approaches them, they are moved to tears by seeing a side of her that they had notknown. The story of love between the mother and the children is heartwarming. This is thefirst book by the author.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Nam [email protected] +82 2 3142 0495cafe.daum.net/barampub

I’m Not Going Home(Jibe An Deureogam)Yi YeonooIllustrator : Bae Hyun-jungBaram Public2010, 128 pagesISBN 978-89-9087-855-7

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What We Should Know AboutPreventing Abduction & Abuse

There are terrible things that should never happen but still take place from time to time. Thisbook was written to prevent crimes, sex abuse and kidnapping that target children. It explainsin children’s language ways to protect their own precious bodies. Citing specific examples,such as an attractive offer of a gift from a stranger, request for help from a stranger, gettinglost and separated from parents in a crowded place, kidnap scenario in which the child is takento an unfamiliar place, and someone touching a child’s body, the book provides detailedprecautions against such incidents. It approaches these serious topics with familiar andpleasant drawings that are easily accessible for children. It also tries to facilitate children’sunderstanding by arranging the contents of the book to make it look like a magazine with theuse of interviews and surveys. It would be a good idea for parents and children to discuss thecontents of the book, as they read the book together. The children will be able to develophealthy habits and the ability to respond to emergency situations. This book is ideal forchildren who will encounter myriad people in an increasingly larger world and parents whohave to protect their precious children.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : Choi [email protected] +82 2 332 2672~3www.bearbooks.co.kr

What We Should Know About Preventing Abduction & Abuse(Sojunghan Nae Momeul Kkokkkok Yaksokhae)Park EungyungIllustrator : Kim JinwhaBear Books2009, 42 pagesISBN 978-89-9-324208-9

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Watch Out for the Cookie Witch!

This book talks about how bad snacks with preservatives, coloring and artificial sweeteners arefor children through a fun character called the Cookie Witch. The Cookie Witch asks themagic mirror, “Who is the most beautiful person in the world?” The magic mirror thenanswers, “You are the most beautiful right now but when healthy children grow up, they willbe much more beautiful than you.” Angry with the answer, the witch reflects carefully on howto ruin the children and decides to bake cookies that can make children fat and harm them.Using flour from a faraway country that is sprinkled with a lot of pesticidesin the cookiedough, she adds heaps of white sugar that can rot children’s teeth, along with “no-rottingmedicine” (preservative), “multicolored powder” (coloring), “sweet and sour powder”(flavoring) and “scary fat” (trans-fat) and then bakes the cookies. The witch’s story makes usreconsider the harmful effects of instant snacks enjoyed daily by children on their health.Information on the dangers of snacks and processed foods is included for the children readersat the end of the book. The book also offers recipes to bake easy and healthy cookies at home.Humorous illustrations of the unique looking witch as she bakes the cookies add to the fun ofthe book.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Choi Hyun [email protected] +82 2 332 2672~3www.bearbooks.co.kr

Watch Out for the Cookie Witch!(Gwaja Manyeoreul Josimhae)Jung Hee JaeIllustrator : Kim Young-SuBear Books2010, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-9324-225-6

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The Footprints of Mr. Thief

This book tells a story on the importance of care and concern among family members. A thiefhas broken into Doyeon’s house. He has taken Doyeon’s emergency fund of 10,000 won shehas hidden from her parents, mint candies that help her dad quit smoking, frozen fried rice fortimes when cooked rice is suddenly needed, and a family photo. While checking for things thathave been stolen, they realize that something so important that it should never go missing hasin fact gone missing: Doyeon’s younger sister Sangyeon. According to Yeonggi, Sangyeonwho has lost her keys tried to enter the house through a small window in the kitchen, broke theglass and ran away. The family searches the entire village to find Sangyeon. In the process,long-standing dissatisfactions that have been hidden away come pouring out and secrets arealso revealed. The family finally finds the dog they used to raise as well as Sangyeon. Nowthey can fill the family photo frame again. It is a moving story of how the unexpecteddisappearance of an eight-year old Sangyeon ends the absence of communication in the family.This book is ideal for third- and fourth-grade elementary school children who are loved bytheir families.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : Sangmee [email protected] +82 2 2192 2313www.betterbooks.co.kr

The Footprints of Mr. Thief(Dodungnim Baljaguk)Hwang Seon-miIllustrator : Choi Jung-inBetterbooks2009, 108 pagesISBN 978-89-848861-8-6

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The Magic Pot

The Magic Pot (Yosul Hangari) gives a modern twist to an old Korean children’s tale with anentertaining writing style and humorous drawings. While working in the field, the farmeraccidentally comes across a magic pot. Whatever the farmer puts in the pot is multipliedtenfold and he soon becomes a very wealthy man. Upon hearing this news, a greedy rich manin the neighboring village becomes very jealous and comes to visit the farmer. He makes anunreasonable argument and snatches the pot from the farmer. Happy that he has the magic potnow, the rich man keeps the pot by his side and continues to put his valuables in it until hefalls asleep. However, fortune does not come easily to those who are wicked and greedy. Thefather of the wealthy man, while taking a look inside, falls straight into the pot. What happensnext? Well, the father comes out of the pot but he is followed by another father, followed byyet another. More and more fathers come out and each argues that he is the rich man’s realfather. The pot breaks in the midst of the argument and the rich man now has to live with 527fathers. The combination of abundant colloquial expressions and drawings enliven this old folktale. The book is ideal for children over 4 years old who are already thinking about what to putin the pot.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : Song [email protected] +82 2 515 2000 (Ext. 207)www.bir.co.kr

The Magic Pot (Yosul Hangari)Lee Soo-ahBIR Publishing Co., Ltd.2008, 30 pagesISBN 978-89-491-9129-4

How to Catch a Tiger

Tigers are one of the most popular characters in Korean folk tales. This book introduces fiveways to catch a scary and strong tiger using exceptional wit. The story of big tigers falling fora hoax devised by shrewd people will make readers burst with laughter. An old lady living inGangwon-do province catches a tiger as follows: she gives over-ripened and sour kimchi to thehungry tiger that descends to the village for food. The pungent sourness of the kimchi makesthe tiger sway from side to side and at that moment, the lady strikes the tiger’s tail with a bigwooden mallet. When the shocked tiger hurriedly escapes naked, the old lady is left with thetiger’s skin. In another episode, a brother and a sister living in an isolated house blow a hornwhose sound beckons the tiger to come down to the village. Scared of the unidentified objectthat makes such a loud noise, the tiger enters the house bottom first. The siblings seize thisopportune moment to stick the horn into the tiger’s bottom. From then on, the horn soundswhenever the tiger moves and it eventually exhausts the tiger. Apart from these methods, amayfly, a puppy and a drunken man also manage to catch tigers in their respective uniqueways. This book is ideal for imaginative children aged 4 and over who would love to think ofother ways to catch a tiger.

By Kim Jung-mi


How to Catch a Tiger(Horangi Jamneun Beop)Lee YoonjeongBIR Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-491-0121-7

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I Am a Cuckoo

I Am a Cuckoo won the Children’s Fiction Award hosted by a children’s book company inKorea. It is a story of friendship between a lonely boy who lives at his uncle’s house and“goose dad,” (gireogi appa) who lives alone after sending his family to the US. Goose dad is aterm that designates a man who is left behind in Korea while the rest of his family lives abroadfor the children’s education.

Eleven-year-old Dongjae has been living with his uncle’s family since he was six because his motherpractically abandoned him. But Dongjae applies himself at school. One day, Dongjae makes a newfriend, a man who has moved in next door. Upon learning that Dongjae is living with his uncle’sfamily, the man calls him a “cuckoo.” However, the man is also a “goose” who is lonely without hisfamily. As they recognize each other’s wounds, the abandoned child and the lonely man becomefriends despite the age gap. The man gives Dongjae the code for his door lock and tells him to comeby any time, and one day Dongjae even saves the man who was lying unconscious in his livingroom. The man also takes Dongjae to his mother who lives far away. The book paints a goodcontrast between the man who drinks and laments his situation, and Dongjae who is lively and triesto do his best as much as possible.

By Choi Hyunmee


I Am a Cuckoo (Naneun Ppeokkugida)Kim Hea-yeonIllustrator : Jang YeonjuBIR Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 215 pagesISBN 978-89-491-2110-9

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Ninja Girls

This fiction portrays high school girls who rebel and stand up against the school system, whichfocuses on studying and grades, in order to achieve their dreams. 17-year-old Go Eunbi is afirst-year student at Moran Girls’ High School. Though she wants to be an actress, she hasnever passed an audition because she is fat and ugly. Meanwhile, Eunbi’s mother wants Eunbito study medicine because she is good at mathematics. One day, Eunbi finally passes anaudition and earns a part in a play for the first time. However, the time of the performanceoverlaps with the supplementary lecture session for Moran Class, an intensive after-schoolcourse offered only to students with good grades. After lengthy reflection, Eunbi begins acampaign to close down Moran Class. She buys a charm from a fortuneteller and spreadsrumors that ghosts appear in Moran Class. She also posts complaints on the official websites ofthe Office of Education and the Blue House about intensive after-school classes. However, herefforts have all failed and Eunbi’s performance is a day away. As a last resort, Eunbi and herfriends decide to stage a suicide attempt. Donning Ninja Turtle masks on the roof, theythreaten to jump if the school does not shut down Moran Class. Teachers and parents arriveand the police are called in. In an enjoyable manner, the book portrays the reality of youthswho endure the grueling preparation for university exams, often referred to as the “hell ofuniversity entrance examinations,” but also captures the teenagers’ dreams and secrets.

By Choi Hyunmee


Ninja Girls (Ninja Geolseu)Kim HyejungBIR Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 258 pagesISBN 978-89-491-2091-1

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Big and Small

This is a science picture book that explains the concept of “big and small” with humorousillustrations. The opening page shows a drawing of a big older brother and a small youngerbrother and states, “My older brother is big, I am small.” The next page makes anothercomparison by saying, “But standing next to grown-ups, my older brother is small and I amsmall, too.” This is followed by another comparison with a puppy, “Next to the puppy, myolder brother is big and I am big, too.” By comparing the sizes of people and various objectsaround us, the book provides a comprehensive explanation on the concept of sizes and showsthat sizes are a relative concept that can be understood through comparison. It follows the twobrothers’ day as they greet their house guests, play with the puppy, measure their height, swapclothes and shoes, get scolded after breaking a pot, receive their punishment in the living roomand play until bedtime. Over the course of their day, clear and brief sentences explain thevarying degrees of “big and small.” The book ends by pointing out that “though the olderbrother may be big and the younger brother may be small today, this may not always be thecase.” The supplementary section on how to make easy comparisons for the concept of “bigand small” is designed to help the parents. The bright-colored illustrations outlined in black,which appear as though they were done by children, will feel familiar to the young readers.

By Choi Hyunmee


Big and Small(Hyeongeun Keuda Naneun Jakda)Park Jung-sunIllustrator : Kim Young-soo2009, 28 pages BIR Publishing Co., Ltd.ISBN 978-89-491-5174-8

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Give Me Two Pieces, or I Will Eat You

This is a “mathematics picture book” that explains the principle of mathematics throughstorytelling. Having worked as a secondary school math teacher for decades, the author uses anold Korean folk tale to explain the multiplication table. An old rice-cake seller is climbingGugugogae, a mountain pass with nine hills. When she reaches the top of each hill, a tigerappears and says, “Give me a rice cake, or I will eat you.” Every time she climbs a hill, shehands over one rice cake to the tiger. She sets out to trick the tiger by making the rice cakessmaller, but the tiger soon catches on and begins to increase his demands: “give me two pieces,or I will eat you”; and later, “give me three pieces, or I will eat you.” At this point, the readeris asked, “how many rice cakes will the tiger have had if he is given two rice cakes at eachhill?” and then cuckoos appear and sing the two-times table. In this way, the book helpsreaders learn the multiplication tables, 2 through 9. The repeating refrains are rhythmic and theillustrations full of satire and humor breathe life into the story. Humorous characters like thewrinkly old lady with white hair, the tiger with spinning eyes, the singing cuckoos and the pinetree with twisted branches, set against a simple background, make each page look like atraditional Korean folk painting.

By Choi Hyunmee


Give Me Two Pieces, or I Will Eat You(Tteok Dugae Jumyeon An Jabameokji)Lee Bum-gyuIllustrator : Kim Yong-chulBIR Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 44 pagesISBN 978-89-491-0107-1

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The Tale of Altair and Vega

This picture book tells the story of an old Korean folk tale on constellations. Jingnyeo is aweaver and the granddaughter of the King of Heaven. She falls in love with a cattle herdernamed Gyeonu and marries him. When they neglect their work because of their love, the Kingof Heaven separates them and allows them meet only once a year. When it becomes difficultfor them to meet even on this one day because of the Milky Way that separates them, crowsand magpies form a bridge with their bodies and let the lovers reunite. In fact, Altair (Gyeonu)on Aquila and Vega (Jingnyeo) on Lyra are the brightest stars to be seen in the summer skyand they do seem to meet only once a year. Also, it tends to rain quite heavily on the seventhday of the seventh lunar month, which is when they meet; according to the tale, the raindropsare the lovers’ tears. The sad and beautiful love story between Gyeonu and Jingnyeo has longbeen part of Korea’s folk culture and has also been published as many picture books. Thisbook, however, is unique in that it is realized artistically in the illustration. Children’s storywriter Kim Hyang-e, who has been awarded several times for her children’s books, weaves abeautiful story with lyrical phrases and descriptions, while illustrator Choi Jeong-in fullycaptures the emotions in delicate lines and elaborate colors.

By Choi Hyunmee


The Tale of Altair and Vega(Gyeonu Jingnyeo)Kim Hyang-eIllustrator : Choi Jeong-inBIR Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 44 pagesISBN 978-89-491-0123-1

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Yum Yum

Yum Yum is a collection of poems for children on food written by Ahn Do-hyeon, Korea’s leadingmodern poet and a bestselling children’s author. The poems explore various topics related to foodsuch as its taste, shape, color, smell, ingredients, nutrition, cooking method and utensils. The authormakes the readers laugh by using humor and wit to depict certain characteristics of food with whichchildren come into contact every day. For example, spicy food is compared to a fire engine, roundradish, to the full moon, and wavy noodles, to curly hair.

“Have you tried the cloud? / What does it taste like? / Soft, sweet and nutty / If you think it can’t beeaten / The cloud is hard and tough to chew. / Instead of a meat patty / I put a cotton cloud in myburger! / What does it taste like? / You’ve never tried it? / If you think it can’t be eaten / You’ll neverknow what the cloud tastes like.” (“Cloud”) As such, the author uses food as the medium of hisexpression but he also unleashes his tremendous imagination which goes beyond food. The livelyrhyme and rhythm make the poems even more interesting when they are read out loud. Finally, theillustrations mimic the style of children’s drawings add to the humor and wit of Ahn’s poetry.

The poet has explained that he “wanted to let children know that the rice is as valuable as the sky andhelp them appreciate every spoonful of rice.”

By Choi Hyunmee


Yum Yum (Nyamnyam)Ahn Do-hyeonBIR Publishing Co., Ltd.2010, 88 pagesISBN 978-89-4918-166-0

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A Barefoot Dream

A Barefoot Dream, adapted into a children’s book from a 2010 film directed by Kim Tae-gyun, isbased on the true story of the football coach Kim Shin-hwan who led a team of East Timoresechildren to win the International Youth Soccer Tournament in 2004. Once an aspiring soccer playerin Korea, but now just a former star with hard luck Kim arrives in East Timor, a country marred bythe scars of civil war, in the hopes of turning his life around. After noticing children kicking around aball barefoot on the hard ground, he opens a soccer equipment shop to sell them soccer shoes. Sincethey cannot afford to pay in full, he gives them the shoes and tells them to pay him one dollar a dayfor the next two months. Initially, many children sign up for this payment plan, but they soon realizethat a dollar a day is an impossible promise for them to keep and eventually return the shoes. ButKim comes to realize their profound love of soccer, which awakens in him a new dream: he creates ayouth soccer team for the local children.

However, East Timorese children are victims to the scars of the deeply divisive civil war; during thepractice, they refuse to even pass the ball to each other. After days of reflection, Kim sets the goal ofentering an international tournament and begins to build teamwork by uniting the team under the sharedgoal. The process of healing historical wounds through soccer is shown through this beautiful story.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kim [email protected] +82 2 332 5281cafe.naver.com/b00kstory

A Barefoot Dream(Maenbarui Kkum)Joo Kyoung-heeIllustrator : Han Jae-hongBookstory2010, 183 pagesISBN 978-89-9348-055-9

Grandma, Where Are You Going? I’m Going to Gather Chestnuts!

This is the autumn part of the Story of Ogi (Ogine Iyagi), which depicts the story of Ogi who lives freely innature with her grandmother. The spring, summer and winter parts of the Story of Ogi series have also beenpublished. Seven-year-old Ogi lives with her grandmother in the countryside. Enjoying herself in nature andeating well, Ogi is healthy and completely different from city children who grow up in concrete buildingsburdened with excessive competition. Ogi’s strong grandmother, who is always cheerful and fun, seems torepresent the vitality of the countryside.

The picture book is about “Ogi and her grandmother who, on an autumn day when wild geese are singing,go to the mountain and to the waterside in search of ingredients for delicious side dishes.” One day, whenOgi starts crying because she misses her father, her grandmother takes her into the forest to gather chestnuts.Together they enter the thicket to find chestnuts and afterwards the grandmother makes sweet rice cakes tosell at the market. At the market, the grandmother buys a set of traditional striped Korean clothing for Ogi.The two of them catch crabs at the shore to make crabs marinated in soy sauce as well as goby to boil insauce, fry or cook in soup. Through the story of people who live happily in nature, the author gives us achance to reflect on how our children live these days and how they should live. The unique illustrationsmake us smile and laugh throughout the book.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Jeon [email protected] +82 31 950 9511 (Ext. 551)www.boribook.com

Grandma, Where Are You Going? I m Going to Gather Chestnuts!(Halmeoni Eodigayo? Bam Juureo Ganda)Cho Hye-ranBori Publishing Co., Ltd.2010, 64 pagesISBN 978-89-8428-626-9

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Unending Winter

The peace activist author, who has been working to resolve the comfort women issue, haswritten this story about Japanese military comfort women for children, based on the stories shehas heard directly from the comfort women. The author wrote this book thinking about KimSun-deok, who gave testimonies of her life as a comfort woman through paintings, and BaeBong-gi, who lives in Okinawa, Japan and revealed for the first time in the 1970s that she hadworked as a comfort woman. In the book unfold the stories of now old ladies who wereforcibly taken and suffered as Japanese military comfort women and who, even after returninghome, lived hard lives. Though Korea was liberated in 1945 following Japan’s defeat in WorldWar II, the war has not ended for these women because of the lasting physical andpsychological wounds. For a long time, many comfort women had to hide the terrible thingsthey had endured during the war.

Lee Dom has melted wax paint on paper and scratched it with a stencil pen to createillustrations that revive a painful chapter of history. Based on thorough historical research, LeeDom’s illustrations accurately portray the comfort stations and the ships used to transport thewomen.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Jeon [email protected] +82 31 950 9511 (Ext. 551)www.boribook.com

Unending Winter(Kkeunnaji Aneun Gyeoul)Kang JesukIllustrator : Lee DomBori Publishing Co., Ltd.2010, 48 pagesISBN 978-89-8428-625-2

Alamsahaba, the Kingdom of Cloud

The sun is blazing over the Alamsahaba desert and merchant Adil is on the way to the marketto sell some of his merchandise with his camel, his long-time fellow traveler. Then, all of thesudden, a big heap of cloud falls from the sky and lands on the desert. Soon reporters,scientists and tourists come from afar to see the mysterious cloud. When traders join the crowdto make a profit, the desert turns into a busy market. As neighboring countries invade to takepossession of the cloud, war breaks out on the quiet Alamsahaba desert. Once the upheavaldies down, however, the mysterious cloud simply disappears.

This curious incident that takes place in the desert shows how people’s greed spreads evenwhen it concerns an obscure object like a mysterious cloud. Crowd psychology, i.e. followingwhat others do without thinking, public authority that exercises violence, war without causeand the consequences of such farcical disputes are all objects of Yun Jeehoe’s satire. However,children will have an opportunity to reflect on the proper way of life by observing Adil, whosimply continues to do his job despite the chaos around him. Combining vivid colors and cutepictures, this book successfully provides both fun and a valuable lesson to children.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : [email protected] +82 31 955 3456www.borimpress.com

Alamsahaba, the Kingdom of Cloud(Gureumui Wangguk, Alamsahaba)Written and Illustrated by Yun JeehoeBorim Press2008, 48 pagesISBN 978-89-4330-750-9

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Half a Loaf

Banjjogi is a child with one eye, a half-mouth and half-nose, one arm and one leg. Though hedoes not look perfect, he is stronger and wiser than anyone. A lady who could not havechildren for a long time finally gives birth to three sons after ardent prayers. The first and thesecond sons look like other children but the youngest has only half of every feature. However,Banjjogi has accepted the way he looks and is without any complaints. In fact, he was morekindhearted than his brothers and no one could match his strength. He was so strong that evenwhen he was tied to a huge rock or an even larger tree, he could uproot both of them. One day,on his way home carrying captured tigers, Banjjogi meets a rich man. Envious of tiger skin,the rich man proposes a bet: if he wins three janggi games, he gets to take the tiger skin but ifBanjjogi wins, he can marry the rich man’s daughter. Though the latter wins all three games,the rich man refuses to give up his daughter. However, Banjjogi eventually marries her, thanksto his shining wisdom. Repeated structure that rouses interest and witty illustrations harmonizewell in this book. This book is ideal for children over 4 years.

By Kim Jung-mi


Half a Loaf (Banjjogi)Lee MiaeIllustrator : Lee UkbaeBorim Press1997, 32 pagesISBN 89-4330-263-0

Adventures of a Blue Crab

Adventures of a Blue Crab is a fun picture book that shows the life forms living in tidal flats.Tidal flats are an important part of the Earth and provide abundant food and oxygen to marinelife. In particular, tidal flats in Korea are one of the world’s five best tidal flats. What creatureslive there? This picture book answers the question. When the rolling seawater ebbs and vasttidal flats appear, creatures of the flats begin to appear one by one. Blue crabs go on anadventure to capture the cloud while gobies totter across the flats. Seabirds fly above andscared lugworms disappear into the flats. The book reminds us how important tidal flats are forall these creatures. Soon the water flows back and fills the flats. This book also presents othersea creatures such as sea squirts, sea anemones, octopuses, shrimps and fish living in the sea.The book is a bestseller that has sold over 200,000 copies in the Korean market and hasreceived the first prize in the arts at the Children’s Culture Awards. Borim has published twomore picture books on sea creatures apart from Adventures of a Blue Crab. One of them isFlowers Are in Bloom at the Shore (Kkochi Pieosseoyo, Badatgae), a picture book on plantsfound in tidal flats and the shore; and the other is Flowers on Sand Dunes at Sinduri, Taean(Taean Sinduri Morae Eondeoge Pin Kkot). The latter is a documentary-style account of plantsthat live on a sandy beach where the heat is as high as in the desert.

By Choi Hyunmee


Adventures of a Blue Crab(Gaetbeori Joayo)Yoo AeroBorim Press2006, 46 pagesISBN 978-89-433-0598-7

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The Lost Land

Extraordinary place: the DMZ, a 4km wide, 249.4 km long line that divides the North from theSouth. In July 1953, the soldiers on the two sides waged a fierce war that lasted for over three years.It didn’t seem that the war would ever end, despite the growing casualties. Finally, the UN stepped into arbitrate, proposing a ceasefire. As a result, the soldiers on the two sides called a truce on thebattlefield, and raised 1,292 signs between Paju, Gyeonggi-do province, and Goseong, Gangwon-do,indicating a military demarcation line. The DMZ, a “land of tragedy,” came to exist. How has theplace changed in 50 years? Choi Byungkwan, the photographer, asked the same question. For twoyears, he traveled through every nook and cranny of the place with a camera, and found out firsthandthat the Korean peninsula is still engaged in a war. The DMZ was still not a place one could visitfreely, and the soldiers on both sides still had their rifles pointed at each other. Gun shells andpunctured steel helmets from years ago were scattered around the fortress-like barbed wires.

Despite the possibility of military conflict, however, there was more than just sorrow and tensionthere. With no humans coming and going for half a century, the place had become a paradise of floraand fauna, with a beautiful forest, f lowers, and birds and goats that travel freely. The author presentsthe beauty of the place through photographs, and states that it should be preserved as a scene ofhistory, even if reunification takes place. He suggests that the vestiges of the war, such as the rustedbullets, steel helmets, barbed wires, and the ruined trenches, should remain untouched so that ourposterity may learn of the tragedy of war. Each photograph holds a powerful message. The barbedwires that stand between the South and the North create a feeling of tension, as well as sorrow, andthe wild chrysanthemums blossoming up from under the iron fence are resplendent in their beauty.

By Oh Yunhyun


The Lost Land (Uljima, Kkotdeura)Choi ByungkwanBorim Press2009, 96 pagesISBN 978-89-433-0772-1

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If the Wind Stopped Blowing

This picture book portrays how a selfish child named Bomi learns about the world through thewind and grows up in the process. Bomi is taking a walk wearing her favorite hat. Suddenlythe wind blows and takes the hat away. Bomi is so upset that she shouts at the wind todisappear. Her wish comes true and the wind simply stops blowing. When the wind stops,however, the windmill, the village, the ship and the world all stop at once. Bomi looks aroundand realizes what she has done. She apologizes to the wind and asks it to come back.

The simple and vivid colors of the blue clothing, the red hat and green grass catch our eyes.The positioning of the characters and the compositions, in particular, and the way the child’semotions are reflected plainly on her face are all visually attractive. For example, Bomiappears with her head held high wearing an expression of arrogance and selfishness on the firstpage; but later the same girl crouching in the corner against a blank background shows howsorry she is to the world. Her face turns happy when she greets the wind back into the world.

By Choi Hyunmee


If the Wind Stopped Blowing(Barami Buljianeumyeon)Seo HaneolBorim Press2010, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-4330-806-3

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I Want to Be a Star

This picture book talks about life and death by briefly explaining the burial customs of theworld including water burial in Polynesia, sky burial in Tibet, cremation in India, open-airburial in Mongolia, the Native American tree burial, and interment in Korea. The author hasstruck an unusual balance by compressing the descriptions to one or two lines and insteadsupplementing them with telling, evocative pictures. The first character is Kaiwai, a girl fromPolynesia who loves the ocean. Following the short sentence “Kaiwai grew up looking at thesea,” pictures depict in detail her busy life of growing up by the sea. Then another shortsentence “Kaiwai lived in gratitude and became the sea” is accompanied by a painting ofbeautifully dressed Kaiwai on a beautifully decorated boat drifting in the sea. The samestructure is used to unfold stories of a Tibetan boy who dreamed about his future while lookingat birds, a beautiful Indian girl, a Mongolian boy who roamed around with the wind, a NativeAmerican boy named “Fast Foot Under the Tree” who became a part of the forest after hisdeath, and Manhui who was buried in the rice field where she had worked. Each story has beenassigned its own color scheme in accordance with its theme. By discussing various funeralcustoms, the author expresses his understanding of nature, life and death: people are born innature and return to nature at death.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Lee [email protected] +82 31 955 3369www.changbi.com

I Want to Be a Star (Byeori Doego Sipeo)Yi Min-huiChangbi Publishers, Inc.2008, 42 pagesISBN 978-89-364-5421-0

The Divine Bicycle Tour

This is a coming-of-age story of a 13-year-old boy who opens his eyes to his self and the worldthrough a 1,100-kilometer bicycle tour. The bicycle which cannot move forward unless hekeeps on pedaling is a metaphor for the life that he has to realize himself. When his parentsdecide to get a divorce without even asking him, 13-year-old Hojin runs away from home tohis uncle’s. He thinks that his uncle, who does what he wants without keeping a regular job,would be able to understand him. His uncle asks Hojin to join him and nine other people ontheir 11-day cross-country bicycle trip. Hojin rides in the rain, climbs up the hill to the pointhis heart is about to burst and opens his eyes to life by sharing his stories with the otherparticipants. Believing that cycling can also help his parents change by encouraging them toshare their thoughts, he suggests a bicycle trip to his parents. The story is written by a young,active author who has received various literary prizes awarded by children’s book publishers.

By Choi Hyunmee


The Divine Bicycle Tour(Bullyanghan Jajeongeo Yeohaeng)Kim Nam-jungChangbi Publishers, Inc.2009, 229 pagesISBN 978-89-364-4250-7

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A Mouse without a Tail

This book won the grand prize at the Good Children’s Book Competition organized byChangbi, one of Korea’s leading publishers. An elementary school teacher, the author wasinspired to write this book by an incident that took place in her class last year. The book showschildren’s imagination and power of deductive reasoning surrounding a hamster that suddenlyappears in the classroom. The main character is a mouse called Quick Feet whose tail is bittenoff by a cat. Quick Feet takes refuge in the school in order to avoid the cat. The children thinkQuick Feet is a hamster because of his short tail and give it a home in one corner of theclassroom. Quick Feet enjoys his time at the school free of cats and plentiful of food.However, it soon learns that at school there are strong and mean “superior mice” andpowerless “inferior mice” that are ruled by the former. After becoming friends with Gray Eyes,one of the inferior mice, Quick Feet decides to challenge the tyranny of the superior mice.Even though he is missing the end of his tail, Quick Feet embodies a little hero in pursuing abetter, just world with confidence and bravery.

By Choi Hyunmee


A Mouse without a Tail(Kkori Jallin Saengjwi)Kwon Yeong-poomIllustrator : Lee Kwang-ickChangbi Publishers, Inc.2010, 124 pagesISBN 978-89-3645-125-7

Smack

As the title suggests, this picture book for babies is about kisses. The only text in the book is the word“jjok!” which is the Korean expression for the sound of a loud kiss. The baby in the book confirms theexistence of objects and living beings around her by kissing them and thus forms an emotional bond withthem. The book begins as the baby who has just woken up from a nap finds her teddy bear lying in thecorner of the room and gives it a kiss. She grabs the balloon floating around the room and kisses it and goeson to kiss a picture book, her bedding and a smiling Matryoshka doll. She then kisses her puppy, the fish inthe fish bowl, the clouds and the scenery outside the window.

After the baby kisses her own reflection in the mirror, the doll, the clouds, the balloon and the characters ofher picture book who have all become friends after her kisses appear from behind the mirror. The teddy bearis wearing a ballerina dress and the snowman inside a glass ball breaks out of it and walks around with snowswirling around him. Meanwhile, the baby’s bedding turns into a magic carpet and flies around the roomand the pair of fish in the fish bowl are dressed in a fine tailcoat and a dress. It seems as though the baby’skisses have made wonderful dreams come true. They now plant kisses on her cheek. However, everythingturns out to have been the baby’s dream. The baby smiles happily as she enjoys her wonderful dream. Inorder to capture the natural movements and expressions of his baby character, the author took thousands ofphotos of an actual baby to use as the basis of his sketches.

By Choi Hyunmee


Smack (Jjok!)Jeong Ho-seonChangbi Publishers, Inc.2010, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-3645-432-6

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Why Can’t I Talk Back?

This is a collection of five children’s plays written by Bae Bong-gi who works in variousgenres including plays, novels and children’s stories. These plays include stage descriptions,stage instructions, stage directions, lines and songs, all of which make it possible for childrento set up their own stage in their mind and create their own play. In this way, they offer anenjoyment different from ordinary children’s stories.

In the title work “Why Can’t I Talk Back?” a group of children prepare and perform the play“Why Am I Not Allowed to Talk Back?” which protests against adults who dismiss childrenvoicing their opinions confidently simply as talking back. The children’s performance,expressivity and minds all grow together in the course of the rehearsals and performance. Alsoincluded in the collection are: a story of a frog family that builds and keeps a new house whilemaintaining their wisdom and courage, despite the flood and the typhoon that destroy thehouse; a story about an abandoned cat and a stray cat running off into the wilderness; a parodyof Aesop’s fable The Ant and the Grasshopper; and a fantasy story where a boy who ismistreated for being slow in speech and action obtains magic chocolate and gets people tounderstand him.

By Choi Hyunmee


Why Can t I Talk Back?(Maldaekkuhamyeon Andoeyo?)Bae Bong-giIllustrator : Lee Young-kyoungChangbi Publishers, Inc.2010, 231 pagesISBN 978-89-3644-255-2

Dokkaebi Reading Books

Dokkaebi Reading Books discusses the joys of reading through the main character dokkaebi, atype of Korean goblin that frequently appears in Korean folk tales. Though he can be mean, heis a mischievous and familiar figure with many talents. In this tale, the protagonist dokkaebi isa close neighbor wearing a bamboo hat worn by Korean peasants in the past. Wicker trunkdokkaebi was born in the wicker trunk traditionally used as cashbox. Because he was born in awicker trunk used as cashbook, he is terribly fond of money. He eats and sleeps on a pile ofmoney and steals habitually from the rich men of the village. One day, the broomstickdokkaebi and the notebook dokkaebi come to visit the wicker trunk dokkaebi. They decide tobuy some land in the city where they plan to build a house. However, it turns out a seonbi(Confucian scholar) is already preparing to build his house on their desired plot. He promisesto give up the land if they solve his riddle. The wicker trunk dokkaebi visits King Sejong, oneof the wisest kings in Korean history, to win a bet. King Sejong recommends reading booksand teaches the wicker trunk dokkaebi the joy of reading. Before he realizes it, the wickertrunk dokkaebi has spent all his money on books. The author has previously written bookssuch as The Goblin Father and Dokkaebi Goes to School, all featuring a dokkaebi as the maincharacter. This book is ideal for children in grades 3-4.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Lee [email protected] +82 2 325 0327

Dokkaebi Reading Books(Chaek Ingneun Dokkaebi)Lee Sang-baeIllustrator : Pack Myoung-sigCheoEum Junior Publishing Co.2008, 117 pagesISBN 978-89-615-5132-8

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Museum of Korean Princesses

This picture book tells us everything about the princesses of ancient Korean dynasties.Princess Jeongui, the second daughter of the greatly respected King Sejong of the JoseonDynasty (1392-1910) lived a splendid life at the royal palace, treated as the flower of theRoyal Family. This book presents interesting stories from her life.

The daily lives, games, studies, cosmetics, musical instruments, palanquins, shoes andaccessories of the princess are explained in detail. Though the princess wore beautiful clothesand lived an elegant life at the magnificent palace, she had to endure years of hard training tocultivate knowledge, wisdom and a strong spirit that befit her royal station. The patience,consideration and love she possessed are still important values in today’s society. The bookalso offers stories of other princesses such as Goguryeo’s Princess Pyeonggang, who turneddumb Ondal into a great general; Princess Deongman of Silla, who became the first queen inKorean history; Princess Noguk, who was a Mongolian princess and later became a queen ofKorea; and Princess Deokhye, the last princess of Joseon, who met her tragic end afterJoseon’s sovereign rights were taken away. Elaborate drawings based on historical researchalso draw our attention, in particular the fold-out drawing of Gyeongbokgung palace that istwice the size of the open book. The detailed explanation that accompanies the drawing helpschildren readers better understand the palace.

By Choi HyunmeeCopyright Agent : Ryu Jihyung [email protected] +82 31 913 3684http://www.purmi.com

Museum of Korean Princesses(Uri Gongju Bangmulgwan)Seo An-jungIllustrators: Lee Yun-hee, Lee Bo-ram and Sim Sang-jeongChoroki2010, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-9296-318-3

Seize Your Dream at Age 13

A guide to occupations, this book introduces 160 jobs to children and youths aged between 13and 15. It includes generally known occupations such as conductor, singer and artist, as well aspromising ones such as b-boy, book designer and art director. The most distinguishingcharacteristic and greatest advantage of the book is that it explains each occupation through aninterview with the most successful figure in the field. In great detail, the interviews explainhow each of them arrived at the profession, how to prepare for such jobs as well as the prosand cons and the difficulties and joys of the job. Some of the notable interviewees include theactor Lee Seon Gyun, soprano Jo Sumi, ballerina Kang Sujin, pianist Suh Hai Kyung, actressMoon Jun-ghee, photographer Koo Bohn Chang and the pop group Brown Eyed Girls.

Along with one-to-one interviews, the book summarizes which academic subjects anduniversity majors are helpful for specific jobs, what types of students should consider certainjobs, in addition to the overall level of satisfaction, the income level and the future prospects ofeach profession. It also portrays a day in the life of each professional in a cartoon format andincludes a self-aptitude test to help the young readers find the right field themselves.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kwon [email protected] +82 2 724 7856 blog.matgong.com

Seize Your Dream at Age 13(Yeolsesal Nae Kkumeul Jabara)Han SunjeongIllustrator : Yoo Kyung-hwaChosunbooks2009, 268 pagesISBN 978-89-93499-09-4

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Kkokdu’s Journey through the OtherWorlds

Kkokdu is a wooden doll that is used as a children’s toy or a decoration on a bier. In thispicture book, the wooden doll Kkokdu shows children various aspects of the world. It tells astory from a long, long time ago when people thought many different worlds existed together.Like a poem, the book talks about how and why people subscribed to this belief without a clearmain plot. A boy, who appears on the back of a king bird, declares that there is only one worldbecause there is only one sky, one sun and one moon. The twins who play the flute say thatthere are two worlds because they can create a harmony by singing together. A child on aswing claims that there are three worlds because he can reach the sky by thumping his feetthree times. The book is a unique interpretation of the world rather than a scientific or rationalapproach or an exploration of truth. Oriental colors and lines used in the drawings are veryattractive.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Lee Young [email protected] +82 31 955 4872

Kkokdu s Journey through the Other Worlds(Sesangeun Myeotgae Ilkkayo?)Myung Soo JungChungnyunsa Publishing Co., Ltd.2010, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-7278-797-6

Dahli Children’s

Danielstone Kids Daseossure

Dasan

Eorinreuni

Gilbut Children

God’s WinGHangilsa Hansol Education Hanuribooks Houyhnhnm Hyoreewon

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A Foolhardy Frog Sees the World

This is a story of a curious frog that learns new things in the human world. The main characterFroggy is very curious about the world, wants to try many different kinds of food and newthings. One day he goes to visit a broadcasting station and becomes a star by accident. Whenhe reemerges from hibernation, he takes the subway in the city and has his birthday party at themarket. He gets selected as a basketball player and also finds himself mesmerized by a story atthe library. Froggy is a perfect role model for children who are just stepping into the world. Ifone faces challenges with courage and accumulates a range of experiences like Froggy, theworld will be a place full of excitement. Adventures may entail hardship but children maturethrough such diverse experiences. The story of an audacious frog that jumps into the world toembrace and experience it would stimulate children’s ambitious spirit.

Unrestricted and comical illustrations express the confusion caused by an unpredictable frog.Though Froggy may be reckless, he becomes increasingly more adorable and endearing to thereader as the story continues. Dynamic illustration format on each page is a witty reflection ofthe world puzzled by the sudden appearance of a frog.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Soyeon [email protected] +82 31 955 7341www.dahli.co.kr

A Foolhardy Frog Sees the World(Cheonbangjichuk Gaeguriui Sesang Gugyeong)Lim Jung-jinIllustrator : Kim You-daeDahli Children’s Books Inc.2008, 109 pagesISBN 978-89-5998-051-2

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Blue Make the Anger Go Away Softly

This book is a type of art therapy book, a color-emotion picture book that soothes children’shearts using the calm and cool color blue. Taejun is upset because his friend has made fun ofhim. In order to pacify Taejun’s anger, his tropical fish friend Pong takes him to the distantblue sky on his back. As they travel through the blue sky and the blue ocean, Taejun’s heartwhich used to be hot like fire is appeased and restored to calm. This book is written to helpchildren who are upset or unstable to placate themselves by looking at and imagining the highskies, vast plains and the deep blue ocean, just like the main character Taejun. Children can trypainting in blue or playing with blue balls after reading the book. Ideal for children aged 4 to6, the illustrations are done in cute animation style. It was edited by color psychologist KimSeong-ja who studied Western painting as an under-graduate and received MA and PhD in arttherapy. A picture book based on the positive influence of colors on people, it has beenpublished alongside Yellow Make a Laugh Spreading (Kkalkkal Useumi Beonjineun Norang)and Red Make a Courage Spring up (Bulkkeunbulkkeun Yong-giga Sosananeun Ppalgang).

Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Lee [email protected] +82 2 337 0212www.ddstone.com

Blue Make the Anger Go Away Softly(Sareureu Hwareul Pureojuneun Parang)Lee EunseoIllustrator : Lee Hye-youngDanielstone Kids Publishing Co.2009, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-921-3083-7

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School of Getting out of Laziness

This book was designed to teach the importance of time and to foster good daily habits. Five lazychildren and twenty teachers appear in School of Getting out of Laziness (GeeureumbaengiTalchulhakgyo). The teachers are the leaders of each field who are admired by the children, and theyinstruct them on effective time management methods based on their own experiences.

Teachers Lance Armstrong, Benjamin Franklin and Nelson Mandela share their stories with the kidknown as “One More Game,” who only likes to play games, to underscore the value of time.Teachers Bill Gates, Ban Ki-moon, Danny Seo and Han Bi-ya teach another kid known as “I’mBusy” who is always rushed for time “how to overcome procrastination.” Practical time managementskills are explained in “Overcoming Laziness” so that children can easily adapt them to their ownsituations. The book includes interesting information on the areas of expertise of successful leaders,in order to expand children’s common sense and cultural knowledge.

This book stimulates children’s interest by setting the scene in an imaginary space called the schoolfor the lazy, where they can learn practical time management skills from successful leaders. Iteducates them on the habit of time management, which can only be imparted during childhood.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Lee Jungsoon [email protected] +82 70 7606 7445www.dasanbooks.com

School of Getting out of Laziness (Geeureumbaengi Talchulhakgyo)Hwang KuenguiIllustrator : Lee MiraDasan Books Co., Ltd.2008, 172 pagesISBN 978-89-9255-598-2

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I Too Can Become a Picasso

Korea’s leading writer of art books and art critic Yi Joo-heon tells children stories aboutmasterpieces and guides them to create their own artwork. The book is divided into two parts:“How to Appreciate Painting” and “How to Paint.” “How to Appreciate Painting” introduceskey works of classical to modern art organized by various topics. After first letting his youngreaders appreciate each painting in the way most natural and comfortable to them, the authorprovides a more in-depth understanding by examining its symbols, perspective, colors, light,and drawing techniques.

In “How to Paint,” Yi presents various art activities for children so that they can try paintingon their own. Rather than giving specific guidelines, however, he helps them come up withcreative ideas. For example, after looking at a painting related to waterfalls and raindrops, heasks children to “listen to the sounds of nature and express them using lines, spaces and dots,”thereby letting them realize their own unique ideas. He also encourages the less confidentchildren by including examples of their peers’ reinterpretation of certain themes inmasterpieces and the author’s review of their drawings.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Jeong [email protected] +82 2 3142 6611(Ext. 106) http://www.daseossure.co.kr

I Too Can Become a Picasso(Nado Pikasoga Doelsu Isseoyo)Yi Joo-heonDaseossure Publishing Company2009, 184 pagesISBN 978-89-7478-336-5

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Pretty Pretty Please, Take Care of thePlants!

The plant rescue friends join forces to save endangered plants in this exciting comic book.Three “Vegemons”-Kkulbam, Para and Ttilkong-work together to fight natural disasters andthe greedy pigs of Oink Oink who don’t care about nature. The comic book describes in detailhow plants suffer: pesticides that pollute the soil, parasitic worms that cause pine wilt, forestfires that instantly reduce plants to ashes, typhoons that destroy hard-earned crops, and yellowdust that blocks the sun and makes it hard to breathe. After exposing the causes of plantsuffering, the three friends explain how to fix the problems. As they solve one case afteranother, they discover that to protect nature is to protect the earth, which in turn will lead tohuman happiness. Detailed information about plants is included at the end of each chapter.Young readers will enjoy the comic book format while easily learning about environmentalissues. This book is ideal for teaching third- and fourth-grade elementary school students aboutthe importance of the environment and helping to protect nature.

By Kim Jung-mi


Pretty Pretty Please, Take Care of the Plants!(Singmureul Butakhae! Kkok Kkok Kkok!)Woo Deog-hwanEorinreuni2009, 172 pagesISBN 978-89-92516-17-4

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Flower Shadow, Shining Water

A short story by the children’s book author Chung Chae-bong, who writes about the lostinnocence of people in the modern age, the world of purity and the life of coexistence, hasbeen turned into a picture book that contains a profound reflection on life and the world. Awandering white cloud narrates the things it has seen and heard. One day, the white cloud seesa monk who resides deep in the mountains. In late autumn, the monk discovers a small moss-covered rock in one corner of the pond and takes it back to his lodging in order to protect themoss from freezing during bitter winter. As he picks up the moss-covered rock, the monk talksto the grass, stones and fish around and in the pond and once he returns to his room, heintroduces the rock-moss to the objects there. When spring comes around, the monk takes therock back to where he found it and asks everything in and near the pond to live in harmony. Healso asks the moss to live on its own. The monk who treats all objects as living beings and whovalues even the smallest forms of life makes us think about what it means to live together inthis world. The thick, bold lines and bright, splendid colors of the drawings enliven theatmosphere of the book and express well the changes in scenery and human life in harmonywith nature.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kim [email protected] +82 31 955 3262www.gilbutkid.co.kr

Flower Shadow, Shining Water(Kkotgeuneul Hwanhan Mul)Chung Chae-bongIllustrator : Kim Se-hyunGilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-558-2095-9

The Bunny and the Popping Machine

The Bunny and the Popping Machine (Tokki Ppeongtwigi), Bunny is smaller than the other animalsin the forest who often make fun of her size. Hurt by her friends’ ridicules, Bunny decides to leavethe forest. When she reaches a village inhabited by people, she comes across a rice popping machinethat turns small things big. Out of her desire to be bigger, Bunny gathers her courage and climbs intothe machine and when she comes out, she is enormous. Will she be happy when she returns to theforest?

This witty story portrays the process in which Bunny, who is always made fun of by other animals,becomes friends with them. The illustrator’s techniques of emphasis and omission, bold choice ofbackground, use of crayons to create a cheerful tone, and stylish selection of colors all add to the funof the book. Also, the free style of expression using techniques such as recoating and scratching outrender the story more enjoyable. Just as in the forest, it is often the case that strong children bully theweaker ones in our world. The latter therefore wish to become bigger and stronger than the bullies.

This story is a delicate portrait of children who think that they are ignored by friends because they aresmall and weak. It also makes us reflect on what it means to be strong or weak in a friendship.

By Choi Seongkyu


The Bunny and the Popping Machine (Tokki Ppeongtwigi)Chung Hae-wangIllustrator : Han Sun-hyunGilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.2008, 33 pagesISBN 978-89-5582-081-2

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Puppy Poo

Puppy Poo (Gangaji Ttong) is the most well-known work by Kwon Jeong-saeng, the most respectedchildren’s writer in Korea. When he was young, Kwon wandered all over the country as a beggar. Later, heworked as a bell keeper at a church in a small remote village and continued to write while battling a life-threatening illness. He wrote right up to his death, leaving behind many memorable masterpieces in thehistory of Korean children’s stories.

Puppy Poo explains how “puppy poo,” which everyone avoids because “it’s so dirty,” can become afertilizer for dandelions so that they canbloom beautifully. By choosing “poo,” a topic that interests children,as the subject of the story, the author conveys the idea of respecting life, that is, “every being has its ownvalue.”

The text harmonizes superbly with the illustrations of the artist Jeong Seung-gak, who is known for his talentfor expressing Korean beauty, thus making a deep impression on the readers. It is sure to give confidence,hope and pride to children who often regard themselves asuseless or insignificant. This children’s book hasbeen loved steadily foran unusually long time. Currently included in the seventh grade curriculum, it is alsoon the recommended book lists by the Research Society for Children’s Literature and YWCA.

by Choi Seong-kyui


Puppy Poo (Gangaji Ttong) Kwon Jeong-saengIllustrator : Jeong Seung-gak Gilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.1996, 34 pagesISBN 978-89-86621-13-6

Tools at Work

Human manual skills will always be needed even in a society in which high-tech industrycontinues to develop daily. As farming, painting and making clothes, food, shoes andfurnishings cannot be done only by hand, humans have invented various tools and thuscultivated culture. In awe of the artisans who have dedicated their lives to a single vocation,author Kwon Yoon-duck has depicted each of their hand-worn tools with much care. With alook of wonder on her face, a girl and a cat walk around the tools that appear to have beenscattered without care; and their sense of wonder is shared by the reader. The landscapes in theauthor's drawings are from a neighborhood in Seoul where she currently resides. This picturebook uses a method used in Buddhist paintings: the colors are created by applying multiplelayers of red, green and navy blue to both sides of a silk canvas. Though the paintings areprinted on paper, the texture of silk, which is palpable when examined closely, often makes ithard not to touch the paper. Despite being a picture book, it is full of splendor undiscovered byadults and such magnificence should not be limited to only children. This book reflects thebest of artistry and writer's spirit in Korean picture books. This book is intended for anyoneover the age of four.

By Park Suk-kyoung


Tools at Work (Ilgwa Dogu)Kwon Yoon-duckGilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.2008, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-5582-083-6

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The Puppy

Illustrator Jang Ho, who was selected as the Illustrator of the Year Award at the 2009 BolognaChildren’s Book Fair, has added affectionate and lively illustrations to the children’s storypublished in the 1930s by Hyeon Deok (1909-?), one of the leading children’s book writers inKorean literary history. Noma is very envious of his friend Gidong’s spotted puppy. However,Gidong would not even let Noma touch the puppy. Though Noma makes a paper puppy andplays with it and his mother makes him a puppy doll, nothing can replace the spotted puppy. Afew days later, however, Gidong’s attention has all shifted to his new tricycle and Noma playswith the lonely puppy to his heart’s content. The book portrays well the impatient heart of achild who wants and longs for something and whose heart aches as a result. The illustrationscapture the child’s mind just as well as the story. Though the child’s eyes, nose and mouth arenot drawn in detail, his emotional state is expressed clearly. The scene in which Noma returnshome gloomily and all alone is painted in dark and heavy purple while the last scene in whichNoma is playing with the puppy, his new friend, is colored in bright yellow to reflect his livelyspirit. Moreover, by showing four different drawings of Noma on one page, Jang makes iteasier for the reader to notice the changes in Noma’s feelings at a glance.

Choi Hyunmee


The Puppy (Gangaji)Hyeon DeokIllustrator : Jang HoGilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-558-2087-4

Miniature Paintings of Flowers andButterflies

Picture books on ecology with miniature paintings that depict animals and plants in elaborate,realistic detail and express the value of “life with nature” have always been popular amongchildren’s books in Korea. Kwon Hyok-do has been actively leading the publication in thiscategory. Over the past 10 years, he has been exploring nature and working on miniaturepainting books, and his previous publications, Miniature Paintings of Insects, MiniaturePaintings of Plants and Miniature Paintings of Animals, have been received with enthusiasmby parents and children alike.

As the title suggests, Miniature Paintings of Flowers and Butterflies is a picture book onecology that depicts in miniature painting the flowers and butterflies the author has comeacross in the mountains and fields. It includes a total of forty scenes from the seasons: fourteenof spring; eight of summer, eight of autumn; and four of winter. Portrayed in detail are thediversity of flowers that bloom throughout the year and the butterflies and other insects thatlive among those flowers. Each scene is described in the style of an observation journal.However, the text reads more like telling a story to children rather than impartial descriptionsof objects under observation. 97 species of butterflies, 160 species of flowers and 39 species ofinsects including moths are depicted in this book.

By Choi Hyunmee


Miniature Paintings of Flowers and Butterflies(Semilhwaro Boneun Kkotgwa Nabi)Kwon Hyok-doGilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 88 pagesISBN 978-89-5582-091-1

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Art Comes to Life at the Library ofThought

This is a guidebook that helps children understand and enjoy modern art. Author Park Young-dae is an oriental painter and a professor of art education at Gwangju National University ofEducation. The main character Easel visits eight exhibitions each on a different theme at amodern art gallery and explains ways to appreciate and enjoy modern art more fully through33 pieces on display. The detailed, easy to understand and interesting explanations link eachartwork to general concepts of modern art. Every exhibition is expressed in a different color:the imagination warehouse in sky blue; the playroom in tomato red; the spectacle shop in snowwhite; the attic of emotions in peach; the theater of the heart in silver; the plaza of dreams ingold; the nature experience room in watermelon; and the new laboratory in banana yellow.Each in its own way describes imagination, play, observation without prejudice, expression ofemotions, the heart reflected in art, hopes and dreams, installation art and nature, therelationship between materials and themes and seeing with a new perspective. The authorreassures children that they need not feel obligated to examine all paintings closely but insteadencourages them to study in detail the paintings they like and try to understand them fully.

By Choi Hyunmee


Art Comes to Life at the Library of Thought (Geurimi Mareul Geoneun Saenggak Misulgwan)Park Young-daeGilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 240 pagesISBN 978-89-558-2088-1

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Kim Chan-sam, Korea s First WorldTraveler

Traveling around the world was simply an impossible dream to Koreans of the 1950s when theentire country was still struggling in the aftermath of the Japanese colonization, the KoreanWar and subsequent poverty. Despite such harsh conditions, however, Kim Chan-sam, dubbedas “Korea’s first world traveler,” traveled 59 countries and went round the world three and ahalf times in two years and ten months between 1958 and 1961. The time and distance hecovered by traveling add up to 14 years and 32 times around the world and he completed morethan twenty long-term backpacking trips throughout his life. Kim said, “armed with a map anda camera, I am not afraid to go anywhere in the world” and he did not stop traveling until hedied of the after-effects of an accident on one of his journeys. Covering the life and travels ofthe extraordinary activist Kim, who once went to Africa to meet Dr. Schweitzer whom he hadrespected as a child, the book tells children to follow their dreams. Though he was the son of ajudge, Kim spent his childhood reading The Travels of Marco Polo and decided early on thathe “wanted to see the world rather than study law” and lived as a geologist, an explorer and atraveler to realize his dream.

By Choi Hyunmee


Kim Chan-sam, Korea s First World Traveler(Hanguk Choechoui Segye Yeohaengga Kim Chan-sam)Kim Jai-minIlllustrator: Oh DongGilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 216 pagesISBN 978-89-5582-097-3

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The Holes in My Body

The Holes in My Body (Uri Momui Gumeong) is the most well known book by Heo Eunmi,who has published a number of science picture books including The Bright Eyes (YeongnihanNun), The Living Bones (Sarainneun Ppyeo) and Poop Is Great (Ttongeun Cham Daedanhae).The author explains the human body to children in an easy to understand way. Before showingthe holes in the human body, the book kindles children’s interest by first showing the holes ofdrainage, shower heads and tunnels. Then the holes in the body such as the nose, mouth, ears,eyes and pores are shown in turn. Through the book, children can learn the functions of suchholes and understand that they connect us to the world.

Books that impart scientific information can be long and descriptive. However, this book isvery accessible since it is written in the form of short rhythmic conversations such as “what’sthis,” “ah ha, water goes through this hole,” and “what’s this then?” Also, humorous and livelyillustrations stimulate children’s curiosity. By simplifying the anatomy of each body part,children can understand the structure of the body at a glance without long explanations. Thisbook is written for children around three years of age, when they begin to take an interest intheir bodies, to lower elementary school students.

By Choi Seongkyu


The Holes in My Body (Uri Momui Gumeong)Heo EunmiIllustrator : Lee Haery Gilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.2000, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-90025-54-8 77400

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My Favorite Robot Friend

This easy-to-understand book on everything about robots has been written for young readersby Lee In-sik, a leading Korean author of science books who writes for various magazines andhas published several general knowledge books on science. Beginning with the mankind’slong yearning for robots, this book explains how robots have developed throughout humanhistory, how they are used today and how they will develop in the future. In Part One, theauthor traces the origin of mankind’s long-held imagination about robots to Galatia ofPigmalion in Greek myths. He then explains the representation of robots in a novel (MaryShelley’s Frankenstein), a movie (Maria in Fritz Lang’s Metropolis) and animations (Atom andRobot Taekwon V) before examining various automatic devices that have appeared in humanhistory. Part Two explains today’s robots by using as examples industrial, remote-controlled,mobile, animal-shaped and humanoid robots, and then illustrations to introduce the operationalprinciples and structure of humanoid robots. Part Three explores the activities of robots likeSojourner and Spirit in the areas such as outer space, underwater, personal and surgerysystems, and Part Four looks into the future of the relationship between humans and robots byexamining future robots such as micro and nano robots.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kim [email protected] +82 2 325 5729

My Favorite Robot Friend(Naneun Meotjin Robot Chinguga Jota)Lee In-sikGod s Win Publishers, Inc.2009, 232 pagesISBN 978-89-929-7523-0


The Four Hermit Crab Brothers

This is a detailed picture book based on the children’s poem “The Four Hermit Crab Brothers”by Baik Suk (1912-1995), a postmodern poet much loved by Koreans for his folk ballads andlyrical poems. The book delivers a valuable lesson through a fable that satirizes the humanworld.

The four hermit crab brothers live in a small pool of water at the beach. Three of themcomplain that they are embarrassed to be hermit crabs because they do not have fancy shells.In fact, they pretend that they are not hermit crabs: the oldest one wears a turban shell and actslike a turban shell; the second one pretends to be a navel-shaped shellfish; and the third brotherpretends to be a mud snail. But the youngest one is not embarrassed about being a hermit crab.Through the youngest hermit crab, who is satisfied with what he has and loves himself withconfidence, the author tells us what true beauty is and how we can find happiness. The lyricalverses are even more interesting when read out loud. The hermit crabs and other animals aredrawn in detail in pencil and the large eyes and expressions of the four brothers add to thevivacity of the story.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Hyejung [email protected] +82 31 955 2088www.sonyunhangil.co.kr

The Four Hermit Crab Brothers(Jipgene Ne Hyeongje)Baik SukIllustrator : Oh ChigeunHangilsa Publishing Co., Ltd.32 pagesISBN 978-89-920-8972-2

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A Cartoon Biography of Ham Seok-heon

This is a biography of Korea’s representative historian and philo-sophical thinker Ham Seok-heon (1901-1989).Ham Seok-heon focused on the anti-Japanese movement and national education during Japanese occupation,actively led the democratization movement under the military dictatorship and developed a unique philosophicalthought based on people and life. Therefore, he cannot be described by one word. He has been called aphilosophical thinker, a civil rights activist, a writer, a religionist as well as a historian, to name a few.

Ham Seok-heon greatly influenced Korean modern history and A Cartoon Biography of Ham Seok-heon depictshis life based on his books and interviews with his acquaintances. Volume 1 is on Ham’s birth and childhood,volume 2 deals with his youth to adulthood, from his teaching years at Osan School where he taught nationalspirit to students immediately before the outbreak of Korean War when he crossed the border to South Korea, andvolume 3 covers his life and philosophy from after the war to when he passed away at 89 years of age. This multi-volume book shows the true character of Ham Seok-heon, the “fighting pacifist” struggling against corruptionand authority under military dictatorship. Also interesting are various anecdotes revealing Ham’s humane side inwhich he let his students understand their mistakes rather than reprimanding them. Using the popular genre ofcartoon, the book provides easily accessible yet in-depth under-standing of Ham’s philosophy. The biography ofHam Seok-heon, who experienced the dark twists and turns of modern Korean history, is not simply about the lifeof an individual but also Korean national history of the 20th century.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Hyejung [email protected] +82 31 955 2088www.sonyunhangil.co.kr

A Cartoon Biography of Ham Seok-heon(Manhwa Ham Seok-heon), 3 vols.Nam Gi-boHangilsa Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 257 pagesISBN 978-89-356-6132-9

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Friend Library

At the library, you can choose any book you like. But at the friend library, you can chooseyour friends. Jingyu, who has just moved to the city and does not have any friends yet, goes tothe friend library to make friends. He takes a train to the library at Yeounae Station; there, hemeets an eccentric, elderly head librarian. Though puzzled by the secret rules of the library,Jingyu is excited to make friends and enjoys using his call number “562,” instead of his name.However, even in the library, he still has trouble making friends. All of the children are franticto find friends, but the process by which they can become friends has been left out. The storypicks up when Jingyu meets “02,” who follows the head librarian, and “662” who has lost hisfriend. The downside to the friend library and its hidden secrets are soon exposed. Who is thehead librarian? Will the children be able to find true friends? This book is an absorbing storythat combines fantasy with the real-life concerns of today’s children. It is an ideal read forthird- and fourth-graders to learn about making friends and welcoming them with open hearts.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : Kim [email protected] +82 2 6383 1611 www.hanibook.co.kr

Friend Library (Chingu Doseogwan)Kim Ha-neuiIllustrator : Lee Hyoung-jinHankyoreh Children’s Books2008, 132 pagesISBN 978-89-8431-291-3

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The Lion Has Shrunk

While napping, a lion suddenly becomes as small as a mouse. Without realizing that it hasshrunk in size, the lion tries to cross the brook as usual and falls into it. At the moment ofdeath, a baby gazelle rescues it. However, realizing that the lion had killed and eaten itsmother, the baby gazelle is enraged. As the gazelle threatens to throw the lion back into thebrook, the scared lion begs for his life. Though the lion tries hard to comfort the gazelle, thelatter only grows sadder and struggles with sadness. The lion, who at first was only concernedwith saving its own life, comes to genuinely understand its fault and, wiping the gazelle’stears, makes a heartfelt apology. At that moment, the lion recovers its original form and thetwo animals are restored to their respective positions in the food chain.

Through the lion’s actions, the author shows how someone who has caused pain to anotherperson can be forgiven. In the relationship between a small lion and a relatively large gazelle,the lion also tries to help the readers to think in another person’s shoes. The vivid, colorfulpictures including those of the splendid grassy plains, the gazelle’s magnificent horns and thecute lion attract children’s interest. Organized in panels like cartoons, the illustrations renderthe story even more vividly than the text.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Im, Juhee/ Yu, Miae/ Choi, [email protected] +82 2 3279 3836/+82 2 3279 3824http://eduhansol.co.kr

The Lion Has Shrunk!(Sajaga Jagajyeosseo!)Written and illustrated by Jung SunghoonHansol Education Co., Ltd.2008, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-5355-443-6

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The Man-Made Nest

This is a picture book on Baron Hans Freiherr von Berlepsch (1857-1933) of Germany whoinvented the nest box. A devoted lover of birds, the baron ponders over ways to attract morebirds to his residence. He decides to build nests that birds would find safe enough for settlingdown; he finds trees to hang nest boxes, where birds build their nests and lay their eggs. Oneyear, cotton leaf-roller caterpillars greatly damage the forests of every city except for the onein the baron’s village. People soon learn that the village’s forest was not harmed because thebirds had eaten all the caterpillars. After this incident, the story of Baron Berlepsch and hisnest boxes spreads throughout the world and countries in Europe and the U.S. rush to installnest boxes in their forests. Through the story of the nest box, the book talks about theimportant value of life. Included in the appendix are instructions on nest boxes in variousshapes and materials and the nest box development figures so that readers can try constructingtheir own. Illustrator Yi Seung Won won the special prize at the 2001 Korea IllustratorAssociation Competition and was selected as the Illustrator of the Year at Bologna Children’sBook Fair 2006. His outstanding talent once again shines through in this book.

By Choi Hyunmee


The Man-Made Nest (Dungji Sangja)Kim HwangIllustrator : Yi SeungwonHansol Education Co., Ltd.2009, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-535-6105-2

Visiting Dentist

Why are children afraid of going to the dentist? Children’s story writer Shin Soonjae thinks itis because they do not really understand what goes on at the dentist. He believes that athorough explanation on dentistry treatments and procedures can help children overcome theirundefined anxiety and fear of going to the dentist. Despite her rotten tooth, Minji is afraid togo to the dentist, and her older brother is making things worse. According to him, children aretied to the chair so that they cannot move and a big, scary doctor sticks huge tongs into theirmouths to pull out the rotten tooth. Though she finally goes to the dentist, Minji is very scared.To reassure her, the dentist kindly explains the entire procedure; he shows her the mirror heuses to examine the teeth, the hook that checks whether the tooth is rotten and the umbrella forthe mouth that keeps the patient from swallowing. Furthermore, he uses humorous expressionslike “spraying water like a fire engine” or “cleaning the poo left behind by the rotten toothbug.” Minji comes to understand why her teeth hurt and how they can be treated. No longerscared, she feels grateful that visits to the dentist help keep her teeth healthy.

By Choi Hyunmee


Visiting Dentist (Chigwae Gasseoyo)Shin SoonjaeIllustrator : Kim NamgyoonHansol Education Co., Ltd.2009, 44 pagesISBN 978-89-5356-313-1

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Dictionary of Beautiful Words

Overview Dictionary of Beautiful Words is a book that helps children learn and reflect on difficult concepts by themselves.Children can read and thinkabout the concepts presented using examples from everyday life to develop their senseof right and wrong. In addition, they can begin to conceptualize the meaning of justice and fairness as well as theirsense of priorities in life with the help of this book.

About the Author : Chae InseonShe was born in Hambaek, Gwangwon-do in 1962 and studied French Literature at Sungkyunkwan University.Her story, Telephone Pole Man(Jeonbotdae Ajeossi), won the first place in the Children’s Book Contest held byChangbi Publishers in 1996. Her books include My Best Friend Choe Yeong-dae (Nae Jjakkkung Choeyeongdae),The Reason Why His Lizard Started Knitting (Geu Domabaem Chinguga Tteugaejireul Hage Doen Sayeon), MyBicycle Travels With My Uncle (Samchongwa Hamkke Jajeongeo Yeohaeng), and Seven Reasons Why SantaWon’t Come To My House (Santa Harabeojiga Uri Jibe Mot Osin Ilgop Gaji Iyu), among others.

About the Illustrator : Kim EunjeoungBorn in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do in 1970, Kim received both her B.A. and M.A. in Oriental Painting at KyungwonUniversity and studied illustrationat Hankyoreh School of Illustration. Her illustrated books include Ah! This IsOur History (A! Geureokuna, Uri Yeoksa), One Drop of Inky Water on My Finger (Songarage Jalmot TteoreojinMeongmul Hanbangul), Sister Camellia (Dongbaekkkot Nunim), Our Eternal Promise Made Under theMoonlight (Dalbit Arae Maejeun Yaksok Byeonchi Anara), and Blue and Long Hair Dog (Pureun Gae Jangbal).

Sample TranslationWhat is fairness?It is to love cats and dogs equally. It is to remember to feed my cat when I feed my dog. (p. 20)

What is trust?It is knowing that when my mother scolds me, it is not because she doesn’t like me. (p. 34)

What is consideration?I want to watch TV but my brother is reading a book. Then I should ask him before turning on the TV, Is it okayto turn on the TV? A cartoon I like will be on soon.” (p. 37)

What is achievement?It is the feeling I get when I see new buds on the peach tree that I planted and took care of. (p. 42)

What is conscience? It is not copying someone else’s homework. It is also not copying someone else’s hard work and pretending it tobe mine.

What is understanding? When I eat something very delicious, I should not eat all of it but remember to leave some for my brother. (p. 86)

What is self-confidence?It is my smile. It is the idea that I can protect myself. It is the encouragement and compliment that I give myselfeveryday.

Copyright Agent : Lee Eun-young [email protected] +82 2 2635 8110 (Ext. 104)www.inbumo.com

Dictionary of Beautiful Words (Areumdaun Gachisajeon) Chae InseonIllustrator : Kim EunjeoungHanulim Publishing2005, 128 pagesISBN 978-89-955162-8-7

I Wish I Had Been Born in ‘the Elephant’sYear’

This is a children’s picture book that explains the 12 Chinese zodiac signs and the process ofaccepting and loving oneself. The main character, who was born in the year of the sheep, isunhappy with his sign because he thinks that the sheep is slow and untalented. Although heopts to choose the big and strong elephant as his zodiac sign, he learns that he cannot changethe sign since it is determined by the year of his birth. Sulking, he declares that any animalother than the elephant is trivial; then each of the twelve zodiac animals appears in turn.Playing with the main character at the playground, they boast their importance and value. Inthis process, the main character comes to understand that each animal, firmly rooted in Koreanculture, has a unique role. After having fun with the zodiac animals, he comes to embrace thefact that he was born in the year of the sheep. Author Kim Hae-won has won an award forchildren’s fiction given by a broadcasting company as well as a children’s literature awardfrom a publishing company. She has been active in children’s fiction and non-fiction.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Lee [email protected] +82 2 6430 2751www.hanuribook.co.kr

I Wish I Had Been Born inthe Elephant’s Year

(Kokkiritti Hallaeyo)Kim Hae-wonIllustrator : Kim YoungheeHanuribooks2009, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-93260-21-2

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The Family That Protects the Earth

The Family That Protects the Earth is a new book on the environment by Kim Bada, who hasshown continued interest in environmental issues. The main character Geunseok isuncomfortable with his parents’ special interest in the environment and finds it difficult tounderstand. One day, Geunseok has a car accident and loses consciousness. When he wakesup, he realizes that he is in Jijiguk, a place of holding between this world and the other world.Jijiguk is where those who polluted the world during their lifetime have to pick up trash andpurify contaminated water. The king of Jijiguk compliments Geunseok’s parents for their workon the environment, assigns Geunseok the task of protecting the earth and returns him home.After he wakes up, Geunseok opens his own online cafe called “Jiji Family” and runs forschool president on the platform of protecting the environment. The book shows how to makea solar-powered cooker and introduces the carbon tree calculator, which shows how a person’slifestyle can influence the environment. Kim attempts to help children understand theseriousness of environmental issues and encourages them to volunteer environmentalprotection activities. The illustrations are light-hearted and pleasant, similar to the style ofcomics.

By Choi Huynmee

Copyright Agent : Shin [email protected] +82 2 735 7554www.hollym.co.kr

The Family That Protects the Earth(Jigureul Jikineun Gajok)Kim Bada Illustrator : Yang EunaHOLLYM Corp., Publishers2009, 184 pagesISBN 978-89-7094-577-4

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Why Are You Copying Me?

Minji is troubled by a drooling monster that follows her all day long and interferes witheverything she does. He ruins her art homework and her friends laugh at her because he hassmeared it with smelly poo. It is not surprising that Minji cries out “I won’t bother with himanymore!” However, the drooling monster never leaves Minji’s side. Instead, he simply smilesand imitates everything Minji does. When the readers’ curiosity reaches its peak concerningthe identity of this monster, they turn the page to have an “a-ha” moment, as they learn that themonster is in fact Minji’s little brother. When she sees that he imitates her even she is beingpunished, she cannot but smile at her baby brother. This picture book is a wonderful portrayalof children who quarrel and make up many times a day. While the story features a “monster”that drools, ruins homework and poos everywhere, but fundamentally it is about an endearingyounger brother who wants to be like his older sister. One cannot help but be amused by theauthors’ drawings full of lively imagination. This book is part of A World of Shared Valuesseries that promotes important values. It is ideal for the lower-grade children with youngersiblings or toddlers with older siblings.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : miho_Lee/Hanbyul_ Baek [email protected]/[email protected] +82 2 3475 3924~5http://cafe.naver.com/h2n

Why Are You Copying Me?(Wae Naman Ttarahae?)Koh Yeoju, We HyejeongHouyhnhnm2008, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-3784-889-6

66 LTI Korea

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The Weight of Lies

Every child can relate to the story of this book. Through the main character Sera who lies eventhough she knows that lying is bad, children will be able to look back on their experiences oflying. Sera is a new student at Minji’s school. Hoping to make new friends, she lies that shereceived a talking doll as a gift on Children’s Day. Wanting to see the talking doll, otherstudents ask her to bring the doll to school. To cover up her previous lie, she lies once againthat she could not bring the doll because she spent too much time deciding what to wear fromher large number of clothes. Lies only breed even more lies. However, her friends believe herand all go to her house to see the doll. Surprisingly though, Sera’s lies have all come true! Shenow begins to find it fun and fabricates even bigger lies. However, Sera comes close to beingfound out and has to lie with all her might in order to hide her lies. At the end, she finallymusters up the courage to confess to her friends that she has been lying all along. Althoughmost of Sera’s friends are disappointed and upset with her, Minji continues to support her.Sera learns that lying is truly terrible and that she can make good friends without lying.Cheerful illustrations that seem to reflect children’s lively minds will likely entice the book’syoung readers.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : miho_Lee/Hanbyul_ Baek [email protected]/[email protected] +82 2 3475 3924~5http://cafe.naver.com/h2n

The Weight of Lies(Geojinmareun Mugeowo)Yu GyeyoungHouyhnhnm2009, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-3784-933-6

A Lone Slipper

A Lone Slipper is a children’s book on the environment and ecology that talks about theimportance of things in today’s world where everyday goods such as soda cans and bottles,discarded pencils and paper that are almost as good as new and disposable goods are oftenthrown away. It goes on to suggest that making the most of resources by recycling andpreserving the environment can save and protect the earth. The author took one of the shortstories from his previous book Pleas from an Earthworm in the Backyard (DwitttureuIreongjiui Hasoyeon), a children’s story about 18 ways in which a twelve-year-old can helpsave the earth, and turned it into an environment and ecology series for children. In 1996, forits role in raising public awareness of environmental issues, the UN awarded the story theGlobal 500 Youth Environment Award, given to youths who work hard to protect theenvironment. This story criticizes today’s wasteful reality and shows ways to reduce andrecycle daily waste to achieve green growth.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Cho [email protected] +82 2 365 5051 (Ext. 225)www.hyeonamsa.com

A Lone Slipper (Jjak Ireun Sillaehwa)Lee WanIllustrator : Song KyosungHyeonamsa Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 48 pagesISBN 978-89-323-7252-5

68 LTI Korea

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Ttoya and the Tricycle

This illustrated book helps children understand the meaning of ownership, i.e. what is mineand what is not. It is written by the late Kwon Jeong-saeng whose works are much loved bychildren and adults alike. The baby raccoon Ttoya secretly rides his friend Ppoya’s tricycleback home. He has very much wanted his own tricycle and he could not resist the temptationwhen he saw one left by itself at the playground. As he was simply happy to have a tricycle, hewas not so concerned with the fact that it did not belong to him. This is because Ttoya is ababy raccoon that does not really grasp what belongs to him and what does not. His motherand father gather their wisdom to help Ttoya realize his mistake by himself; they secretly leaveTtoya’s favorite teddy bear Gulttaengi at Ppoya’s house. The owners of the tricycle andGulttaengi have been swapped as a result. After losing Gulttaengi, Ttoya finally understandswhy his friend Ppoya has been sad over losing his tricycle. Ttoya returns the tricycle to Ppoyaand hugs Gulttaengi tightly. Kwon brings to light the wise parents who make Ttoya learn fromhis mistake through kindness and love rather than admonishment. This book is ideal for lower-grade children who value not only their own things but also those of their friends.

By Kim Jungmi

Copyright Agent : Choi [email protected] +82 2 3675 5225www.hyoreewon.com

Ttoya and the Tricycle(Ttoyawa Sebal Jajeongeo)Kwon Jeong-saengIllustrator : Park JohanHyoreewon2008, 45 pagesISBN 978-89-8339-912-0

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Izzle Books

Jaimimage Jakkajungsin Jigyungsa

Jakeunchaekbang Jangsoohanulso Joongang M&B

Little Mountain

LITTLE ONE AHyunLMirae Media & Books Moonji

Miseghy Children’s MunhakdongneM

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Maeng & Aeng

I Don’t Mind Being Short

This is the story of a child who overcomes his embarrassment of being short and faces theworld bravely. Though Dau is in the third grade, he is shorter than his younger brother who isa first grader. In addition to being mocked by his friends for his height, he is also stressed byalways having to eat the foods that will help him grow. He even hates going to school becauseof his height. Then one day, he makes a new friend named Bak Saei, who has recently movedto the neighborhood. Though Saei is even shorter than Dau, he is brave when others make funof his height. One day, while playing together till nightfall, Dau and Saei find an old man whois lying unconscious on the hillside. Saei says he will call the ambulance and quickly runsdown the hill. Left alone in the dark with a dying man, Dau is so scared that he is about to cry.But he stays by the man’s side as he thinks of Saei who believes in him and the two help savethe man’s life. Proud of their great feat, Dau is now able to shrug it off when his friends callhim a “shorty.” Everyone has a weak point and this book tells the story of children whoovercome their shortcomings and face the world confidently. The story is supplemented withlively illustrations that capture children’s expressions well.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Woo [email protected] +82 2 2248 1555

I Don t Mind Being Short(Kiga Jagado Gwaenchana)Yoo HyojinIllustrator : Ji YoungIandbook2009, 124 pagesISBN 978-89-9283-032-4

72 LTI Korea

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Treasure Hunting in South Africa

This is the 24th volume of the Treasure Hunting series, a children’s comic book, in which the maincharacter Ji Pangi-a boy full of curiosity-goes on adventures with his uncle Dr. Ji Gubon and gainsknowledge on the history, culture and society of the countries of the world. The latest volume is setin the Republic of South Africa, the host of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Dr. Ji arrives in Johannesburg, South Africa with his nephew Pangi for his research onAustralopithecus and meets his university friend Dr. Gary, a film producer. Dr. Gary, who is there todirect the opening ceremony, asks Dr. Ji to find the rainbow diamond that will be used as the symbolof South Africa in the ceremony. When Dr. Ji refuses, Pangi sets off to find it with the doctor’sassistant and their adventure reveals the tragic history, culture, nature, and world heritage of SouthAfrica.

The edutainment comic that combines educational content with entertainment has a significant share ofthe children’s book market in Korea. One of the leaders in this genre, the Treasure Hunting series hasremained popular since the publication of the first book Treasure Hunting in Iraq in 2003. Gomdori co.,a group of writers specializing in stories about children, has proven its ability through the TreasureHunting series and another edutainment comic series called Tomorrow’s Experiment King.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Moon [email protected] +82 2 3475 3921www.i-seum.com

Treasure Hunting in South Africa(Namagongeseo Bomul Chatgi)Gomdori co.Illustrator : Kang Gyung-HyoI-seum2010, 208 pagesISBN 978-89-3784-812-4

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Escape from Insect World Vol.1-3

Comic Survival Science Series is an edutainment cartoon series and the most well-known publicationfrom the publisher I-Seum. Through the adventures of the main characters who find themselves inextreme situations, children will be able to learn various skills to survive in such circumstances, inaddition to gaining knowledge in natural sciences. In particular, Escape from Insect World (GonchungSegyeeseo Saranamgi) series has been loved steadily by elementary school students since itspublication because it features children who solve the problems they encounter on their own. Insects have been around since before the Palaeozoic era. Their numbers and species are uncountableand they have evolved in a way that allows them to live anywhere on the planet. Such characteristicsof insects and knowledge on ecology are told by the main characters, who have become smaller thaninsects, in the stories of their adventures. The book provides explanations for common knowledgeabout insects such as the way to distinguish insects from worms, the reason the spider is not aninsect, the secret behind insects’‚ amazing powers, and the difference between butterflies and moths.Also, information on insects, such as ants, dung beetles, fireflies, and ant lions, is accompanied bydozens of vivid pictures. The series tries to help the children learn better by providing diverse scientific knowledge, which canbe used to solve the problems arising in extreme situations. Following the dangerous adventures ofthe main characters, children will also be able to learn cooperation and courage.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Moon [email protected] +82 3475 3921www.i-seum.com

Escape from Insect World(Gonchung Segyeeseo Saranamgi), Vol.1-3Comic ComIllustrator : Lee Tae-hoI-seum2005, 208 pagesISBN 978-89-378-4051-7

74 LTI Korea

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Happy Grandfather

This picture book portrays the life of Chae Gyu-cheol (1937-2006), a social educationalist whofounded the Korean Organ and Tissue Donor Program and Dumalli Nature School, the firstalternative school in Korea. Chae’s life was guided by his motto, “Children are the world.” Hisentire body was burned in a car accident in 1968 for which he received more than 30operations. Hair was planted where his eyebrow used to be and skin from another part of hisbody was used to form eyelids and lips while an artificial eye was placed in his right eyesocket. Though it was a miracle that he survived the accident, his deformities made him looklike a monster. He thought about killing himself when he was met with the cold shoulder frompeople. However, after deciding that he was the master of his own life, he overcame severehardships and restarted his life. He became involved in various social programs that includedhelping the handicapped, building libraries for children and founding the Dumalli alternativeschool. Though he was called Grandpa ET, which meant that he was an “once-burnt” (imitabeorin) person, he lived a more beautiful and meaningful life than anyone else. This bookbegins as the children visitors to the nature school are shocked to meet the ugly Grandpa ETfor the first time. However, they soon learn how the grandpa’s face came to be so distorted andhow he had been able to overcome his pain and create happiness. Immersed in nature, theyopen their hearts to Grandpa ET and listen to his stories of sharing his life with others andgenerating hope in the midst of despair.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Park [email protected] +82 2 3475 3946www.i-seum.com

Happy Grandfather(Haengbokhan Iti Harabeoji)Park SunwookIllustrator : Jang HoI-Seum 2008, 48 pagesISBN 978-89-378-4446-1

I-seum

Bridges: Linking People and the World

These days we can easily travel wherever we want at any time, but by the same token, ourinterest and delight in meeting new worlds have diminished. Bridges: Linking People and theWorld describes in detail the origins, changes, and historical significance of bridges. However,it is far more than simply a factual account.

When primitive man came across water in his path, he either had to swim across or go the longway round. And so he built the first bridge. Crossing that bridge, he visited the neighboringvillage for the first time, and was perhaps delighted to find a pretty girl there! It all started bytossing a few stones into a stream, but “necessity is the mother of invention,” and if weconsider the continuous development of bridges right up until the present day-wood bridges,stone bridges, submerged bridges that can withstand floods, iron railway bridges, evenultramodern bridges that join islands to the mainland-we are quite moved to realize how manystories lie hidden beneath the convenience we take so much for granted today. The will ofhuman beings who were determined to cross their allotted boundaries of time and space led tothe creation of bridges, and bridges linked people to the world, giving birth to today’scivilization. Humans will continue to build bridges. In the future, maybe there will be a bridgethat links the Earth to the moon. It is also fascinating to note that there are bridges that arevirtually identical, as if they were twins, in countries distant from each other.

Various bridges from past and present are depicted in detailed photographs, while the peoplebuilding and crossing the bridges are illustrated in a folksy cartoon style, adding to the reader’sfeeling of involvement.

By Park Suk-kyoung

Copyright Agent : Kim Hee [email protected] +82 2 3475 3942www.i-seum.com

Bridges: Linking People and the World(Saramgwa Sesangeul Inneun Dari)Kim Hyang-geumIllustrator : Lee Kyung-gukI-seum2010, 41 pageISBN 978-89-378-4550-5

76 LTI Korea


Dinosaurs 100 Picture Book

Dinosaurs 100 Picture Book contains big poster-size illustrations of 100 dinosaurs thatprospered in different periods. Using computer graphics the physical and behavioralcharacteristics of each dinosaur and the environmental setting of each period are depicted ingreat detail. The dinosaur’s classification, dietary habits, period of existence, indigenoushabitat, and body weight and length are provided neatly in an information box next to theinteresting descriptions of each dinosaur. Though it is often difficult to give descriptions ofdinosaurs in illustrated books, this book has been compiled in a friendly, enjoyable way forchildren. Explaining the etymology of each dinosaur’s zoological name is part of such effort.For example, Galimimus is defined as “a dinosaur that looks like a chicken.” A moreinteresting description follows: “It looks like an ostrich without feathers. Galimimus is a fastrunner because running away is the best way to ensure its survival without sharp teeth orclaws.” Descriptions such as “it weighs the same as 125 people put together” or “it runs at asimilar speed as a fast car” are used to facilitate children’s understanding. The illustratorDNS05, responsible for the pictures and graphics of this book, is a company that reconstructsdinosaurs and extinct organisms through either detailed paintings or graphics based on theavailable analytical data on various fossils including dinosaurs.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Park [email protected] +82 2 3475 3952www.izzlebooks.com

Dinosaurs 100 Picture Book(Gongnyong Hwabo 100)Illustrator : DNS05Editor: Lee YungnamCompiled by: Joo Sung HeeIzzle Books2005, 105 pagesISBN 978-89-378-5445-3

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SOS Science Investigation: Save the Gold-spotted Pond Frog!

SOS Science Investigation, consisting of an eccentric inventor uncle, a young troublemakercalled Taeyang and his smart cousin Byeori go on an adventure, packed with scientificknowledge in this entertaining general science book for children. It combines the formats of apicture book and a cartoon to produce simple yet comical illustrations of the main charactersand their action-filled adventure. Meanwhile, the background scenes are depicted in detail todeliver accurate scientific information. Having solved various cases in secret, SOS ScienceInvestigation is now ordered to save the gold-spotted pond frogs on the verge of extinction.The team members go out to save the gold-spotted pond frogs but their small size and slowmovements, bullfrogs which are the natural enemy of the endangered frogs, and environmentalpollution all make it hard to find them. While following their adventure, children attainscientific knowledge on the environment, endan-gered animals and the habits of frogs. Thecase report at the back of the book includes more in-depth scientific knowledge andinformation. Along with Save the Gold-spotted Pond Frog!, the series also includes Find theCapsule Robot!, in whichthe team explores the sensory organs including the eyes, nose, earsand mouth, and SOS Science Investigation Goes to the Era of Dinosaurs, which exploresscientific knowledge.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Park [email protected] +82 2 3475 3592www.izzlebooks.com

SOS Science Investigation: Save the Gold-spotted Pond Frog!(Gwahak Susadae Geumgaegurireul Guhara)Yum Seoung-sukIllustrator : Kim Ryeong-eonIzzle Books2009, 45 pagesISBN 978-89-3785-842-0

78 LTI Korea

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The Strongest Rooster in the World

One fine spring day, a male chick is born. This chick is much stronger than other chicks andgrows up to be the strongest rooster in the village. Time passes and the rooster eventuallybecomes a grandfather. He is no longer as strong as he used to be and his crowing is not loudenough to announce the dawn. Now he is not the strongest rooster but rather the biggestdrinker in the village. However, he is proud of his descendents: his healthy grandchildren; hissons who, though not as good as they were when he was young, are fulfilling their roles in theworld; and his daughters who lay exceptionally many eggs.

Through the life of a rooster, the writer hopes to let children understand the meaning of being“the best” as well as the value of family. Lee Hobaek’s story is short but gives the reader muchto ponder and harmonizes well with the fine and witty illustrations by Lee Ukbae. Togetherthey have created a great illustrated storybook that reflects traditional Korean sentiment. Thisbook was selected for the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava (BIB) in 1997. In 2001, it was alsochosen as one of the best children’s books published in the past 50 years by the InternationalBoard on Books for Young People (IBBY) in Basel, Switzerland.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Song [email protected] +82 31 955 0880www.jaimimage.com

The Strongest Rooster in the World (Sesangeseo Jeil Himsen Sutak)Lee HobaekIllustrator : Lee UkbaeJaimimage Publishing Co.1998, 30 pagesISBN 89-8656-504-8

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Who?

This picture book is written by Goh Gyong-sook, who won the Bologna Ragazzi Award infiction at the 2006 Bologna Children’s Book Fair. The main character Mimi feels as thoughshe was abandoned into the universe the minute she was born. She loudly demands, “Who wasit? Who abandoned me?” Upon hearing her voice, the characters as unique as Mimi all comeout saying “it was me!” and admit to having abandoned her. The pianist with two hands on thekeyboard says she gave up Mimi because she was depressed and sad, while the police officerdirecting traffic at an intersection says that he was upset at the time because people were notfollowing the traffic signals. The inventor, because he had a headache; the fat boy, because hewanted to lose weight; the boy walking the dog, because it was dirty everywhere; and thefashion designer, because she wanted to make clothes with circles as the theme. However, theartist who appears at the end says “it wasn’t me” and adds a surprising twist to the situation.He says the only thing he threw away was a drawing of an angry girl with curly hair. Whoreally abandoned Mimi then? The truth remains unrevealed until the very end.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Song [email protected] +82 31 955 0880www.jaimimage.com

Who? (Naya, Na!)Goh Gyong-sookJaimimage Publishing Co.2009, 30 pagesISBN 978-89-865-6586-7

80 LTI Korea


But I Can’t Fall Sleep

Children often want to go on playing past their bedtime. This book is about a kitten thatrepeatedly says, “I can’t fall sleep.” This kitten does not like folding paper boats, readingpicture books or playing with a ball of yarn. Nor does he want to play with clay or thealphabet. One day, the mother cat tells the kitten that a guest is coming over. He, like children,enjoys guests. He washes his face, brushes his teeth and gets ready to greet the guest withoutbeing told what to do. With a creaking sound from the closet, the long-awaited guest arrives.The guest is Mr. Sleep. The kitten who has been complaining about not feeling sleepy gives abig yawn as Mr. Sleep settles on his eyelids.

The book follows the process in which a wide-eyed kitten begins to yawn and finally fallsasleep. The protagonist kitten with sharp teeth and large eyes are portrayed in a veryaffectionate way. In particular, the brilliant and rich colors of the pictures are pleasing to theeye. The moving conversation between the kitten and his mother, with the refrain “But I can’tfall sleep,” add to the fun of reading the book. It is a good book to read to children who refuseto go to bed at night.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Kim [email protected] +82 2 2648 7224

But I Can t Fall Sleep(Geureochiman Naneun Jami An Wa)Lee SangkyoIllustrator : Kweon Hae-youngJakeunchaekbang2008, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-5979-116-3

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Thank You for This World

This is a coming-of-age story for children by Park Wansuh, one of Korea’s most popular writers. Themain character Kim Bokdong’s mother died in childbirth and his father soon left him with his aunt andgrandmother, who have since raised him. He is currently in the fifth grade. Despite the hardships in hislife, Bokdong is a bright child who is surrounded by love from his grandmother and aunt and thefriendships of his closest friends. During his summer break, Bokdong goes to the US to meet his father.Hiding the pain he has been suffering since his father abandoned him, Bokdong does not expectanything from his father. He also feels uncomfortable with his Filipino stepmother and his half-brotherDennis who holds him in check. Wandering around the house while hoping to return home as soon aspossible, Bokdong finds his father watching Korean TV drama all by himself in the attic, appearingvery lonely. Bokdong embraces him tightly albeit for a short time. When Dr. Brown, a Korean adopteeto the US, shares a story about his mother, Bokdong thinks that he is “so grateful to have been born intothis world.” Bokdong leaves the US awakened to the reason for existence and the joy of life. Theauthor’s calm narrative and Han S. Oki’s illustrations add to the pleasure of reading. Han has wonvarious awards such as the Illustrator of the Year Award from the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, theNew York Society of Illustrators Award and the Korea Children’s Book Award and spent a long timeperfecting her illustrations for this book.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Park [email protected] +82 2 336 2871www.kidsjakka.co.kr

Thank You for This World(I Sesange Taeeonagil Cham Jalhaetda)Park WansuhIllustrator : Han S. OkiJakkajungsin Publising Co.2009, 160 pagesISBN 978-89-7288-939-7

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Mommy, Do You Have a Boo-boo? Let Me Kiss It Better

The author, a book planner and writer who has already published a number of children’sbooks, portrays the daily struggles of a young mother in a humorous way. While out on a walkon the hill next to his apartment complex, Sani falls and rolls all the way down to the foot ofthe hill. Mommy starts chasing after Sani but also ends up falling and rolling down the hill.When his nose starts bleeding, Sani is scared and begins to cry. Not knowing what to do,Mommy also begins to cry and ends up crying even more loudly than Sani. Sani stops cryingand looks at his mother with concern; he thinks that Mommy is crying because she is badlyinjured. After noticing a patch of blood on her knee, he blows gently on her wound. Avoidingthe existing “strong mother-weak child” or “mother as the protector-child as the protected”relationship, this book shows that a child can feel the mother’s pain and offer care and concernas well. This book will provide an opportunity for mothers and children to engage in dialogueand understand each other. The illustrations use watercolors and Indian ink to give the fullimpression of an East Asian painting.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Gil [email protected] +82 31 955 1342

Mommy, Do You Have a Boo-boo? Let Me Kiss It Better(Eomma, Apa? Naega Ho Haejulge)Sani s DadIllustrator : Kim HominJangsoohanulso2009, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-9-628021-7

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Gotcha!

This picture book offers interesting explanations on the color change, camouflage anddefensive behavior of animals. In the forest, a chameleon wakes up from a nap hungry. At thatmoment, a praying mantis flies over and settles on a leaf toward the end of a tree branch. Thehungry chameleon waits for the chance to catch its prey, but the mantis realizes that it is nottoo late to escape. The mantis transforms itself to match the color and simulate the shape of aleaf. Having missed the mantis, the chameleon also takes on the color of the branch and waitsfor the mantis to show itself again. After staying still for a long time, the mantis finally moves,thinking the chameleon is gone. The chameleon lunges its tongue toward the mantis but thelatter changes its form again, this time resembling Grim Reaper holding a scythe. Thissurprises the chameleon and the mantis seizes the opportunity to fly away. In addition toproviding knowledge on animal behavior, this book offers beautiful drawings that portray thetension between the chameleon and the mantis and their sudden movements andtransformations.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Gil [email protected] +82 31 955 1342

Gotcha! (Gamjjokgachi Sogatji?)Sani s DadIllustrator : Yoo Geontaek,Jangsoohaneulso2009, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-9628-022-3

84 LTI Korea

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Delicious Magic Beans

Mischievous baby monkey Saengi who has been bothering his friends has become a goodmonkey thanks to his mother’s wisdom. Saengi does not like to go to the playgroup because hethinks his friends do not like him. Concerned about Saengi, Mother gives him a big box ofcolorful candies and tells Saengi to give them to friends who do not like him. She says thatthey are magic candies and those who eat them would like Saengi. On the way to theplaygroup, Saengi gives candies to a rabbit, raccoon, elephant, roe deer, crow, turkey anddonkey. And just like magic, Saengi’s friends do not seem to dislike him anymore. In fact, hisfriends have avoided him because he bullies them. Upon discovering the truth, Motherdisplays her wisdom by giving roasted beans instead of candy to Saengi. She tells him not toshare beans with friends but eat them whenever Saengi feels like playing mischievous gameson his friends. So, Saengi eats the beans whenever he feels like being mischievous-crunch,crunch, crunch. Once again, his mother’s advice works perfectly. The next day, Mother giveshim imaginary magic beans. These invisible imaginary beans have the magical power toconnect Saengi to his friends. This book is ideal for toddlers who seek fun with their friendswithout magic beans.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : Ro Yoon [email protected] +82 2 557 1233

Delicious Magic Beans(Kongal Hana Ododok)So Jung-aeIllustrator : Jo HyunyoungJigyungsa Ltd., Publishers2008, 33 pagesISBN 978-89-319-2025-3

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Magic Chair

When he was young, the Grandfather used to be a well-known carpenter who traveled all overthe country to build houses. Today, however, he is an old man with dimming eyes and weakarms that cannot build anything. Afraid of his grandfather who sits staring into space andtalking to himself, the Grandson plays far away from him. One day, the Grandfather startscollecting useless pieces of wood from the street and displays his talent by turning them into achair. A one-of-a-kind piece, the chair has big wings. It is a magic chair that can go anywherein the world.

On the magic chair, the Grandson travels to all the places he has wanted to see. With hisgrandfather, he flies through shining stars, swims under the sea and climbs the most beautifulmountain in the world. The book portrays the process whereby the Grandfather and Grandsonopen their hearts and become friends. With the extraordinary idea of a chair that can fly, swimunder water and go to the universe, the book kindles children’s imagination. At the same time,the book describes from the perspective of children the world, which leaves them curious. Italso brings back the valuable meaning of family to children who live in a world where therupture between generations is becoming increasingly serious.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Ro Yoon [email protected] +82 2 557 1233

Magic Chair(Singihan Uija)Lee Mi-aeIllustrator : Lee JoohyunJigyungsa Ltd., Publishers2008, 33 pagesISBN 978-89-3192-026-0

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Dinosaurs Are Beautiful

The dinosaurs that lived on Korean peninsula are recreated beautifully and in detail usingcomputer graphics in this children’s picture book, which is based on the EBS naturedocumentary “Dinosaurs on Korean Peninsula” that won the Grand Prix in the 2009 KoreanBroadcasting Commission Awards. Rather than transferring the documentary directly intobook form, Hong Ji-yun, an oriental painter, created an art book with completely differentdrawings of dinosaurs using Indian ink and soft brush strokes. The omissions, the blank spaceand soft brush strokes that characterize East Asian paintings bring out the special attributes ofdinosaurs. Hong’s drawings are completely different from those found in existing children’sdinosaur books, which tend to focus on accurate depictions. This book will leave childrenwanting to mimic Hong’s style in their own drawings. Also, the narrative does not portray ananimal world where only the strongest survive and dinosaurs fight and consume one another.Rather, it tells a beautiful story of dinosaur friends that grow up together. 80 million years ago,the dinosaur Tarbosaurus Spotty is born on the Korean peninsula. As they pass each of the fourseasons, Spotty and his friends grow, socialize, love and live together in beautiful, harmonioussurroundings of flowers, trees, oceans and forests. The text is written in rhythmic verses andcreates the impression of singing when the book is read aloud.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Rachel [email protected] +82 2 2000 6024www.joongangbooks.co.kr

Dinosaurs Are Beautiful(Gongnyongeun Areumdawo)EBS Dinosaurs of Korean PeninsulaProduction TeamJoongang M&B2009, 104 pagesISBN 978-89-8375-862-0

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Who Is in the Mirror?

How did people react the first time they saw a mirror? Those who didn’t know that mirrors could reflecttheir faces must have asked, “Who’s in the mirror?” This story begins as a charcoal maker sets off to sellhis charcoal at the market. When asked what she wants from the market, his wife points to the half moonin the sky and says she wants a comb the same shape as the moon. The charcoal maker sells his charcoalquickly and remembers that his wife had asked for something. At first, he’s troubled because he can’tremember what it was. However, when he sees the moon in the sky, he realizes what he has to get. Whathe doesn’t know though is that, while he’s been away, the half moon has become a full moon. Instead ofbuying a half-moon-shaped comb, he buys a mirror that looks exactly like a full moon. When he returnshome with the mirror, everyone responds to this magical object in a different way. His wife looks into itto discover a mysterious woman inside, but when he takes a look, he sees a strange man looking back athim. They accuse each other of bringing strangers into their home and start arguing. They show themirror to the husband’s parents, but this only makes things worse. They finally decide to ask themagistrate of the village, but the minute the magistrate looks into the mirror, he runs away thinking thatthe reflection in the mirror is the Royal Inspector. The onlookers who have gathered to see the magicalobject also run away, afraid that the shapes in the mirror are ghosts. The mirror on the cover of the bookmaximizes the fun of reading this book. This book is ideal for bright children over four years who knowthat the reflection in the mirror is none other but themselves.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : Lee [email protected] +82 31 955 7842www.kmbooks.com

Who Is in the Mirror?(Geoul Soge Nuguyo?)Cho KyungsookIllustrator : Yoon JeongjooKookmin Books Co., Ltd.2009, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-11028-19-1

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A Summer Holiday

This picture book portrays love between family members through the story of an elephant family dealingwith the daddy elephant’s snoring. As the zoo goes on its long awaited summer holiday, baby elephantsKokki and Kori are jealous of their animal friends who boast about going away on vacation. Exhausted bythe fountain show, the most popular event at the zoo, the daddy elephant does nothing but sleep, snoringloudly. In fact, he snores so hard that the wind gushing out of his nose sends the mommy elephant, Kori andKokki up into the sky. They land on the seashore, where they have so yearned to go. Happy to findthemselves there, the baby elephants have a wonderful time. But the more time passes, the more they missthe daddy elephant and eventually they use the wind from their nostrils to bring their father to the seaside.

The daddy elephant reminds us of the fathers who are busy with work during the week and sleep throughthe weekend instead of playing with their children. Fathers and children would be able to understand eachother better if they read this book together and discussed the issues raised by the story. Perhaps that is whythe elephant family’s happy holiday in the last scene is both joyful and touching.

Illustrations by Yi Haery, who has been captivating both children and adults through various picture bookslike Run and On a Rainy Day, add to the fun of the book. The full-page illustration of a day off at the zoo isparticularly interesting: animals playing the guitar, eating pizza, painting and removing their fur and hangingit up to dry. Children can try to locate each animal as if they were playing hide-and-seek and laugh aloud atthe various fun activities taking place at the zoo.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Choi [email protected] +82 31 955 7866www.kmbooks.com

A Summer Holiday (Yeoreum Hyuga)Jang Young BokIllustrator : Yi HaeryKookmin Books Co., Ltd.2010, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-1102-915-0

Mother Pheasant

Kwon Jeong-saeng (1937-2007) was a best-selling children’s books writer who talked about themeaning of love through small and insignificant beings suffering in pain. His works Puppy Poo,which depicts an insignificant little poo’s process of sprouting and blooming into a beautiful flower,and Sister Mongsil, whose main character lives on courageously despite poverty and hardship in theaftermath of war, have sold tens of thousand copies.Mother Pheasant is another one of Gwon’s sadyet beautiful stories. A great fire rages in the mountain. The mother pheasant who has been takingcare of her nine babies escapes the fire at first but comes back for her babies. In the end, she turnsinto ashes while protecting the babies under her wings. The babies all survive under their motherwho has burnt to death. Though they grow bigger and older, they gather where they can still smelltheir mother to embrace and sleep together. The author said that he often thought of his mother andher love towards the end of his life; in this book his thoughts have been put into a heartbreakingstory. Cheerful illustrations of vivid colors by Kim Se-hyun, an artist specializing in Orientalpaintings, creates a balance with the tragic and somber story. Though the illustrations are simple,they reflect superbly the mother pheasant’s lamenting heart as well as her love. At the same time,they spread powerfully, reflecting the strong force of life that connects the mother and babypheasants in Mother Nature.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Shin [email protected] +82 2 335 7365

Mother Pheasant (Eomma Kkaturi)Kwon Jeong-saengIllustrator : Kim Se-hyunLittle Mountain Publishing Co.2008, 42 pagesISBN 978-89-89646-48-8

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My Neighbor Mija

This is a collection of children’s stories that portray with sincerity how poor and lonely peopleconsole each other and live together. Mija, who barely makes ends meet as a day laborer, and agirl named Seongji, who was left with her relatives after her parents got divorced, rent roomsin the same house. Mija buys things on credit at the village grocery shop and sometimessnatches ice cream from the children. Seongji, who is smart and usually nice to everyone,deems Mija to be a big failure and always finds her irritating. But soon they become friendsdespite their age difference. Other characters include: Grandma Sullye who pities Mija; thevillagers who speak ill of Mija but also get curious when they haven’t seen her for a while; andan older food-cart seller whom Mija secretly loves. The story between Mija and Seongji andthe people who surround them are told in three stories. The first story is titled “Mija’s GiftBox,” in which Mija, who always lives off the kindness of others, feels a sense of satisfactionas she shares the present she has received by chance; the others are “Two Frozen Pollack,” inwhich Mija and Seongji cause a commotion while preparing a fish stew, and “An Old Fox-FurScarf,” in which Mija wants to appear before the food-cart seller wearing a fox fur scarf whileSeongji talks about fur and animal cruelty. The author made her literary debut in 2004 and hasbeen recognized for a number of children’s books including Dear Mrs. Astrid Lindgren.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Shin [email protected] +82 2 335 7365

My Neighbor Mija(Uri Dongne Mijassi)Yoo Eun-silLittle Mountain Publishing Co.2010, 104 pagesISBN 978-89-8964-660-0

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Tales

This is part of the Heartwarming Picture Encyclopedia series for children between 3 and 7years of age. The design and editing teams for children’s books Jaeminan Chaekbo havecollected topics that would be interesting and educational for children in that age group andexplained them in detail in each volume. This series is different from other encyclopedias inthat the descriptions are not information-centered but presented in the form of stories told bymothers to children. This book also provides the basic concepts and history behind the belovedchildren’s stories from all over the world in an easy-to-understand way.

It tells both old and modern stories of the East and the West, along with why people likestories and how they are transmitted from generation to generation and spread to other regions.Also included is a breakdown of the various types of stories such as orally transmitted stories,written stories, and stories told through performances and songs. To better serve its targetedaudience, the book focuses on the overall concepts that children aged between 3 and 7 cangrasp rather than specific information and knowledge.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Jeon Jeong [email protected] +82 10 5221 6422www.ahyunbooks.co.kr

Tales(Iyagi)Jaeminan ChaekboIllustrator : Chae Hee JeongLITTLE ONE AHyun2010, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-5878-125-7

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Dad, You’re a Jerk!

The author who worked as an administrative officer in the Blue House Office of PublicRelations during the Roh Moo-hyun’s term gives an honest portrayal of a father estrangedfrom both his family and work from the child’s point of view. The book is based on his ownexperiences as a father after he resigned from the Blue House, and he confesses that hisdaughter has called him a jerk. One day, children in the Green Class at MirunamuKindergarten are told to draw their fathers. One child is upset because her parents have goneon a trip to China without her, while another says that his father is a fart king. Darae, on theother hand, draws her father’s face very small and exclaims that “My dad is a jerk!” She isangry at her father who always used to come home late and never came to her kindergarten orplayed with her. But Darae’s face soon grows dark, as she whispers that she wishes her fatherwould return to being a jerk. She explains that he has not been to work in several days; he’ssmoking again and whenever he sees her, he sighs, hugs her and rubs his face against hers.Through the eyes of thoughtful, concerned children, the author depicts the struggles of theirfather, who has become estranged from his family because of his demanding work butnevertheless ends up losing his job. Divided into several frames on each page, the illustrationstell various interesting stories at once.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Jeong [email protected] +82 10 8721 8166

Dad, You re a Jerk!(Appaneun Nappeun Nyeoseogiya)Baek Seung-kwonIllustrator : Park Jae-hyunMaeng & Aeng2009, 30 pagesISBN 978-89-9628-800-8

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Korean Medicine, Science of Balance

Having studied Oriental medicine at university and currently working as a professor in thesame field, the author explains Oriental medicine in this children’s picture book. On the firstpage, a child asks her mother, “Mommy, what does a doctor in Oriental medicine do?” Themother answers by comparing Oriental and Western medicine: a Western medicine doctorwould diagnose the patient’s condition using a stethoscope and prescribe an injection as part ofthe treatment, whereas an Oriental medicine doctor would check the pulse and use acupunctureor moxibustion to treat the patient. Also, while Western medicine dispenses the sameprescription and treatment to all patients with similar illnesses such as a cold or stomachache,Oriental medicine treats each patient differently according to his or her physical constitution.The child then asks about yin, yang and the Five Elements that form the basis of Orientalmedicine. The mother explains that the concept of “yin-yang” refers to development andchange of things and the concept of “Five Elements” began with the idea that all things havebeen created based on the attributes of five objects that are easily found around us. The bookuses pictures to make such explanations easier for children and in doing so, also presents theEastern worldview, which aims to help people live in and with nature.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Lee [email protected] +82 2 790 4150 (Ext. 507)www.marubol.co.kr

Korean Medicine, Science of Balance(Johwawa Gyunhyeongui Uri Hanuihak)Song Mi-yeonIllustrator : Jeong Kyoung-simMarubol Publications2009, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-566-3289-6

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Touching Tales of Scary Tigers

This picture book’s impressive illustrations of tigers capture children’s attention. The comicalillustrations of tigers, in a style reminiscent of Korean traditional folk paintings, help thembecome more accessible for children. Touching Tales of Scary Tigers (Museoun HorangideuruiGaseum Jjinghan Iyagi) is a selection of eight unique folktales that are related to tigers. Eachstory depicts a different tiger: a dutiful one devoted to its parents, a foolish one, a magical oneand a comical one. Reading about tigers that are better at keeping promises and more devotedto their parents than humans, children begin to reflect on their own behaviors.

Baek Dae-seung, who studied animation, has recreated tigers to suit the characteristics of eachstory. The results include an ordinary one with black stripes on light brown, one with blue furand even one expressed in geometrical shapes. In addition, the movements and expressions ofeach tiger are vivid and detailed. The colloquial style of storytelling, as if the story were toldby one’s grandmother, makes the book a more interesting read. It is a picture book designedfor children of all ages, from infants to elementary school children.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Lee [email protected] +82 2 562 1800 (Ext. 101)www.miraei.com

Touching Tales of Scary Tigers(Museoun Horangideurui Gaseum Jjinghan Iyagi)Lee Mi-aeIllustrator : Baik Dae-seoungMirae Media & Books Co.2008, 112 pagesISBN 978-89-8394466-5

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I’m an Extra Terrestrial!

There is a red-haired boy with a face full of spite and mischief. The main character Hwancannot play soccer as well as his friends and hates amusement parks. He is often scolded by hismother for getting the easy answers wrong on the test. However, Hwan is never discouraged.In fact, he thinks that people on earth cannot understand him because he is an alien. Hestrongly believes that his spiky hair is an antenna that communicates with his home planetSkolomttiru and that he can convert static electricity into super energy. It is therefore notsurprising that his reality is always difficult and full of obstacles for Hwan. One day, Hwanfinally succeeds in communicating with a dolphin and begins thinking seriously about globalwarming. From a mischievous boy, Hwan transforms into a protector of the earth and leadsefforts to save the earth from global warming.

Through Hwan, the story talks about children who face difficulties in their lives and healsthem with laughter. The young readers will be able to sympathize with the mischievousprotagonist who resembles them and derive satisfaction from his story. This book will alsohelp develop the imagination of children with quirky minds.

By Choi Seongkyu


I m an Extra Terrestrial!(Nan Oegyeiniya)Kim Jin-wanIllustrator : Park Chan-uMirae Media & Books Co.2008, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-8394-473-3

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Mom’s Apology

“Mommy’s sorry” are the mother tern’s parting words for her babies that she mouths toherself. That she could not utter these words to anyone makes this picture book all the sadderfor the readers. In pursuit of reckless development, humans remove sand from the estuarywhere little terns lay their eggs and build homes. Humans care only about building skyscrapersand do not seem to notice the terns. Though their nests in the sand are dug up duringconstruction, the terns still have to lay their eggs there, for they are helpless against humans.The summer rainy spell begins and it rains ceaselessly. The eggs, which were laid at a muchlower level than before, have all been submerged in water, and newborn terns do not knowwhat to do in the rapidly rising water. The fierce river roars, ready to swallow everything. Themother tern desperately carries her babies onto a wooden plank and pushes it to the safe shoreaway from strong currents. She is wounded and so exhausted that she cannot even move. Asshe sits, the plank drifts away and the water sweeps over the babies in an instant. When therain stops, the mother tern is left all alone. This book warns against the destruction ofenvironment caused by reckless development. It is ideal for lower-grade elementary schoolstudents who understand the value of life.

By Kim Jung-mi


Mom s Apology(Eommaga Mianhae)Lee Chul-whanIllustrator : Kim Hyung-geunMirae Media & Books Co.2008, 33 pagesISBN 978-89-8394-477-1

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Black Tears, Petroleum

This is a book on general knowledge that explains everything about oil. It is the first book ofthe Mirae Idea Generator series, which approaches each topic from every possible perspectivesuch as politics, society, economics, culture and history in order to provide a comprehensiveunderstanding on the topic.

Beginning with a scientific and encyclopedic explanation on oil, which has made technologicalrevolution possible and brightened our daily life, the book examines where petroleum comesfrom, how it is used and how it impacts the environment. The book also explains why warsand terrorist activities continue in oil-producing regions by looking at international politics andthe dynamic relationships that have surrounded oil from the First and Second World Wars tothe war in Iraq. It also gives a detailed account of the issues of global warming and alternativeenergy. The author used to work in a financial organization as a derivatives dealer but hassince changed his career to write diverse children’s books. Winner of the New Illustrator’sAward given by the Korea Publishing Illustration Association, the illustrator was also chosenas the Illustrator of the Year at the 2008 Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

By Choi Hyunmee


Black Tears, Petroleum(Geomeun Nunmul Seogyu)Kim SunghoIllustrator : Lee KyoungkookMirae Media & Books Co.2009, 170 pagesISBN 978-89-8394-551-8

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My Brother Is A Gorilla

This picture book begins with, “My brother is a gorilla. He’s an unstoppable troublemaker.” Itis a sweet portrayal of a girl who is upset by her younger brother. The main character is thecenter of her parents’ love until her brother is born and then conflicts ensue. She has a hardtime loving her younger brother who always causes trouble and makes a mess of the house. Inher eyes, he is a gorilla completely different from humans. What she finds even more puzzlingis that her parents have no idea that he is a gorilla. Then one day, after the younger brotherbreaks her doll, she voices the words that she has been hiding deep inside her heart, “Mom,throw out that gorilla!” As a result of the sister-brother conflict, the gorilla is sent away to afaraway jungle. Once the situation changes, the main character sees her brother in a new light.Now that her heart has been healed and she has accepted her brother, she says, “I will forgivehim this once. After all, he’s my brother.” The author, who works as a picture book illustratorand a children’s book designer, made the main character and main objects more prominent byusing oil painting or collage techniques, while leaving the background simple andmonochromatic. Such diverse illustrations attract the children’s attention.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kim [email protected] +82 2 560 0933www.miseghy.com

My Brother Is A Gorilla(Nae Dongsaengeun Gorillaimnida)Bang JungwhaMiseghy Children’s Press2009, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-8071-250-2

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Geeting Blossoms

This is a picture poetry book on flowers produced by the poet Kim Mi-hye and the artist LeeHae-kyung, who specializes in Asian paintings. Kim’s poems on 18 flowers including globeamaranths, azaleas, pear flowers, camellias and acacias have been illustrated by Lee. The poetviews flowers as life, talks to them and expresses her thoughts on life and nature with clarity.She asks the amaranths to cover their ears in order to avoid the father’s teasing and asks therain to come down gently so that the pear blossoms can hang on a little longer. She tips thebees to hide inside bellflowers. The poet also worries that she might get caught for stealingsome of the neighbor’s forsythia flowers and her heart melts immediately when she sees alayer of camellias blanketing the ground. The drawings place the flowers in a beautifulcomposition using the elaborate style of Asian painting. In order to bring out the best offlowers and poetry, each painting employs a unique composition, color and atmosphere. Forexample, the red camellias are shown in a close-up painting to show off their intensity andelegance, while the yellow evening primroses are integrated into the moonlight scenery. Whitepear blossoms create a comforting atmosphere against a yellow-green background. Thepaintings alone make this book a pure joy to read.

By Choi Hyunmee


Greeting Blossoms (Kkot Majung)Kim Mi-hyeIllustrator : Lee Hae-kyungMiseghy Children’s Press2010, 48 pagesISBN 978-89-8071-257-1

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Fighting Monster Ppulddak

This is a new children’s story by Lim Jeong Ja who has been writing realistic fantasy tales thatare a cross between reality and fantasy that deal with common everyday concerns of children.Written for lower-grade elementary school students, this book also takes on children’sconcerns and uses elements of fantasy to unfold the story. Angry at adults who do notunderstand him and scold him harshly for a single mistake, Dongsu draws a man-eatingmonster wishing that everyone would disappear. To his surprise, Ppulddak, the monster in thedrawing, suddenly materializes in front of him. Ppulddak calls Dongsu “Master” and punishesthose who have made Dongsu angry. Though it listens to Dongsu at first, Ppulddak becomesmore and more violent and changes into a scary monster and turns the city upside down. Howcan Ppulddak be stopped? Finally, Dongsu faces Ppulddak, who represents the core of theanger in his heart, embraces it and pacifies it. Through the story of Ppulddak, a symbol ofDongsu’s increasingly violent anger, the author cautions the reader that such anger should beunderstood and controlled.

By Choi Hyunmee


Fighting Monster Ppulddak(Ssaum Goemul Ppulddak)Lim Jeong JaIllustrator : Kim You-daeMiseghy Children’s Press2010, 104 pagesISBN 978-89-8071-259-5

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White Umbrella

Ha Baragi is a sixth grader in elementary school who is unhappy because he is too tall.Dajeong is a girl who can only move around in a wheelchair due to problems in her leg. She isseated next to Baragi when she transfers to his school. However, Dajeong, who needs helpeven when she goes a short distance, puts Baragi ill at ease and she, too, feels uncomfortablebecause she knows she makes him uncomfortable. But the two gradually become closer asthey take care of the herb plants in the classroom together, share an umbrella on a rainy dayand partake in daily activities.

Through the process, Baragi, who thought Dajeong was different from him because she couldnot use her legs, and Dajeong, who considered him to be different from her because he hadhealthy legs, realize their biases. Baragi realizes that Dajeong is capable of many thingsdespite her disability and Dajeong comes to see that Baragi is in fact a very understanding andcaring person despite his brusque manner. They come to form a true friendship and share theirhearts, free of prejudice. The story is refreshing as can be expected from a student writer whois studying creative writing in university. It won the 6th Children’s Story Award given byKonkuk University.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Lee [email protected] +82 2 338 7224 (Ext.123)www.moonji.com

White Umbrella (Hayan Usan)Kim Duck-yoonIllustrator : Shin Min-jaeMoonji Publishing Co., Ltd.2010, 120 pagesISBN 978-89-3202-061-7

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A Small Spring in the Woods

Yoon Suk-joong is a leading figure in Korean children’s literature who has received countlessawards including the Order of Culture Merit, the Republic of Korea Literary Award, theSejong Cultural Award, and the National Academy of Arts Award. His children’s poem “ASmall Spring in the Woods” is a representative work that has been loved for generations inKorea. The book A Small Spring in the Woods (Ongdalsaem) is a baby’s picture book that hasadded picturesque illustrations to the familiar poem. Conveying pure and tender emotions, itssimple, refined words are richly musical and pictorial. By adding illustrations that enliven thepoem, the book provides the full joy of a picture book.

This book is ideal for reading to an unborn child or an infant beginning to babble. The babywill be able to feel the warmth as well as the voice and gaze of the reader, based on which heor she will form a connection and communicate with the world. Moreover, the repetition,rhythm and rhyme all make the poetic language beautiful to the ear. Familiar onomatopoeicand mimetic words will greatly enhance the baby’s language, hearing and emotionaldevelopment. For its familiar lyrics and beautiful, poetic illustrations, A Small Spring in theWoods is loved by both expectant and current parents, who wish to establish a rapport withtheir children through a good book.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Choi Youn-mi [email protected] +82 31 955 8852 www.munhak.com

A Small Spring in the Woods(Ongdalsaem)Yoon Suk-joongIllustrator: Hong Seong-jiMunhakdongne Publishing Corp.2008, 16 pagesISBN 978-89-546-0673-8

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Minhui Became a Stingray

Minhui Became a Stingray is a collection of three short children’s stories by the author who alsoworks as an elementary school teacher. The title story “Minhui Became a Stingray” portrays how achild who denies her shabby reality learns to accept and love her life. The main character Minhuilives with her mother, a single mother and a fishmonger. Minhui used to wish that a kind andwealthy couple would visit her and tell her that they were her real parents. Minhui sometimes wantsto leave her life and become something completely different, and one day, just like a dream, shebecomes a flying stingray. She follows her heart, heads toward the sea and transforms into anotherexistence. However, the minute she reaches the sea, Minhui realizes that she belongs to her motherwhom she loves very much. She says, “I understand now. It was completely up to me from thebeginning. I chose Mom even before I came to exist in her womb.”

The book also includes “The Graffiti Child” (Nakseohaneun Ai), in which the main character looksback on his life through encounters with the opposite sex, and “Killing Baby Chicks” (ByeongariJugigi), in which the author points out issues of animal cruelty and the negligence of life. Though allof the main characters in the three short stories are naive, feeble and cowardly, they are neverthelesslevelheaded and sound of mind, capable of self-reflection. This book is ideal for children in grade 4and up.

Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Choi [email protected] +82 31 955 8852www.munhak.com

Minhui Became a Stingray(Gaoriga Doen Minhui)Lee Min-hyeIllustrator : Yoo Jun-jaeMunhakdongne Publishing Corp.2009, 152 pagesISBN 978-89-546-0764-3

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The House Where Books Dwell

This book won the children’s literary prize awarded by a publishing company. It is a historical tale forchildren portraying a child who lives an energetic life despite adversity and suffering under Catholicoppression in the Joseon Dynasty, the last dynasty of Korea. At the end of the Joseon era whenCatholicism was suppressed because it was perceived as a harmful culture from the West, the maincharacter Jangi’s father works as a transcriber and works day and night to make ends meet. One day,his father is taken to the government office and heavily tortured for copying a Catholic book and diessoon afterwards. All alone, Jangi accepts the book keeper’s offer and starts working as an errand boydelivering books. He delivers books to various places from the high-ranking official’s quarters togisaeng houses. As he meets diverse readers, he undergoes many changes. Then one day, anotherstorm of Catholic oppression sweeps through the country.

Through a child’s eyes, the book delivers in detail the scenes of the troubled and confused era as wellas the lifestyle and ideas of the contemporary intelligentsia and the general public. Bright, colorfulillustrations that are deeply stamped with Korean sentiments are presented beautifully. The simple,dazzling and detailed illustrations on each page will take readers deep into the era and its variousevents.

By Choi Hyunmee


The House Where Books Dwell(Chaekgwa Nonineun Jip)Lee Young-seoIllustrator : Kim Dong-sungMunhakdongne Publishing Corp.2009, 192 pagesISBN 978-89-546-0734-6

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Up Comes the Round Sun

Based on a well-known Korean children’s song “Up Comes the Round Sun,” this picture bookis an affectionate portrayal of the healthy everyday life of a disabled child. Just as in the lyricsof the song (“Up comes the round sun / Out of the bed I leap / First, I brush my teeth I’m offto my kindergarten / My steps light and lively”) the boy follows another child in a televisionshow get up, brush his teeth, wash his face, comb his hair and check himself in the mirror.However, unlike the child on TV, he needs his mother’s help in carrying out all the tasks.When the song reaches the last verse “I’m off to my kindergarten / My steps light and lively,”the child actor marches off to kindergarten, while he still lies in his bed. His mother massageshis twisted arms and legs, smiles brightly and reads him picture books. In its portrayal of thedaily routine of a disabled child suffering from muscular dystrophy, the book emphasizes notthe pain but the happiness and joy found in everyday life. The illustrations in boldcompositions and bright colors are very telling throughout the book. For example, by placingthe daily routine of the disabled child side by side with that of the child on TV, the bookdepicts a clear comparison of their distinct lives. In another part of the book, the picture of abright yellow sunflower blooming on a black wall, followed by that of a sunflower fieldreflects the child’s hopes to realize his dreams beyond the obstacles of reality.

By Choi Hyunmee


Up Comes the Round Sun(Dunggeun Haega Tteotseumnida)Chang Kyeong-hueMunhakdongne Publishing Corp.2009, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-546-0819-0

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Nonjang

Nurimbo

Prooni Books Pulbit

Prunsoop

Samseongdang Scope StoryBowlSilvertuba

Sanha Sigong Junior Sonamoo Sun & Tree

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Whose Shoes Are These?

This is a picture book that presents and describes various shoes of the world including woodenclogs that are worn in muddy terrain, leather mukluks that protect the feet from the cold snowand ice and flower-patterned silk shoes with slightly raised toes. Various shoes also introducediverse customs of the world. The book begins with a close-up drawing of a pair of feet clad inpretty clogs, followed by a short verse, “Clip-clop, clip-clop bumpy roads are not a problem /Splish-splash, splish-splash muddy roads are not a problem / Whose shoes are these?” Thebook answers the reader’s curiosity on the following page with the answer, “They are Mary’sfeet in clogs.” One by one, the book introduces the different shoes of the world. The authoremploys colorful collages using paper, fabric and thread to represent the texture of mud, carpetand flooring. The drawings of children posing in their traditional costumes that accompany theshoes are funny and three-dimensional. Additional information on the origins andcharacteristics of the shoes are included at the end of the book.

By Choi Hyunmee


Whose Shoes Are These?(Nugu Barilkka?)Jung HaeyoungNonjang Publishing Co.2009, 42 pagesISBN 978-89-8414-115-5

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Ice Boy

The Ice Boy who has been living inside the snowman decides to leave the city because thesnowman has begun to melt even in the middle of winter. He can no longer live in the citywhere reckless development for increased convenience is widespread and nature iscontinuously destroyed. Carrying one bag, Ice Boy searches for a cool and clean place. Hestruggles to escape the rainy city full of cars where it no longer snows. One day, he sees theNorth Pole on television. He runs to catch the flight to the North Pole but just misses it. Whenhis body has almost melted due to heat, birds appear like in a dream and carry him to the NorthPole. Though it may seem like a happy ending, it is difficult to put the book down because weknow that the North Pole is no longer such a comfortable place for the Ice Boy to live. Hesymbolizes our nature which is gradually being destroyed by global warming. To highlightsuch symbolism, the Ice Boy is depicted in blue and the city that pains him, in red. This bookwarns against the greed of human beings which destroys nature. This book is ideal for childrenover age 5 who would like to be able to make a snowman far into the future.

By Kim Jungmi

Copyright Agent : Park Misuk [email protected] +82 31 955 7391www.nurimbo.co.kr

Ice Boy (Eoreum Sonyeon)Cho WonheeNurimbo Publishing Co.2009, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-58760-87-0

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The Donkey Girl

The Donkey Girl was the winner of the Illustration Award at the 2008 CJ Picture Book Festival. Itspoetic language and illustrations convey the message that everyone should try to make their ownworld of peace. Though the book appeals to readers of all ages, it is more of a picture book forgrownups aimed at consoling people living in modern cities.

The Donkey Girl is tired of living in a busy city and always dreams of leaving. However, nothinghappens and the days pass as usual. Then one day, a wandering poet appears in the city and sings thatthere is a castle of peace in the forest that only the silent can enter. The Donkey Girl thinks that thecastle is the place she has been dreaming of and leaves the city. Upon hearing the rumor, the antiqueseller believes that mysterious jewels are hidden in the forest and has all the trees cut down.However, she finds nothing there. Afterwards, The Donkey Girl returns to her life in the city but sheseems peaceful unlike before her journey. This is because she has found a way to enter themysterious forest and has built her own castle of peace.

Kim Ye-in studied illustrations at Maryland Institute College of Art and graduated from New YorkSchool of Visual Art.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Park Misuk [email protected] +82 31 955 7391www.nurimbo.co.kr

The Donkey Girl(Jageun Dangnagwi)Kim Ye-inNurimbo Publishing Co.2010, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-5876-103-7


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My Teacher Only Dislikes Me

Author Yi Geum-i is a leading children’s book writer in Korea and four of her stories are included inthe elementary school Korean textbook. My Teacher Only Dislikes Me (Seonsaengnimeun NamanMiwohae) is a collection of four short stories. The title story is a story of a girl who is dispiritedbecause she thinks her teacher discriminates against her. The story talks about her concerns as wellas her parents’. “Finders Keepers” (Juun Sarami Imja) is based on the surprising event of a theft andit depicts well the confusion children undergo in such a situation. The author resolves the confusionwith consideration for others and wit. “It’s Your Fault” (Neo Ttaemuniya) is an amusing story of achild who spends the money raised to help the poor on a computer game. “A New Friend” (SaeChingu) deals with the difficulties of friendship. It is a humorous portrayal of the process of makingnew friends and understanding one another.

The author unfolds common experiences at school among children through amusing stories told witha warm gaze. The length of the stories and entertaining illustrations make this book perfect for lower-grade elementary school children who are just starting to read in earnest. This valuable book willtouch the hearts of children, who are adapting to school life for the first time, and serve as a guide tothose who are taking their first steps in society.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Choi, [email protected] +82 2 581 0334(Ext. 114)

My Teacher Only Dislikes Me (Seonsaengnimeun Naman Miwohae)Yi Geum-iIllustrator : Yi Yeong-rimProoni Books2008, 52 pagesISBN 9788961700405

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The Dreaming Dollhouse

Writer of children’s stories, Kim Hyang-e has received various prizes in children’s literature and herwork has been included in elementary school textbooks. She is also well known for collecting dollsand mending discarded dolls back into their original attractive form. She is, therefore, called the“Doll Granny.” The Dreaming Dollhouse is an omnibus of doll stories told by dolls gathered at DollGranny’s house. The author has added her imagination to the true stories of the dolls she mended andrejuvenated. One day, the naked doll Shirley comes to Doll Granny’s house. Her hair is tangled andher face is full of scratch marks. Her nails have been removed and toes have been broken. Modeledafter Shirley Temple, the child actress of the 1930s, Shirley cannot understand why she, who used tobe the most popular of all, has ended up in such a state and she refuses to open up to anyone.However, Shirley slowly changes back to her old beautiful form in Doll Granny’s hands, andgradually opens her heart as she listens to other dolls’ honest, sad, beautiful and touching accounts atthe story theater. The author talks about the importance of existence through these dolls. Delicate andantique-style illustrations also attract children’s attention. This book is ideal for lower gradeelementary school children.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kim [email protected] +82 31 955 1410 (Ext. 302)www.prunsoop.co.kr

The Dreaming Dollhouse(Kkumkkuneun Inhyeongui Jip)Kim Hyang-eIllustrator : Han Ho-jinPrunsoop Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 128 pagesISBN 978-89-7184-653-7


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The Sound of Geomgo

This fantasy story is based on the origin of geomungo, a traditional Korean six-stringedmusical instrument. In all Korean historical documents combined, there are only three linesthat describe the origin of geomungo. The author was inspired by these three lines and createda story of an instrument with mystical power. Once upon a time, there was a country calledGauri where clear water flowed and the land was fertile. The powerful king of the neighboringKingdom of Vast Plains sends over a chilhyeongeum, a seven-stringed musical instrument, toconquer Gauri. His intention is to start a war if the people in Gauri fail to play thechilhyeongeum or spread the spirit of his kingdom through the instrument if they succeed. Inorder to prevent a war, the king of Gauri orders Haeeul, the chief of music for the Royal Court,to make an instrument unique to Gauri. He makes plans to play it at the ritual for the HeavenlyGod in order to maintain peace. While searching for material for the instrument, Haeeul meetsan eccentric boy named Daru who communicates with nature and after three years together,they create an instrument called geomgo. When the army of the Kingdom of Vast Plainsinvades Gauri carrying swords and spears, Daru plays the geomgo with all his heart; thebloodthirsty soldiers are so touched by its sound that they put down their weapons.

By Choi Hyunmee


The Sound of Geomgo(Geomgo Sori)Moon Suk-hyeonIllustrator : Baik Dae-seungPrunsoop Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 148 pagesISBN 978-89-7184-641-4

The Green-Eyed Elephant

This story, which warns people against selfishness, talks about the courage and the will to findone’s own life through Beombeok, a green-eyed lead elephant of Africa who is reincarnated asa superstar of a zoo a hundred years after death, and Hwanhui, a thirteen-year-old boy who cancommunicate with elephants.

One day, Hwanhui, the son of the elephant trainer and born on the same day as Beombeok,comes to see latter who is a superstar at the zoo, loved by everyone for his huge size andspecial talents. While enjoying a comfortable life at the zoo, Beombeok hears from an elderlyelephant that a green-eyed elephant is born every hundred years to become the lead elephant ofthe African savannah. After much thought, Beombeok concludes that he belongs not in a zoobut in the grasslands of Africa and decides to escape. Hwanhui assists Beombeok in his plan toflee. In the course of the risky and exciting escape, we learn that all the animals locked up inthe zoo, not just Beombeok, dearly miss nature and that the zoo serves the interests of humansnot animals. The book also shows how Beombeok and Hwanhui console each other as theymove toward their dreams. The author has won several major prizes for children’s literaturesince he made his debut in 2004 through a literary competition held by a newspaper company.

By Choi Hyunmee


The Green-Eyed Elephant(Chorok Nun Kokkiri)Kang Jeong YeonIllustrator : Baik Dae-seoungPrunsoop Publishing Co., Ltd.2010, 208 pagesISBN 978-89-7184-652-0

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Encyclopedia of Ghosts

This book has put together old ghost stories that have been passed down through generations inKorea. In the past, Koreans used to believe that when a person dies in this world, a messenger fromthe underworld takes him to the Great King Yama. He would then be judged for the sins hecommitted during his life, and the good would go to heaven while the bad would be sent to hell.There have been a great number of ghost stories since the old days in Korea and most ghosts werevengeful ghosts who were unable to enter the underworld and remained in this world because theyhad died an unjust death.

The author writes both non-fiction and fiction for children and presents the underworld throughinteresting books like the “Travel Guide to the Afterworld” and “Guide to Entering the Underworld.” Hisdescriptions of Korea’s traditional ghosts and the spirits worshipped by Koreans are simple and clearenough for children to understand. This book explains the history behind the ghosts and the values theyrepresent. For example, he talks about discrimination against women and the status system through theghosts who could not fulfill their love due to the difference in their social status. The stories in whichpeople avenge the ghosts show how our ancestors were willing to listen to the ghosts’ stories of injustice.Moreover, oftentimes in these stories the ghosts then repay their debt, which reflects our ancestors’ hopeof living in a world where people show their gratitude.

By Choi Hyunmee


Encyclopedia of Ghosts(Gwisin Baekgwasajeon)Yi HyeonIllustrator : Kim Kyung-heePrunsoop Publishing Co., Ltd.2010, 124 pagesISBN 978-89-7184-651-3

People Who Shoot the Stars

Having studied earth science and astronomy in university and graduate school, Lee Ji Yoo is aleading children’s science book writer in Korea. Known as the “Shooting Star Lady,” she is famousfor delivering easy-to-understand knowledge on the universe and diverse scientific issues. When shestudied astronomy in graduate school, Lee and her friends used to say “let’s go shoot the stars” ratherthan “let’s observe the stars.” Since then, shooting the stars has meant observing the stars to theauthor. This book, a scientific non-fiction for children, deals with the past and the present ofastronomical observations of the universe, “shooting the stars,” and the related astronomersthroughout history. Of the three sections that make up the book, Part One talks about theobservatories built by astronomers all over the world in order to observe the stars. In particular, itdiscusses the observatories at Mauna Kea, Hawaii and Chile, both regarded by astronomers as thebest places for stargazing. Part Two explains why astronomers observe the stars; it goes on toillustrate how observing the stars is related to the existence of other life forms in the universe andexplains the search for hitherto unknown planets and life forms in outer space, the primary interest inthe field of astronomy in the recent years. Focusing on people who “shoot the stars,” Part Three tellsthe stories of scientists who have been waiting for signals from the creatures from outer space andastronomers all over the world who observe the stars.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kim Sook [email protected] +82 2 362 8900

People Who Shoot the Stars(Byeoreul Ssoneun Saramdeul)Lee Ji YooIllustrator : Song Jin UkPulbit Publishing Co.2009, 149 pagesISBN 978-89-7474-638-4

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The Economy of the Round RoundGlobal Village

This is a book on world economy that explains how people all over the world, in all sixcontinents including Asia, Europe, North America, Central and South Americas, Oceania andAfrica, participate in economic activities and how the world economy works. Though it is abook about the economy, it provides wide-ranging stories on the history and reality of eachcontinent and explains the relevant local and world economies. For example, the bookintroduces Europe as the continent with a number of wealthy countries that were the first tobecome industrialized and explains how they formed the European Union (EU) and a megaEuropean market. In between the stories, it defines difficult economic terminology such asoriginal equipment manufacturer (OEM), free export zone, World Bank, foreign currencyreserves, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and World Trade Organization(WTO) using funny illustrations. The terms that could not be dealt with in the main text areexplained in separate boxes in the margins. Having received a master’s degree in economics,the author has been working as a branch manager at a bank in Seoul and publishing books oneconomy that are easy to understand. In particular, he has published many economy books forchildren that have been selected by various organizations as “recommended books.”

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kim Sook [email protected] +82 2 362 8900

The Economy of the Round Round Global Village(Dunggeul Dunggeul Jiguchon Gyeongje Iyagi)Seok Hae-wonIllustrator : Ryu Nam-youngPulbit Publishing Co.2009, 192 pagesISBN 978-89-747-4437-3

The Fun of Mathematics

A mathematician couple wrote this book for their daughter who did not care for mathematics.The objective of the book is to make this often unpopular subject enjoyable and fun for youth.Based on their experience of publishing numerous books on mathematics and creativity foryoung readers, the authors skillfully deliver the story of mathematics. The book is aimed atdeveloping logical thinking through fun and interesting mathematics rather than focusing oncomplicated and difficult equations and calculations. The children readers will feel a sense ofwonder and achievement through this process and naturally begin to enjoy mathematics. Part1, “Numbers and Diagrams,” explains the meaning of numbers and signs using easy-to-remember diagrams, while Part 2, “Thinking Tools” examines the tools and methodsdeveloped to simplify mathematical calculations, such as the decimal and binary systems. Part3 titled “The Joys of Mathematics” shows magic and puzzles based on the Fibonacci sequence,along with wonderful models and designs that can be created by combining arithmeticoperations and figures. Finally, Part 4, “Logic and Intuition,” demonstrates the power of logicby using logic to determine correctly whether a given proposition is true or false.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Jang, Jeongwoon [email protected] +82 2 6443 8817 www.randombooks.co.kr/

The Fun of Mathematics(Suhagui Jaemi)Park Jongha and Song MyungjinRandomhouse Korea2009, 302 pagesISBN 978-89-255-3306-3

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The Spelled Village

A village that has been sleeping under a spell wakes up and waits for children to arrive. Youcan meet friends of all children such as Peter Pan, Pippi Longstocking, Pinocchio and Mrs.Tiggy-Winkle. Subtitled Kkamji’s Journey through Fairy-Tale Villages (Kkamjiui DonghwaMaeul Yeohaeng), this story is about a forgetful author who goes on a journey to meet thecharacters of her favorite fairy tales. Though it is the author who first plans the journey, theone who actually meets and talks to the fairy-tale characters is a cute mouse named Kkamji, astorybook character that the author has been working on. The journey begins in KensingtonPark in London, England, the home of Peter Pan. The standing statue of Peter Pan only comesto life after the park gates close. By talking to Peter Pan, whom Kkamji has always thought ofas cheerful and carefree, Kkamji deepens her understanding of the original Peter Pan book.Afterwards Kkamji goes to Windermere, England to meet a washerwoman named Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle; to Vimmerby, Sweden to meet Pippi Longstocking; to Collodi and Florence in Italy tomeet Pinocchio; and finally to Denmark to meet an adopted orphan called Hans. The author’svivid writing style which breathes life into the fairy-tale characters and unveils their hiddenstories is mesmerizing. This book is ideal for upper-grade students who can befriend fairy-talecharacters and engage in their stories.

By Kim Jung-mi


The Spelled Village(Jumune Geollin Maeul)Hwang Seon-miIllustrator : Cho Mi-jaRandomhouse Korea2008, 188 pagesISBN 978-89-2551-604-2

I Want a Different Desk Mate

What if someone you do not like becomes your desk mate? Through the everydaycircumstances familiar to children, this book discusses the world we inhabit together. On thefirst day of second grade, Gyeongji is in complete despair when she finds out that Junsu hasbeen assigned as her desk mate. Junsu is not only dirty and loud but also picks his nose. Whatis more, he acts nonsensically claiming for instance that he is going to invent the “No FarewellPill.” Then one day, Gyeongji comes to understand Junsu after talking to his mother: He canno longer live with his parents because of their divorce; driven by his anguish from no longerliving with both his parents, he wants to invent a “No Farewell Pill.” Gyeongji also learns thatJunsu shouts often because he feels anxious and that his poor hygiene is merely another way toseek attention. Finally, Gyeongji comes to accept Junsu as her desk mate. Having written anumber of children’s books for over 20 years, No Gyeong-sil is famous for skillfully capturingchildren’s thoughts. Yi Hyeong-jin’s illustrations are also worth noting. Having shown hisunique style in various picture books and children’s books, he has comically and cheerfullyreflected children’s thoughts in this book through illustrations that look as though they weredrawn by children themselves. This book creates the impression of reading a comic book. Idealfor first- and second-year elementary school children.

By Choi Hyunmee


I Want a Different Desk Mate(Jjakkkung Bakkwojuseyo)No Gyeong-silIllustrator : Yi Hyeong-jinRandomhouse Korea2009, 70 pagesISBN 978-89-255-3144-1

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Poo Cake

The cover of the book, which depicts a very scary-looking ghost looking down on a childhaving a poo, immediately draws the readers’ attention. This book peeks into Korea’straditional culture; let us now turn our attention to its content. Junho has fallen into the toiletbucket because he was singing and wiggling his bum while pooping. Having fallen into a seaof poo, he is completely covered with poo. His grandmother tells him that when someone fallsinto the toilet bucket, he or she has to ward off evil by making a poo cake. His mother andgrandmother make the poo cake with much care and offer it to the toilet ghost, as they hopethat nothing bad will befall Junho. This is because it was traditionally believed that the toiletghost pushed the child into the toilet bucket out of anger. Enticed by the smell of the tasty poocake, the toilet ghost appears to have a bite of the cake and then vanishes with a smile. Junhoeats as many poo cakes as his age and shares the rest with his villagers while shouting “poocake, poo cake!” The book reveals our ancestors’ wisdom of replenishing the energy of a childwho has fallen into the toilet bucket and turning the poo cake into something to be shared withothers for good luck. The watery, lightly painted watercolor illustrations convey Koreansentiments. It is also fun to see the toilet ghost’s face that looks like poo. This book is ideal forchildren over age 5 who have been trained to use the toilet on their own.

By Kim Jungmi

Copyright Agent : yun-hee shim [email protected] +82 2 2653 5131 (Ext. 451) http://www.safaribook.co.kr/

Poo Cake (Ttongtteok)Lee ChoonheeIllustrator : Park JihoonSafaribook2008, 30 pagesISBN 978-89-6224-178-5

Angel and the Lumberjack

This is a heartbreaking love story between a beautiful angel and a simple lumberjack. One day,the lumberjack helps a deer hide and dodge a hunter. To thank the lumberjack, the deer tellshim to hide the winged dress of one of the angels who descend from the sky to bathe andmarry the youngest angel who therefore cannot return to heaven. Following the deer’s advice,the lumberjack marries an angel and they live happily together. After giving birth to threechildren, the angel begs the lumberjack to give back her dress so she can try it on. When sheputs on the dress, however, she immediately flies up to heaven with one child on her back andthe others in her arms. The deer gives the distraught lumberjack another chance and tells himto ride the bucket that draws bath water up to heaven and reunite with his beloved family.Eventually, the lumberjack locates his wife and children and lives happily together. However,the story does not end here. Missing his mother whom he has left behind all alone, thelumberjack returns briefly to earth. However, he falls off the mysterious dragon horse and isunable to go back to heaven. Filled with longing for his family, the lumberjack is said to haveturned into a rooster. This book is ideal for children over age 5.

By Kim Jung-mi


Angel and the Lumberjack(Seonyeowa Namukkun)Park YoungmanEdited by Lee BoongIllustrator : Lee SunjooSafaribook2009, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-6224-223-2

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Worms!

Worms! is a picture book on environmental knowledge. Through the main character Bomi whogrows tomatoes, children will be able to appreciate the role of creepy crawly worms, acceptthose worms as friends just as Bomi did, and understand the importance of the land. The firsttime Bomi finds a worm in her tomato patch, she is disgusted and throws it away carelessly.Hoping that her tomatoes would grow quickly, she sprays them with a pesticide and the wormsthat have been living at Bomi’s tomato patch decide to leave. The day after a big rain, Bomidiscovers that her tomatoes are ruined while her friend’s tomatoes are still fresh. When asked,her friend explains that it is thanks to the monster that protects the land. In her search for themonster, Bomi learns that worms are the so-called “monster” of the land. After finding out thatworms enrich the land by digging through it, eating the soil and excreting in it, she decides tobecome friends with them. The book is designed to help children readers think about “whatcould happen if they too mistreated worms” and understand worms better. The illustrationscapture the natural texture of the soil in order to give an impression of finding a worm in thesoil. The illustrations of the cute characters Bomi and the worm in unusual colors and stylethat have preserved the pencil sketches will likely attract children’s attention. Furtherinformation on worms is added at the end of the book to inform the readers of their importantrole in nature.

By Choi Hyunmee


Worms! (Jireongida)Cha BookumIllustrator : Kim YoungsooSafaribook2008, 42 pagesISBN 978-89-62240-52-8

The Small Tiger Hunter

The Small Tiger Hunter is based on an old Korean folktale that begins with “Once upon a time.”Once upon a time, there lived a dwarf child small enough to dance on the palm of an adult. Whenthis child told his parents that he wanted to go tiger hunting, they were shocked and refused to givehim permission. However, the dwarf child persuaded them and left with confidence on his tiger hunt.When the child came across a festival attended by thousands of tigers after having wandered in themountains for a while, he jumped into the heart of the festival without hesitation. He wasimmediately swallowed up by the tiger king but once inside, he cut and ate the tiger’s entrails,causing so much pain that the tiger king killed all other tigers before he died himself. A story of asmall child of courage and confidence, who hunts thousands of tigers, this book, as do all folktales,conveys people’s long-cherished desire and moral lesson that even the impossible can be achievedby the small and the weak, if they believe in themselves and strive confidently for their goal.

In the illustrations, the dwarf child holding a club and commanding the tiger king is depicted as verysmall in comparison with the huge tigers, a representation of the feeble facing a great adversary or aseemingly impossible task. The tigers are drawn in a friendly and comical style commonly adoptedby Korean folk painting portraying the lives of ordinary people.

By Choi Hyunmee


The Small Tiger Hunter(Nanjaengi Beom Sanyang)Park Youngmanedited by So Jung-aeIllustrator : Lee Jee-eunSafaribook2009, 42 pagesISBN 978-89-6224-219-5

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Dreaming of Butterfly

When the star descends to the window, the sleepy baby rubs his eyes like a kitten. He yawnslike a baby hippo and cuddles into his mother’s arms like a baby monkey. He lies in hismother’s lap like a puppy and curls up like a baby snail. When the yellow moonlight shines onthe baby’s face, he falls asleep with outstretched arms like a butterfly. As he sleeps soundly, hedreams about flying together with butterflies in the moonlight.

As babies sleep, mothers pray that they stay healthy and grow up to be admirable people.Dreaming of Butterfly (Nabijam) is about such wishes mothers have for their children.Through gentle poems and affectionate pictures, this picture book expresses the beautifuldreams mothers want their babies to have. The moonlight is shown in a warm and brightyellow, the main color of the book, which conveys the warmth of a cotton blanket andsweetness of honey. It carries to the baby the mother’s scent, which also seeps off the pageslittle by little into the world to warm the reader’s heart. At the same time, the calmingdrawings will comfort the baby’s heart as he or she falls asleep.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Kang [email protected] +82 31 955 8600www.sakyejul.co.kr

Dreaming of Butterfly(Nabijam)Shin Hye-eunIllustrator : Jang HoSakyejul Publishing Ltd.2008, 28 pagesISBN 978-89-5828-310-2

A Fish that Grew a Tree

This is the story of the fish-shaped wooden gongs used in Korean Buddhism. The story isbased on Gyowon cheonggyu, a compilation of rules for everyday life for Buddhist monks.

Once upon a time, there was a mischievous disciple named Meotdaero (“My Way”) who neverlistened to the Grand Monk and did whatever he wanted to do. Meotdaero tormented friends,children, and grown-ups alike, and even mistreated animals that he came across outside.Despite the Grand Monk’s scolding, Meotdaero did not understand what he had done wrong.Eventually, he died of a terrible illness. After his death, Meotdaero was dragged to theunderworld and was reborn as a fish as punishment for all the evil things he did in life. Buteven as a fish, Meotdaero wouldn’t change his ways. Then one day, a tree began growing outof Meotdaero’s back. It was just a tiny seedling at first, but soon the trunk began to grow andbecame a big tree. The tree was punishment for being bad, even after being given a secondchance. Meotdaero suffered greatly from the heavy tree on his back and finally realized theerrors of his ways. Thanks to the Grand Monk’s heartfelt prayers, however, Meotdaero wasable to escape the body of a fish. He asked the Grand Monk to make a wooden fish using thetree on his back and strike it morning and evening so that people would know his story. Thisbook is ideal for young readers with kind hearts, unlike wicked Meotdaero.

By Kim Jung-mi


A Fish that Grew a Tree(Namuga Jaraneun Mulgogi)Kim Hye-riSakyejul Publishing Ltd.2009, 34 pagesISBN 978-89-5828-338-6

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A Story of Three Mothers

This picture book is the story of four generations of mothers and daughters who work together to cultivatebeans. It is a cheerful portrayal of simple rural scenery and its hard-working people, both of which havebeen forgotten by the city people. Drawings of the expansive bucolic landscape studded with tiny peoplebring the jovial atmosphere to life.“Mom” who has been living in the city moves to a house in the country with a big yard. While wonderingwhat she would like to plant in her yard, she thinks of tasty rice cakes with a sweet bean filling and decidesto plant beans. But bean farming is not easy for Mom who has lived in the city all her life. She cries out“Help! Mom!” and her mother arrives on her bike. The two works very hard but they still don’t haveenough help. This time, Mom’s mom cries out “Help! Mom!” and her mother arrives on a cow. Sheappears old and wrinkly but competent in farming. Mom, Mom’s mom, Mom’s mom’s mom and thedaughter-who narrates the story-plant the beans, pull up weeds and harvest together.

The book weaves the story of four generations of mothers and daughters in one life cycle of beans and dealswith the affectionate relationship between mothers and daughters as well as the rewards of cultivating theland. Meanwhile, the narrator’s older brother, father and grandfather hang out the washing and pick andthresh the beans together. This book was included in the “Recommended Book List” by the Ministry ofCulture, Sports and Tourism in the year it was published.

By Choi Hyunmee


A Story of Three Mothers(Se Eomma Iyagi)Shin Hae-wonSakyejul Publishing Ltd.2008, 44 pagesISBN 978-89-5828-301-0

Seventeen-Year-Old’s Hair

Winner of a literary prize awarded by a publishing company, this novel for youth portrays thestruggle and growth of a seventeen-year-old high school student who resists the standardizedhairstyle set by his school. The main character Ilho is an ordinary, well-behaved student. Heearns good grades, has a best friend, and receives much love from his family. Thanks to hisbarber grandfather, Ilho is always praised by his teachers for having a “standard hairstyle,”which does not please him and prompts his friends call him “the No. 1 goody two-shoes.” Oneday when Ilho witnesses his physical education teacher threatening his friend with a lighter forhis violation of the haircut regulation, he loses his reason momentarily, snatches the lighter outof the teacher’s hand and throws it on the ground. Immediately, Ilho launches a one-mancampaign against the hair regulation. By examining this issue, the author raises questionsabout youth rights and portrays the life of an ordinary youth as he defends his beliefs againstthe injustices of everyday life. While Ilho is fighting against the world, represented by theschool, his father who had left a long time ago returns to support Ilho. In the process, Ilhoreestablishes his relationship with his father, and even his grandfather comes to understandhim as he begins his own lonely campaign against redevelopment on behalf of the localresidents.

By Choi Hyunmee


Seventeen-Year-Old s Hair(Yeorilgop Sarui Teol)Kim Hae-wonSakyejul Publishing Ltd.2008, 222 pagesISBN 978-89-5828-306-5

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Galileo’s Dialogue Concerning the TwoChief World Systems

Written for young readers, this book explains Galileo’s Dialogue Concerning the Two ChiefWorld Systems, the book that took Galileo to the Roman Inquisition. Published in 1632 whenGalileo was 68, Dialogue refuted geocentricism, upheld by most scholars at the time, andpersuasively argued for heliocentrism, thus bringing about great controversy in 17th centuryEurope. However, youths today would find it difficult to understand the content of the book asit was written based on the scientific knowledge and worldview of a distant time period.Having studied the history of science and scientific philosophy and currently working as ascience reporter, the author explains in simple terms the achievements by Galileo, the father ofmodern science, based on his Dialogue. In other words, he takes important quotes fromGalileo’s work and supplements them with his own explanations. Through these explanations,the author shows the convincing case that Galileo, a master of debate, made for heliocentrismand describes Galileo’s passion to overcome the erroneous philosophy and methods of hiscontemporary natural sciences. In particular, the author tries to present Galileo’s trial, oftenknown as a confrontation between religion and reason, as in fact a conflict between thetraditional, medieval science and the new science.

By Choi Hyunmee


Galileo’s Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems(Galileoui Du Uju Chegyee Gwanhan Daehwa)Oh Cheol-wooSakyejul Publishing Ltd.2009, 236 pagesISBN 978-89-5828-383-6

Winning Habit for Children

Winning Habit for Children (Eorinireul Wihan Igineun Seupgwan) is a children’s book onself-development that promotes pride rather than inferiority, winning mentality rather thancompetitiveness, and a strong will and belief rather than a soft, weak mind. Adapted forelementary school children from Winning Habit (Igineun Seupgwan), a mega-bestseller whichhas sold more than a million copies, it has brought about the “winning habit” wave in Korea. Ithas been designed to draw children’s interest by using fantasy animation-style illustrations andhumorous cartoon cuts enjoyed by children. It is centered on an interesting story, in which thefive main characters go on an adventure to find treasure.

By taking part in the main characters’ adventure, the children readers can learn the seven winning habits, i.e.“happiness, achievement, professionalism, strategy, practice, rules and victory.” Other useful stories such asthe “winning habits of the great mind,” “winning habits in everyday life” and “wise sayings that touch yourheart” are also included along with the episodes of exciting adventure. The appendix includes “My Promiseto Develop Winning Habits,” “Daily Planner for Winning Habits,” “Letter to Mom and Dad,” and the“Winning Habits Card.” By using the content of the appendix, children will be able to practice what theyhave learned from the book. This book will be useful for children who wish to become the leaders of thefuture.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Jeannie [email protected] +82 2 3140 4671www.smpk.co.kr

Winning Habit for Children (Eorinireul Wihan Igineun Seupgwan)An original work by Jeon Ok-pyoJung HyunseungSam&Parkers2008, 240 pagesISBN 978-89-9264-725-0

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The King of Inverse Empire

This is a collection of six short stories by Lee Jun-youn who has won a number of literaryprizes in children’s books. The title story “The King of Inverse Empire” is included in thesecond year elementary school Korean literature textbook.

“The King of Inverse Empire” is a story of Yeonghun who likes to do every-thing backwards.He is a unique child who puts his shoes on the wrong feet, wears his hat backwards and evenholds his crayons upside down. His mother scolds him to do things right but he does not listento her and continues to do things backwards. One day, Yeonghun loses his way in themountain while he is looking for his friends. After wandering about for a while, he finds astrange sign post that reads “Path to the Inverse Empire” and follows it. When he opens thegate to the Inverse Empire, he suddenly finds himself standing on his head according to therules of the Inverse Empire. Yeonghun who always likes to do things backwards is elected asthe king of Inverse Empire. However, he soon finds out that doing everything backwards, suchas wearing his crown on his feet, is very uncomfortable and wants to run away. This bookoffers a valuable lesson to children who, like Yeonghun, enjoy being contrary.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Byun [email protected] +82 2 3442 4656www.ssdp.co.kr

The King of Inverse Empire(Geokkuro Nara Imgeumnim)Lee Jun-younSamseongdang Publishing Co., Ltd.2007, 94 pagesISBN 978-89-1401-599-0

Uncle Yonggu

Children’s book writer Kwon Jeong-saeng (1937-2007) and his stories about innocent peoplewho live in hardship and small, insignificant beings have been loved by readers of all ages.

This short story is about Uncle Yonggu who is still awkward at everything even though he isover 30 years old. People call him a fool. Uncle Yonggu takes the cow Nureongi around thevillage to feed her. But one day, Nureongi comes back but Uncle Yonggu is nowhere to beseen even at nightfall. The narrator “I” goes out with his father to look for Uncle Yonggu.Night soon falls in the valley. Later, men of the village search all over the mountain withflashlight. Finally, they find Uncle Yonggu sound asleep on the slope by the oak forest with agrey-brown hare also sleeping in his arms. With relief and for some unknown reason, thenarrator begins to cry. As the incident takes place from sundown to midnight, the narrator’semotion gradually heightens and leaves deep resonance at the end. The moment ofrediscovering his uncle whom the narrator has usually dismissed for being a fool is describedbeautifully. The illustrations that add depth to lyricism by portraying the characters’ minds indetail also attract the reader’s attention.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Oh [email protected] +82 2 730 2680

Uncle Yonggu (Yonggu Samchon)Kwon Jeong-saengIllustrator : Heo GuSanha Publishing Co.2009, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-7650-347-3

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Park Ji-sung: From a Boyhood Dreamto a World Challenge

This book shows the life of Park Ji-sung-Korea’s most loved soccer player and a midfielder atManchester United Football Club-from his childhood to becoming a world soccer star. Itfocuses on Park’s efforts as a child to realize his dream despite his small physique and weakhealth and presents him as a role model to children. Being shorter and weaker than otherchildren, he thought he should have better techniques than others; he practiced vehemently,hardly ever separated from a soccer ball. Out of the belief that a soccer player could onlyperfect himself through repeated training over a long period of time, Park set as his motto:“3000 daily contacts with the ball, on every corner of the foot.” He became who he is todaythanks to such relentless, rigorous training. While preparing for the 2002 FIFA World Cup, helearned that he had flat feet, one of the worst conditions for a soccer player, but he just workedeven harder in order to overcome obstacle. The author is a poet and novelist who has publishedbiographies of the US President Barak Obama and the former South Korean President RohMoo-hyun for children.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Cha Sun [email protected] +82 2 322 6709 blog.naver.com/bookrose

Park Ji-sung: From a Boyhood Dream to a World Challenge(Park Ji-sung, Yeolhansarui Kkum Segyereul Hyanghan Dojeon)Lee Chae-yun / Illustrator : Her Han-wooScope (Book-Ocean)2010, 200 pagesISBN 978-89-9366-222-1

I Am a Stray Dog

Though he does not have an owner and has to sleep on the streets, the protagonist dog enjoysbeing a “wanderer.” Even in seemingly uncomfortable situations, this charming characterremains lively and positive. The stray dog grows bored of running around on fours and decidesto start walking on two paws. Seeing that pigeons and bicycles stand on two feet and themailbox on a single foot, the dog thinks there is no reason he cannot do it himself. Though histoe nails hurt and people laugh at him, the stray dog does not care because the pleasure ofdoing what he wants is greater than anything. One day, a child comes by and tells the alley catthat he is jealous of the cat’s four paws. Upon hearing this, the stray dog realizes theadvantages of four paws that he has not hitherto considered. The stray dog now has a new goalfor himself: he wants to walk on his four paws again. However, he does not want to walk likeany other dog and decides instead to become a car. Happiness is not far away. If we can loveourselves and dream like the stray dog, we would experience true happiness. The moral of thestory is that positive thinking and happiness are directly proportional to each other. This bookis ideal for lower-grade elementary school children who love themselves as they are and whocan speak confidently of their dreams.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : Min [email protected] +82 2 2046 2855www.sigongjunior.com

I Am a Stray Dog(Naneun Tteodori Gaeya)Lee SangkyoIllustrator : Lee HyungjinSigong Junior2009, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-5275-419-6

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I’m Going to Do as I Like

When baby alligator Ttaksuni is acting stubborn, no one can change her mind. One time whenher mom brought her water to wash her dirty face, Ttaksuni refused and went off tokindergarten instead; another time when her mom brought her a T-shirt to wear on a very hotday, Ttaksuni insisted on wearing a fur coat and sweated heavily throughout the day. There ismore. Ttaksuni once broke a vase that was on the table because she wanted to ride her bicycleinside the house. One day, Ttaksuni went to the park with her mom and met Kkulsigi and hismom. They bought balloons and water pistols and enjoyed their ice cream. Then Kkulsigibegan crying for another balloon. When he got his balloon, he cried for more ice cream andthen for another water pistol. Seeing Kkulsigi acting up, Ttaksuni realized that her obstinatebehaviors were not acceptable and stopped acting stubborn. This book aims to amend thestubborn attitude of children who want to do everything their way. Professional advice isoffered at the end of the story so that parents can address their children’s problematicbehaviors. This book is ideal for children between ages 3 and 5 whose stubbornness gives theirparents a hard time.

By Kim Jung-mi


I m Going to Do as I Like(Nae Mamdaero Hallae)Lee JihyunIllustrator : Lee MinhyeSigong Junior2008, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-5275-342-7

I Wish I Were a Bird

There was once a man who wanted to be a bird that flies in the sky. While he was painting theside of a tall building, he thought, “How convenient would it be to have wings?” Then, thanksto the power of his imagination, combined with his ardent desire, he really became a bird. Theman could now climb tall buildings with ease and fly freely in the sky. Though he sometimesfelt lonely, he did not regret his transformation. Still, when he thought about it carefully, beinga bird was not always great. He had been envious of the fact that birds could fly freely but nowthat he was a bird himself, he experienced many inconveniences. For example, he could not flyin the rain because his wings got wet, could not even walk in snow, and now even had to avoidrunning into the cats who used to be no match for him. The man now has a different dream.Instead of becoming human again, he wants to become a cat, the scariest animal for birds. Theending is similar to that of many stories situated in children’s imaginary world. Illustrations inlight, watery Korean ink paintings well express the atmosphere of the story and wide spacesallow children to unfold their wings of imagination. This book is ideal for children aged 5 andover who always dream about becoming something else.

By Kim Jung-mi


I Wish I Were a Bird(Saega Doego Sipeo)Han ByunghoSigong Junior2009, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-527-5461-5

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Me First, Me First!

Through the story of a little squirrel Jingjing-i (Whiny) who always shouts “me first, me first”and thinks only about himself, this picture book offers an enjoyable lesson on the importanceof compromise, consideration for others, and tolerance in order to live happily together. Oneday Jingjing-i goes to play in the forest with squirrel friends. Though Jingjing-i likes to hangout with his friends, he does not know how to behave so that everyone can have fun. He has tobe the first one to get on the swing as well as the first to drink water from the fountain. In histypically unruly fashion, he shouts “me first, me first” when crossing the river and accidentallyfalls into the current. Fortunately, his friends come together to save him. Jingjing-i now feelsgrateful to his friends and regrets his past behavior. Suddenly, an apple falls from a tree andstops at his feet. This time Jingjing-i shares the apple with his friends for the first time.Children who have begun to display a smug, superior attitude in their interactions with peerscan reflect on themselves through Jingjing-i. The character of Jingjing-i rendered with a strongcolor contrast between red and green is adorable, while his friends’ bewildered expressions ofanger in reaction to Jingjing-i’s greedy and unruly behavior are vividly evocative. The bookalso reads like a song thanks to the rhythmic descriptions of various objects such as swings, astone bridge and spring water written in verse.

By Choi Hyunmee


Me First, Me First!(Na Meonjeo Na Meonjeo)Eom MirangIllustrator : Zoo SoonkyoSigong Junior2008, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-527-5344-1

A Path Teeming with Old Paintings

This is an easy-to-understand art education book for children that explains the well-known paintingsfrom the Joseon (1392-1910) era, the last dynasty of Korea. Paintings flourished during the Joseonera more than any other time in Korean history and Korean traditional paintings display uniquebeauty with composition, color and brush strokes that are distinct from those of Western paintings.Centering on the genre paintings by Sin Yun-bok and Kim Hong-do, two of the most well-knownartists of Joseon, this book explains traditional paintings and the aspects of Joseon society depicted inthose paintings. Each painting is first shown in full and then divided into parts for more in-depthexplanation. For example, Kim Hong-do’s Mudong (A Dancing Child) is shown in its entirety alongwith the general background of the painting. Then, the dancing boy in the picture is separated and hisswift foot and merry dance movements as well as his status are explained in detail. Finally, there is aclose-up of the musicians with explanations on the characteristics of Korean traditional music andthe structure of the music ensemble. Along with paintings by Kim Hong-do and Sin Yun-bok, thebook introduces outstanding portraits, which capture the characteristics of the models, and paintingsof animals loved by children. Children will not only be able to enjoy the paintings, but also tounderstand the era and its customs. The author is an elementary school teacher who loves and isstudying Korean traditional paintings. He is currently writing a book on Korean paintings.

By Choi Hyunmee


A Path Teeming with Old Paintings(Jaemiro Bukjeogineun Yet Geurim Gil)Choi SukjoSigong Junior2009, 160 pagesISBN 978-89-527-5524-7

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Hocheol’s Spectacles are Weird

Cho Sungja, children’s story writer who has been depicting the daily life of children involvingquarrels, reconciliations and friendship, has captured the mind of children who desire to knowwhat other people are thinking. One day, Hocheol gets into a fight with his friend and breakshis glasses. Suddenly, an old man appears and offers Hocheol a pair of new glasses inexchange for his heart. Worried about being scolded by his mom, Hocheol accepts the oldman’s offer and soon finds out that the glasses enable him to “read other people’s thoughts,”which appear in blue writing. Using the power of his glasses, Hocheol wins the quizcompetition and receives an award for catching the bank robber. However, he soon begins todislike his glasses as he becomes more concerned about his parents who cannot share theirgrowing financial worries with Hocheol. Similarly, he grows weary of the man at thestationer’s, whose thoughts are different from what he expresses, and of those among hisfriends who hate him. At the end, he cries loudly because he wants to go back to being anormal boy. This book conveys a message that the pure and innocent heart of a child is muchmore valuable than any “magic glasses” and that luck achieved without effort can disappeareasily. Realistic yet affectionate pictures by the illustrator who majored in painting accompanythe story.

By Choi Hyunmee


Hocheol s Spectacles are Weird(Hocheori Angyeongeun Isanghae)Cho SungjaIllustrator : Jung SeungheeSigong Junior2006, 106 pagesISBN 978-89-527-4742-6

My Special Umbrella

In this picture book, a lonely child who does not have anyone to bring her an umbrella on arainy day imagines her own umbrella. Big raindrops suddenly start falling while everyone isstill at school. Mothers bring pretty, multicolored umbrellas to their children but the maincharacter begins to worry that the rain would not stop before the end of the class. Whilewaiting for the rain to stop, the main characters set her imagination free in her head: “If I climbhigher than the dark rain clouds, I would be able to get home without getting wet,” “I wouldn’tbe rained on if I move to the North or the South Pole where it doesn’t rain,” or “I probablywouldn’t need an umbrella in the desert.” But the class ends and the main character has towalk through the rain. Then as the main character imagines the things she can use instead of anumbrella: a large leaf or a plastic bag. At that moment, something very strange happens. Thebig, clear jellyfish she once saw at the blue aquarium flies over the main character’s head andopens up like an umbrella. Though not explicitly stated, it is clear that the child is lonely due toher mother’s absence. However, the story portrays how the child lives each day thanks tohappy imaginations.

By Choi Hyunmee


My Special Umbrella(Biga Wado Gwaenchana)Ryu HosunIllustrator : Park JungsubSigong Junior2009, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-527-5606-0

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Ouch, It Stings!

This picture book is a cheerful and witty portrayal of children who are scared of going to thehospital. Junhyeok has a cold but does not want to see a doctor. When his mother says“Junhyeok, let’s go to the doctor’s after breakfast,” he begins to think of all kinds of excusesnot to go. At the end, he says “Mom, I’m not Junhyeok. I’m a lion. Lions don’t go to thehospital because they are really strong!” However, his mom replies, “even lions have to go tothe hospital if they are sick.” Junhyeok goes on to make more excuses that his clothes do notfit because he is a pig, that he cannot move fast because he is a turtle and that the syringeneedle might break because he is an alligator with hard scales. The shot makes him yell,“Ouch, it stings!” but it does not hurt as much as he thought it would. To his mother and thedoctor who tell him, “Hey, the alligator is really strong!” Junhyeok exclaims, “I’m not analligator. I’m a brave boy called O Junhyeok!”

Instead of simply dragging her scared child to the doctor’s, Junhyeok’s mother understands hisfears and builds upon his imagination to comfort and guide him. Though Junhyeok changesinto a lion, a pig, a turtle and even a chameleon, his feverish red face and runny nose appear oneach of the animals in his transformations, which give them comical faces and expressions.

By Choi Hyunmee


Ouch, It Stings! (At! Ttakkeum!)Kook Ji-seungSigong Junior2009, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-5275-663-3

Happiness Is Always Near

This picture book gently reminds us that happiness is not faraway but very close to us. Themain character Bomi is sad because the picnic has been cancelled due to rain. To the sulkingBomi, her mother says “happiness is near” and suggests looking for happiness together. Themother and daughter call out to happiness: “Where are you, happiness, come out and play withus!” In the meantime, Bomi has her cookies, gets a call from her grandmother and laughswhile reading her picture book, and at each moment, her mother tells her that happiness isnear. Slowly, Bomi begins to realize that happiness is in her earlobe when she is talking to hergrandmother on the phone, in her eyes when she is reading her picture book and in her feetwhen she is riding her bicycle. Suddenly, she wonders where her mother’s happiness is. Tothis question, her mother whispers, “My happiness is you.” As she confirms her parents’ lovefor her, Bomi feels full of happiness. The illustrations in simple lines represent Bomi’shappiness in the color yellow. For example, her cookies, picture book and grandmother’sphone call are all colored in a pretty yellow so that the young readers can see Bomi’shappiness. Mothers and children can read the book together to confirm their love andhappiness for each other.

By Choi Hyunmee


Happiness Is Always Near(Haengbogeun Nae Yeope Isseoyo)Shin Hye-eenIllustrator : Kim Hyo-eunSigong Junior2009, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-5275-655-8

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Don’t Feel Small!

This picture book on children’s emotions shows how children who have developed a sense ofinferiority can overcome it. The author studied child development and child psychology atuniversity and is currently the director of the Korean Association of Bibliotherap. In her newbook, the author approaches the issue of self-esteem by describing the children’s feelings ofinferiority as a “shrinking of the heart.”

The main character Bubi is a short child who has a bad handwriting and cannot run fast.Whenever he discovers that he is not good at something, his heart grows smaller. But one dayBubi meets a small flower that is even smaller than him but has embraced its size with apositive attitude, and learns the advantages of being short and slow. He is consoled once heunderstands that everyone has a talent and recovers his confidence once he realizes that he toois good at something. Bubi shrinks in size whenever he feels insecure, thereby making it easyfor the reader to perceive his state of his mind. He grows back to his regular size when herecovers his confidence. This book will help young people reflect on their own insecurities andself-esteem.

By Choi Hyunmee


Don t Feel Small!(Maeuma Jagajijima)Shin Hye-eenIllustrator : Kim Hyo-jinSigong Junior2010, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-5275-662-6

Little Orphan Daldungi

This story is about an orphan boy who grows up in the process of healing his pain andembracing the pain of others. Daldungi is left all alone in the world when his grandfatherpasses away. He learns that if he does not repay the debt within a month, he will lose hisgrandfather’s farm fields. At the same time, he also learns the painful truth that he is not hisgrandfather’s biological grandchild but an adopted one and that the innkeeperin his life hadsaved his life by breastfeeding him as a baby.

Having decided to take care of himself and his future on his own, Daldungi sells the farmproduce and slowly saves money to pay off the debt. He encourages himself constantly evenwhen his shoulders are full of blisters from the heavy A-frame carrier and his legs buckle fromhungry. But when the innkeeper, whom he has kept at a distance to avoid facing the fact thathe is an orphan, is framed and arrested, he finally realizes how she has always cared for him somuch. Realizing that he has hurt the innkeeper as much as he has been hurting himself,Daldungi runs out into the rain to save her. Illustrator Yi Ji-eun has been noted for her modernreinterpretations of Korean folk stories whose masterly command of ink unfold the seriousstories without making them too heavy.

By Choi Hyunmee


Little Orphan Daldungi(Wangsimnibeol Daldungi)You TaruIllustrator : Lee Jee-eunSigong Junior2009, 175 pagesISBN 978-89-5275-562-9

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Fish Flying to the Sky

Fish Flying to the Sky (Haneullo Naragan Mulgogi) is a very charming book that uses primarycolors loved by children. It is a story of seven fish of seven colors, namely red, orange, yellow,green, blue, indigo and violet, and another fish without scales that flew into the sky to becomea rainbow.

The eight fish are shunned by their peers because of their unusual appearance. However, theyare not hurt by those who laugh at their looks and alienate them. Instead, they stand strongagainst such narrow-mindedness and reproach their prejudice. Then, they venture into thelarger world to find new friends on their own. Some time later, the eight fish meet again. Theyrealize that it is their unique characteristics that make them beautiful.

Kim Ho-yeon’s simple illustrations resemble children’s drawings. The ingenuous fish full ofmarked individuality catch the reader’s eyes. Writer Heo Eun-soon discusses respect foroneself and others, along with the importance of individuality through the story of the eightstrong-willed fish. Her intention also includes encouraging the reader to reflect on self-confidence and the error of prejudice based on appearance.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Cho [email protected] +82 2 393-6240

Fish Flying to the Sky (Haneullo Naragan Mulgogi)Heo Eun-soonIllustrator : Kim Ho-yeonSilvertuba Co.2008, 48 pagesISBN 978-89-9269918-1

A Korean Myth: The Birth GoddessSamsin’s Story

The myth of Samsin, a goddess who helps women bear children, is based on an orallytransmitted song from Jejudo Island called “Samseunghalmang Bunpuri” (GrandmaSamseung’s Revenge), which has been refined through years of investigation and research.When the human world is thrown into turmoil after the disappearance of Samsin who controlsthe birth of human life, the Heavenly King calls upon the young but wise Lady Myeonggingukfor help. Following the king’s orders, Lady Myeongginguk helps women to give birth andraise children. Meanwhile, the daughter of the Dragon King of the East Sea has already begunworking as Samsin in the human world. Though she helps bring children into the world, she isnot truly dedicated to her job. In order to determine the one true Samsin, the two ladies go tothe Heavenly King. After several tests, Lady Myeongginguk is chosen as the Samsin of thisworld, while the daughter of the Dragon King of the East Sea is put in charge of theunderworld. Lady Myeongginguk devotes herself to giving people babies. When she confrontsGeneral Smallpox who leaves scars on children’s beautiful faces, she uses her wisdom toprotect children. The story of Samsin who possesses both strength and warmth tells us theimportance of life. Lively rhythmic verses that come alive with each reading and uniquedrawings in the traditional style harmonize beautifully. This book is ideal for youngerelementary school children who enjoy myths.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : Park [email protected] +82 2 375 5784www.sonamoobook.co.kr

A Korean Myth: The Birth Goddess Samsin s Story(Agireul Jusineun Samsinhalmeoni)Phyen HaemoonIllustrator : Noh EunjungSonamoo Publishing2008, 87 pagesISBN 978-89-7139-855-5

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The Moon Sorbet

The Moon Sorbet is the second picture book by Baek Heena, author of the bestselling picture book Cloud Bread(Gureum Ppang). Baek unfolds her lively imagination; people start making sorbet with the moon which ismelting due to global warming. The story begins on a summer night in the city where every household has air conditioners, fans and fridgesrunning behind closed doors. Then drip, drip, drip-the distinct sound of melting is heard. Granny goes out to seewhat is making the noise and finds the melting moon. She catches all the drops of the melting moon and turnsthem into a sorbet. The same night, all the lights go out in the city because people have been consuming too muchelectricity at home. In the dark city, Granny hands out her moon sorbet to her neighbors. Those who eat the moonsorbet begin to glow softly like the moon and discover to their amazement that they don’t feel hot anymore. Thatnight, people sleep with their windows open, without turning on their fans or air conditioners. However, the haresthat live on the moon have a serious problem: with the moon gone, they no longer have a place to live and havecome down to the earth. After listening to the hares’ complaints, Granny pours the moon water in a plant pot andthe evening primrose begins to bloom. Soon, a small light appears in the sky and it gets bigger and bigger until itbecomes a full moon. The author’s unending imagination is a joy to read. Baek says she came up with the storyon a very hot summer’s night when she was worrying about global warming. An interesting story powered bywonderful imagination is combined with the importance of the earth and the environment. Out of environmentalconcerns, the book has been printed in soybean oil ink and the cover is not coated.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Baek [email protected] +82 70 7788 5664www.storybowl.com

The Moon Sorbet (Dal Shyabeteu)Baek HeenaStoryBowl2010, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-9647-820-1

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Children Are Children

Based on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, this book explains children’s rightsand shows the lives of children of the world today. The main character who has been selectedby the UN as a member of the child inspection delegation talks to children from all over theworld and learns about the realities and issues faced by children living in today’s world. Lizzafrom Madagascar talks about her friend from the village who is dying of malnutrition, whileKamende from Kenya talks about a Somalian boy who has to join the army at age thirteen.Pacal in Mexico talks about his wish and the right to study in Mayan, the language of hisancestors, and another child named Bek talks about his younger sister who is not permitted tostudy because she is a girl. By contextualizing these stories with the information necessary fora discussion of children’s rights, the book helps children expand their knowledge on the issue.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Han Yu [email protected] +82 2 362 0938

Children Are Children(Eorinineun Eorinida)Lee HyunIllustrator : Park Seo YoungSun & Tree2010, 163 pagesISBN 978-89-6268-058-4

Think House Totobook

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The Extraordinary and Ingenious Dr. Ig Nobel and His Fun Science Lab

This is a children’s science cartoon that explains some extraordinary researches conducted bythe winners of the Ig Nobel Prize, which was created as a parody of the Nobel Prize by theAnnals of Improbable Research, a science humor magazine published by Harvard University.The author Hong Seung-woo is one of the leading cartoonists in Korea who runs the cartoonseries Bibimtoon, which portrays a young couple’s everyday life and the joy, anger, sorrowand pleasure of raising a child. He has published various educational cartoons for children. Themain character of his latest cartoon is Dr. Ig Noble who represents all the winners of the IgNoble Prize. Dr. Ig Noble deplores everything boring and ordinary. He studies ways to stophiccups by massaging the anus, invents runaway alarm clocks and makes vanilla ice creamusing cow dung. After such extraordinary and improbable researches by Dr. Ig Noble, storiesof the real Ig Noble Prize winners who actually conducted the research are presented, followedby the simple and easy to understand scientific principles and common scientific knowledge.The author displays the endless curiosity and scientific passion hidden in what may seem likebizarre researches.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Lee Eun [email protected] +82 2 3670 1192www.wjbooks.co.kr

The Extraordinary and Ingenious Dr. Ig Nobel and His Fun Science Lab(Eongttung Gibal Ig Nobel Baksaui Utgineun Gwahak Silheomsil)Hong Seung-wooThink House2009, 176 pagesISBN 978-89-01-09841-8

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Pause, Modern Science

Science Teachers Dreaming of a Better Future is a group of science teachers who have beendeveloping and distributing course materials on the social influences and responsibilities ofscience for more than ten years. This book is a general science book for youths that explainseleven core topics in modern science including nano technology, animal testing, nuclearenergy, ubiquitous computing, genetically modified food and sustainable energy. The bookexamines how the topics related to these eleven scientific technologies have been developing,how they influence our lives today and what they will become in the future. Along withobjective facts, the book leads its readers to reflect on the scientific discussions andcontroversies surrounding these facts. The book’s unique storytelling style has attracted muchattention. To facilitate readers’ understanding of the problems and issues in modern science,each chapter begins with an interesting fable or anecdote, like the story of a farmer who fightsagainst the company that sells genetically modified seeds, the minutes of a meeting thatparodies a conference on international climate change and the parable of a lab where aconspiracy unfolds around a nano robot. Following the introduction by such stories, thescience teachers offer explanations based on rich scientific materials and knowledge andattempt to provide the criteria of balanced value judgment. The book offers an interestingreading on a number of topics in modern science.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kim Injung [email protected] +82 2 335 6407cafe.daum.net/tindrum

Pause, Modern Science(Gwahak, Ilsi Jeongji)Science Teachers Dreaming of a Better FutureTindrum Publishing Company2009, 256 pagesISBN 978-89-6372-004-3

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A World without Colors Is So Boring

Intended for children, A World without Colors Is So Boring (Saekkal Eomneun Sesangeun NeomuSimsimhae) is a collection of famous paintings reproduced in beautiful colors. It will give children achance to “discover” colors in the world’s most celebrated paintings. Once they learn about colors, theywill enjoy art and once they start enjoying art, studying art will also be easier. Characters favored bychildren present easy-to-understand explanations on color topics such as luminosity, chroma, color circle,contrast and complementary colors, which could have turned into boring, stiff lectures.Children who are familiar with colors tend to be creative and sensitive, with a keen eye for beauty. Theirpowers of observation will also develop so that they take note of even trivial objects, and theirunderstanding of color will double their pleasures of art appreciation.This book has 8 chapters, namely Red, Ocher-Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green, Pink-Purple, White andBlack. The author, who is an art critic, thoughtfully explains the story of colors behind each painting inher easy to read style. As readers appreciate each painting while focusing on every hue, they will feelmuch closer to art and colors as a result. The works of painters from the classical to modern periods, suchas Van Gogh, David, Matisse, Millet, Klimt, Rousseau and Renoir, are included in the book. In addition,the book includes new paintings by Korean artists that are difficult to find in other collections. The vividcolor reproductions alone make this collection a valuable acquisition to any reader.

By Choi Seongkyu

Copyright Agent : Cha [email protected] +82 2 332 6255 www.totobook.com

A World without Colors Is So Boring (Saekkal Eomneun Sesangeun Neomu Simsimhae)Kong Ju-hyungIllustrator : Choung Eunhee Totobook2006, 96 pagesISBN 89-90661-27-x 73600

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How Was the Calendar Made?

This is a children’s non-fiction that provides information on the history of the calendar, answeringquestions such as why and how the calendar was made. Rather than simply narrating thechronological history of the calendar, the book examines how people’s lives have changed and newdesires have developed, and how progress in science and civilization has contributed to creating thecalendar throughout human history. The author saw the calendar as a work of the human race produced by a complex combination ofthree elements, namely humans, nature and science. The book also provides diverse information onthe calendar such as the various principles of counting days behind different calendars, the origins ofthe calendar in use today, the reason for the varying number of days in each month, the genesis of theleap month and the rationale of keeping it, the naming process of the months and days, and differentkinds of calendars including the lunar, solar and Gregorian. In particular, the book brings togethervarious anecdotes and folk tales related to the calendar. After winning the Children’s Non-Fiction Book Prize awarded by Changbi Publishers, Inc., KimKyunghwa has mainly been publishing a diverse range of children’s non-fiction that deals withhistory and history of science. Kim Suk-kyoung was selected as the Illustrator of the Year Award atthe 2007 Bologna Children’s Book Fair.

By Choi Hyunmee


How Was the Calendar Made?(Dallyeogeun Eotteoke Mandeureojyeosseulkka?)Kim KyunghwaIllustrator : Kim Suk-kyoungTotobook2008, 120 pagesISBN 978-89-90611-70-3

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World Geography in One Fun Bite

Currently the senior reporter at Kids Chosun, a children’s newspaper in Korea, the author hascompiled the articles she published for a special series called “Ah ha, This Is WorldGeography!” Based on the popular series, this book is very useful and timely, as more childrentravel internationally and knowledge and information about the world proves to be vital forthem. However, it is not easy to learn and grasp all the knowledge on various countries withoutvisiting them in person. To make the book more accessible her children readers, the author hasorganized the contents by topics that would appeal to them, such as the world’s longest andsmallest countries, the deepest lake and the longest river, in order to deliver basic knowledgeand interesting stories on world geography. The book also includes comprehensive informationon this subject such as maps, topography, climate and history. Brief anecdotes, easy andsimple explanation, a variety of maps, witty illustrations and photographs are arranged to addthe book’s fun and appeal. The last chapter on global warming is aimed at helping childrenunderstand the importance of the Earth and its ecosystems.

By Choi Hyunmee


World Geography in One Fun Bite(Han Ibe Kkulkkeok Masinneun Segye Jiri)Ryoo HyunaIllustrator : Im IckjongTotobook2009, 160 pagesISBN 978-89-9061-176-5

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Daddy, Why Does the Time Fly WhenI’m Having Fun?

This is an educational philosophy book in which the author, a psychologist who studiedpsychology and cognitive science at university, unfolds his philosophical thinking through theletters he exchanges with his two daughters. He guides them to think on their own and becomethe masters of their own lives. When his children ask him a question, he never offers a directanswer. “Dad, can’t you just give us a quick, rough solution?” they complain. He answers, “Ifyou approximate the answer, your life also becomes an approximation,” and instead leadsthem to philosophical dialogue and thinking. In this way, the father and daughters talk abouttime, sadness and fear, death, difference, freedom and responsibility, war and peace, andhappiness. During these conversations, they begin to enjoy finding answers by themselves anddevelop the power of thinking. Though we often think of philosophy as difficult, the bookshows that philosophy is really not that special. The book helps children to rethink theirthoughts and feelings and guides them to develop their own ideas about the world and lifethrough this process. When this book was first published, many readers with childrenexpressed their desires to be a parent like the author.

By Choi Hyunmee


Daddy, Why Does the Time Fly When I’m Having Fun?(Appa, Geimhal Ttaen Wae Sigani Ppalli Ga?)Peter LeeTotobook2009, 168 pagesISBN 978-89-9061-183-3

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One Daughter of My Mom’s Friend Is a Monster

Korea is a severely competitive society that drives even children into academic competition.Popular phrases attributed to mothers that reflect such social reality aremy friend’s daughterand my friend’s son. For whenever mothers try to motivate their children, they habitually saythings like my friend’s daughter (son) gets good grades and carries out her (his)responsibilitieswell on her (his) own. Regardless of whether such a child actually exists, a child who is perfectin adults’eyes seems like a monster to ordinary children. The children in this book attendvarious after-school classes in order to satisfy their mothers’ unyielding greed and evensacrifice sleep for more study time. However, Instead of being praised for their efforts, theyare always scolded for not meeting the expectations. When these children finally meet thelegendary daughter of their mothers’ friend, however, they realize that she is neither perfectnor happy. The book humorously portrays the admirable process through which the childrenrealize that unnecessary comparison can hurt family and friends and that they are the mastersof their own lives. Author Kim Hyeri is one of the most loved steady-selling writers in Korea.This book is ideal for children aged between 7 and 10.

By Park Suk-kyoung

Copyright Agent : Hee-jeon [email protected] +82 2 3480 4112www.sinsago.co.kr

One Daughter of My Mom s Friend Is a Monster(Eomma Chingu Ttareun Goemul)Kim HyeriTruebook Sinsago Co., Ltd.2008, 64 pagesISBN 978-89-5977-513-2

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Mom, Five More Minutes, Please

Mom, Five More Minutes, Please is a children’s book for lower grade elementary schoolchildren written by No Kyungsil, one of the leading children’s book writers in Korea. It talksabout good habits and why one should develop them by following the character Hyeonho, whomanages to overcome his habit of being late all the time. “Five more minutes, Mommy” iswhat Hyeonho used to say every morning. His mom threatens him with a big shot or a thornywhip, and sometimes uses many curious alarm clocks but Hyeonho is still always late. What ismore, Hyeonho fabricates all kinds of lies to make excuses for his tardiness to his teacher andfriends. However, Hyeonho does not understand why he should not be late. In his mind, he is agood student who does his homework and dreams of becoming an internationally renownedrobot scientist. Then one day, something happens to Hyeonho, who used to be too easy onhimself, that makes him shout “I will never be late again!” The book reminds children thatgood habits are necessary, not to receive compliments or to avoid being scolded, but for theirown good.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Hee-jeon [email protected] +82 2 3480 4112www.sinsago.co.kr

Mom, Five More Minutes, Please(Eomma Obunman)No KyungsilTruebook Sinsago Co., Ltd.2009, 68 pagesISBN 978-89-5977-727-3

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The Adventures of a Girl in Search for aScary Dokkaebi

The older brother scribbles on his younger sister's bag. As upset as she can be, the youngersister goes off in search of a dokkaebi that can punish her brother. She first encounters thestaircase dokkaebi, who is a coward and then the broomstick dokkaebi, who is a boaster.Though they promise to punish her brother, they just keep on avoiding him. The third one thatshe encounters, the sand dokkaebi, however, understands her distress and plays with her. Afterplaying together, the younger sister comes to forget what her brother did to her bag. However,as she is returning home in the late afternoon, she sees that the streets are covered with foulthings about her brother. No matter how hard she tries to erase them, the words do notdisappear, and she begins to cry. Upon hearing his sister, the older brother runs out of thehouse to console her. This story about the quarrels and reconciliations between brother andsister is more interesting when read together with Brother for Sale! (Nae Dongsaeng SsageParayo) and The Big Sister and Her Little Brother (Nunawa Namdongsaeng), both written bythe same author. Thanks to the three dokkaebi’s unique characteristics and the climax structurethat becomes more interesting with each repetition, the fun of the book does not fade evenafter several readings. This book is ideal for children aged between 4 and 6.

By Park Suk-kyoung

Copyright Agent : Jang [email protected] +82 2 3142 6770 (Ext. 323)www.uriedu.co.kr

The Adventures of a Girl in Search for a Scary Dokkaebi(Museoun Dokkaebi Chajagayo)Lim JeongjaIllustrator : Lee Soo-jeenUrikyoyuk Co., Ltd.2008, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-8040-425-4

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The Hawk

In this book, the young brother and sister learn the meaning of the freedom of all living things,as they capture and raise wild hawks. The main character Jeonghui and her younger brotherBeomi bring home two wild hawks from the mountain and start taking care of them. They feedthe birds and put all their care into them but the bigger hawk ends up hurting its legs whiletrying to escape. Unlike the bigger hawk, the small one is soon tamed and adapts to life in thecage. One day, an incident that mystifies Jeonghui takes place. A neighbor ruins the rice paddythat belongs to her family because they were not growing the “variety of rice sanctioned by thegovernment.” Jeonghui’s older brother is put in prison for his violent protest, while Jeonghui’sfather keeps mum on what has happened, though he believes it to be unjust. On the day of herbrother’s trial, Jeonghui is reminded of the bigger hawk that had tried to escape and recognizesthat the power oppressing her brother and father is not so different from her incarceration ofthe hawks. Jeonghui finally decides to free the hawk, but soon afterwards it is found dead afterfighting a poisonous snake. Set in a farming village in the 1970s, the book gives affectionatedescriptions of life on the farm throughout the year and tells the incidents that take place as theyoung siblings try to raise the birds in detail from the perspective of the young girl.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Jang [email protected] +82 2 3142 6770 (Ext. 323)www.uriedu.co.kr

The Hawk (Mae)Lee Chang-sukIllustrator : Kim Ho-minUrikyoyuk Co., Ltd.2010, 150 pagesISBN 978-89-8040-862-7

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Comparison - Evolution of Animal

This is a learner’s encyclopedia that explains the evolutionary process of animals and humanbeings of this planet. Some 600 animal species-ranging from the appearance of bacteria andfungi 3.8 billion years ago to today’s Homo sapiens and their lifestyles-are shown in richillustrations and diagrams. The book explains when the first animal appeared on this planet,how it evolved and which animals became extinct throughout the evolutionary process. Themain characteristic of this book is comparison, as stated in its title. It uses comparison toexplain the unfamiliar topic of evolutionary process of animals and the human race. Forexample, in the section that describes the introduction of animals to the world, the book hasput together all the animals in one graphic chart, instead of covering each animal separately, sothat their first appearances can be compared simultaneously. Their respective habitats, externalfeatures (comparison of wings, beaks, legs, etc.), reproductions (comparison between malesand females as well as periods of infancy), and food chains (comparison of excrements,protective coloring, etc.) are shown together to offer a comprehensive look at the evolutionaryprocess of various animals. To facilitate children’s understanding, the author has invented cutecharacters like Pau, Nao, Paul, Chen, Nia and Bob, which jump into the animals’ evolutionaryprocess and explore the story of evolution.

Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Shim [email protected] +82 2 564 6006www.voozfirm.com

Comparison- Evolution of Animal(Bigyo-Dongmul Jinhwa Pyeon)Ye HyeongIllustrator : Gang Sin-gwangVoozfirm Publishers2009, 112 pagesISBN 978-89-919-9273-3

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I Like Being Lazy

Subtitled “Learn to Do Things on Your Own” and part of the “Good Habit-Forming EverydayStories” series, this book teaches children how to develop good habits through the maincharacter who overcomes his laziness.

The main character Eungyeol is lazy, sluggish and prone to put things off. He plays outside allday and only begins his homework late at night and thus scolded by his mother in the morningbecause he always oversleeps. Though he thinks there is nothing wrong with being a little lazy,he comes to recognize his shortcoming after he almost loses his younger brother on account ofhis irresponsible behavior and his friends begin hating him for hurting another friend. Eungyeoldecides to keep his promises to himself one by one. The first promise is to do his homework assoon as he returns from school. However, even just one promise is not so easy to keep.

The book includes a “Laziness Self-Evaluation” which helps children find out for themselveshow lazy they are and “How to Overcome Laziness,” a practical guide to avoid being lazy.Cute and lively illustrations that capture children’s vivid expressions make the book all themore interesting.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Kwon [email protected] +82 31 936 4199www.wisdomhouse.co.kr

I Like Being Lazy (Geeureunge Joa)Yang Hea-wonIllustrator : Lee Young-rinWisdomhouse Publishing Co., Ltd.2000, 88 pagesISBN 978-89-6247-104-5

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Baby-Saurus Dooly’s GrandExploration on Science

“Baby-Saurus Dooly” is one of the most popular animation characters in Korea. It began as acartoon series of the same name in a children’s cartoon magazine in 1983. The series becameextremely popular and was turned into animation for TV and cinema. Thanks to the risingpopularity, its characters were soon licensed for use on stationary products and clothing. In a2006 survey, Dooly was selected as the “most beloved character in Korea.” This book is partof children’s educational cartoon series that features Little Dino Dooly as the main character.The first book of the series, Stop the Conspiracy of the Dinosaur Park!, begins as Dooly andhis friends travel back two hundred million years in time to the era of dinosaurs in search forDooly’s mother. Using their time machine, they go through the Triassic, Jurassic andCretaceous periods and stop the conspiracy of villains from the future who attempt to destroythe dinosaur ecology and build a dinosaur park. The book provides knowledge on dinosaursthroughout the adventure. It includes helpful photos including those of fossils and an appendixof learning pages that offer more in-depth information on the topic. Intended to cover fourareas of science, Chinese characters, history and world culture, this educational cartoon seriesplans to publish 50 books on science.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Claire [email protected] +82 2 3670 1168www.wjbooks.co.kr

Baby-Saurus Dooly s Grand Exploration on Science(Agi Gongnyong Dulli Gwahak Daetamheom)Kim Soo-jungIllustrator : Hitoon.comWoongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.2009, 207 pagesISBN 978-89-01-09794-7

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Bad Boy Sticker

The main character Geonu is a mischievous student. Whenever Geonu gets into trouble, histeacher gives him a “Bad Boy Sticker.” If a student receives three of them, he has to stay atschool till 5 p.m. to solve mathematical problems or write book reports. Geonu unjustlyreceives the dreaded sticker even though he has not been so naughty. Therefore, he secretlybegins to assign a “bad teacher sticker” to his teacher whenever he receives another unjust“bad boy sticker.” One day, Geonu flushes down the toilet all the stickers he has found on theteacher’s desk. However, instead of getting angry, the teacher understands his feelings andthey reconcile.

Children will be able to sympathize with Geonu’s story as the author examines the school lifethrough the eyes of an elementary school student. Young readers can share and solve theirproblems through Geonu. Bad Boy Sticker has been reprinted 100 times, which is unusual forcreative children’s stories in Korea, and is still loved by elementary school students as a must-read book. It was selected as one of the “100 Korean Books” by the host country at the 2005Frankfurt Book Fair and received an excellence award at the first SBS Children’s MediaAwards. It was also one of the recommended books chosen by various organizations includingthe Children’s Book Research Institute and the Seoul Metropolitan Office for Education. In2000, it was selected as a “good book” by Chosun Children’s Daily.

By Choi SeongkyuCopyright Agent : Claire [email protected] +82 2 3670 1168www.wjbooks.co.kr

Bad Boy Sticker (Nappeun Eorini Pyo)Hwang Seon-miIllustrator : Kwon Sa-wooWoongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.1999, 104 pagesISBN 978-89-0106-859-6 W

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Week-Long Friend 3-165

What do toys at the toy rental shop whose friends change every week dream about? A Week-Long Friend 3-165 (Iljuil Jjakgung 3-165) is a story that reflects on “true communication” and“relationship building” through the stories of rented toys. When a yellow ducky comes to theshop, she is assigned the number 3-165. Though she hopes to meet a child who understandsher and keeps her for a long time rather than just a week, the reality is not so simple. Thus, thetoy 3-165 waits for her kind friend Gyeongo with whom she shares her true feelings for thefirst time. However, she gradually grows weary as she is tossed, kicked around and bit bymischievous children. She exclaims that “everyone’s dream is but a dream [ ] but I can’t giveup dreaming!” Finally, the toys that used to argue all the time due to their different points ofview come together and decide to escape from the rental shop. The toys, which leave theconfined space where they were waiting to be picked to search for friends themselves andnever cease to dream of genuine communication despite the pain caused by senseless violence,make a lasting impression. The toys that wait for friends to whom they can open their heartscompletely provide much to ponder, for their little rental shop reminds us of the world inwhich we live. This book is ideal for older elementary school children who are seeking truefriendship.

By Kim Jung-mi

Copyright Agent : Claire Yang [email protected] +82 2 3670 1168www.wjbooks.co.kr

A Week-Long Friend 3-165(Iljuil Jjakgung 3-165)Kim NayeonIllustrator : Oh JungtaekWoongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.2008, 156 pagesISBN 978-89-010-9007-8

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I Need A Friend

Eunae is in third grade and her classmates call her a jijiri (helpless ninny) because she is short,plain-looking, inept at her studies, and always dressed in dirty clothes. Eunae wants to makefriends but is always alone because she cannot speak kindly to others. She strays even furtherbecause of her parents who are professionally competent but indifferent to Eunae’s school life.One day, Eunae’s aunt tells her four ways to make friends: be confident, share good thingswith friends, compliment them as much as possible, and approach friends first. Vowing tomake friends by becoming a better friend to others, Eunae carries out her aunt’s advice one byone. It is not easy at first but she slowly breaks down the invisible wall that used to separateher from others by opening up her heart and initiating conversations. It is a joy to watch Eunaediscover the light hidden inside her and grow closer to her friends. As the book tells the storyin the voices of children, young readers will be able to relate easily to the story. This book isideal for the lower-grade child who is resolved to be kinder to his or her friends first beforeexpecting to be remembered as a good friend.

By Kim Jungmi

Copyright Agent : Claire [email protected]+82 2 3670 1168www.wjbooks.co.kr

I Need A Friend (Chinguga Piryohae)Park Jeong-aeIllustrator : Kim Jin-whaWoongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.2008, 95 pagesISBN 978-89-010-8236-3 W

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Tooth-brushing Champion!

This picture book shows children the right way to brush their teeth with fun illustrations so thatthey can follow each step. The author is a dentist, a mother of a five-year-old girl and apopular “power-blogger” who has been writing a reading diary of children’s books. Throughthe main character Kongi, the book shows the development and treatment of tooth cavities.After getting her treated at the dentist’s, Kongi learns from the dentist how to maintain herteeth healthy and puts methods she has learned into practice. Each step is explained withillustrations. “A hippo eats cheese and goes ‘merong’ (sticks his tongue out).” So goes thespell the author uses to help children brush their teeth. It makes tooth brushing fun andeffective, for instance, by pointing out the parts they have to brush. The spell goes on to say:open your mouth wide like a hippo and brush the chewing surfaces and the inner teeth, say“cheese” and roll your brush in circles to brush the outer teeth; then finally say “merong”while sticking your tongue out to clean the tongue. Children can easily follow the instructionsin the spell after reading the book.

By Choi Hyunmee


Tooth-brushing Champion!(I Dakgi Daejangiya)Lee YoonjeongIllustrator : Lee Jee-eunWoongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.2009, 32 pagesISBN 978-89-01-09809-8

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A Butterfly’s Dream

This is a biography of an internationally known the modern Korean musician Yun Isang(1917-1995). The story begins when Yun’s opera Sim Cheong based on a Korean folktale ofthe same title opens the Munich Olympic Games and traces his life back to childhood.

Born in Tongyeong, a fishing village by the sea, Yun dreamt of becoming a musician whilelistening to the sound of the wind, the waves and the gulls and to the fishermen’s songs. Hetraveled to Germany to study music at the age of forty and successfully performed Music forSeven Instrument for the first time at the International Summer Courses of ContemporaryMusic in Darmstadt. In 1967, however, South Korean military government accused him ofespionage in East Berlin. Yun was then kidnapped by the South Korean secret police andsentenced to life imprisonment. He was exiled in 1969 and left again for Germany. Despite theworld’s respect and welcome, he could never return to his own country. It took forty years toclear his name of espionage.

This book portrays Yun’s life that was turned away from his own country and how hecontributed to Korea’s democratization in the process. It also depicts in a simple yet symboliclanguage how he overcame historical twists and turns, and how he used his personal strugglesto create his own world of music.

By Oh YunhyunCopyright Agent : Claire [email protected] +82 2 3670 1168www.wjbooks.co.kr

A Butterfly s Dream (Nabiui Kkum)Lee Hyun-sookIllustrator : Lee Hyoung-jinWoongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.2010, 40 pagesISBN 978-89-0110-509-3 W

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The Stone Temple of Seokguram

At the last Bologna Children s Book Fair held in Bologna in March of 2010, there was one book, a unique picturebook about a black-and-white statue of the Buddha, that caught people s attention. The title of this book was The StoneTemple of Seokguram. This book received mention in the fiction section amidst the flashier, more colorful prize-winning books in that category. The resting spot for that Buddha is in Korea, situated at the very tip of the peninsulathat is at the eastern tip of the Eurasian continent and faces the Pacific Ocean.

Seokguram is the name of a temple built in 774 AD during the Silla Kingdom. It is a unique temple in that it was builtas a cave from stone. The remains of this temple are today considered among the masterpieces of Asian Buddhist art.At the center of this temple is the gracefully peaceful stone Buddha, the epitome of Buddhist sublime beauty. Notableis its architectural design which naturally eliminates humidity despite its proximity to the sea, and this structureprevents the buildup of moss and other deterioration. The fact that this stone statue still stands in one piece even after1,200 years is very surprising. This masterpiece, which brings together architecture, mathematics, geometry, religion,and art has been chosen by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

The first charm of The Stone Temple of Seokguram is its stimulating pictures, which allow for the viewer to vicariouslyexperience this beautiful world heritage site. Tohamsan mountain in the city of Gyeongju, which is home toSeokguram, is also famous for its beautiful sunrises. The path to Tohamsan leading up to the temple before sunrise isfoggy. Those who plod up the mountain to make their wishes are truly earnest, and the possibility of their wishescoming true is as white and wispy as the fog. It is impossible to relax until one passes through the four guardians of theBuddha and until one arrives directly in front of the statue. But at the sight of the Buddha s benevolent smile, one feelsat ease. This book captures the process of emotional development from fear to tension to relief through detailed inkpaintings that bring these feelings to life. The most notable scene is the moment when the mother and child finally findthemselves standing in front of the Buddha and gaze at his smile.

This book s other charm lies in its narrative. The poet, Kim Mi-hae, manages to create a bright and affectionatenarrative that resonates with the reader even while it inspires through the weighty images produced only by the play oflight and shadows. The child is waiting for the father to come back from a long journey that has taken him far away;through the Buddha s shiny forehead and the rising sun, the child s mournful appeal is transformed into hope.

During the Bologna Children s Book Festival, an American editor looked through this book, which was on display forits achievements, and expressed a very favorable opinion: I was deeply moved by the mysterious beauty of thisunmoving stone Buddha, and by the dignified child who moved the Buddha s heart. Children s books usually featurebright experiences and spaces occupied by children bursting with energy. All things considered, then, the fact that astory about the silent interaction between a child and a Buddha received such positive responses deserves our attention.It is for this reason that this book goes beyond pleasing an audience within a limited cultural context and is worthy ofreceiving international praise.

By Kim Ji-eun


The Stone Temple of Seokguram(Dollo Jieun Jeol, Seokguram)Kim Mi-hae / Illustrator : Choi Mi-ranWoongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.2009, 45 pagesISBN 978-89-01-10209-2

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The School Life of Pouty-Face

Also working as an elementary school teacher, the author has been writing about the bubblydaily life of children. This work also tells the story of children she has encountered at school.The main character is bored of school life and finds it joyless. He is indifferent to everythingso his nickname is “Sikeundungi” (A Korean term to characterize someone who is indifferent).As he finds school boring, O Sikeundungi causes all kinds of unimaginable trouble. He turnsthe lockers inside out, crawls behind the teacher’s desk and jabs the teacher’s buttocks, andhides in the custodian’s closet. When he is scolded by the teacher and kicked out of theclassroom, he has fun on the jungle gym, climbing it all by himself. Then one day, a bigchange takes place within O Sikeundungi, hitherto a real troublemaker and a problem child.School unexpectedly becomes fun for him when he befriends Kim Ttungbo (“Fatty BoyKim”). This story shows the transformation of a troublemaker as he adapts to school and theimportance of friends. It also provokes reflection on the difficult, competitive nature of ourchildren’s lives which only revolve around school, after-school activities and private lessons,and home, with special focus on school life which does not seem fun even from the teachers’perspective.

By Choi Hyunmee


The School Life of Pouty-Face(O Sikeundungiui Hakgyo Saenghwal)Song EonIllustrator : Choe Jung-inWoongjin ThinkBig, Co., Ltd.2010, 125 pagesISBN 978-89-0110-744-8 W

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When Waste Continues to Pile Up

How much waste do we produce each day? Where does it go and how is it treated? Startingfrom these questions, this educational picture book delivers a step-by-step investigation tosatisfy children’s curiosity. The author, an expert on waste who has been working inenvironment-related fields for the past 15 years, is currently working at the Sudokwon LandfillSite Management Corporation. Having researched ways to turn waste into green energy, he haswritten this book in order to inform children about the seriousness of environmental pollutioncaused by waste. He explains in detail waste treatment as well as waste recycling and wiseconsumption habits. In order to reduce waste, we have to consume wisely by being economicalwith what we already have and buying only the things we need.

The illustrations by Lee Kyoung-kook, who was selected as the Illustrator of the Year Awardat the 2008 Bologna Children’s Book Fair, keep a topic that otherwise might have been dryinteresting for the readers. Lee visited landfill sites several times and used the photos from hisvisits to create various collages, which add fun as well as visual beauty to the book.

By Choi Hyunmee


When Waste Continues to Pile Up(Sseuregiga Ssaigo Ssaimyeon)Park Ki-YeongIllustrator : Lee Kyoung-kookWoonjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.2010, 36 pagesISBN 978-89-0110-812-4

170 LTI Korea

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The Children of Delta

This children’s story casts a critical view on the way society creates fake heroes whose onlyobjective is fame. It is the winner of the 2009 Children’s Literature Award given by WoongjinThinkBig Co., Ltd., a publisher specializing in children’s book. Elementary school studentDongmin’s older brother sleeps all day. After he failed to get into a prestigious high school, hefell into a deep slumber and has not woken up yet. Dongmin’s parents cannot do anything butkeep a close eye on him.

Then Dr. Jamno and his research become a topic of great interest. The doctor is currently developinga machine called “Delta” that can control people’s sleep cycles. Dongmin’s parents believe thatDelta will be able to cure Dongmin’s older brother. Fund-raising events are organized to providemoney for the development of Delta, while Dongmin and his friends open an online fan site for Dr.Jamno to show their support. Dr. Jamno becomes a children’s hero overnight. But soon, allegationsquestioning the veracity of Dr. Jamno’s research are raised and some members of Dr. Jamno’s fansite begin to oppose sleep manipulation technology. They opine that it is not right to eliminate sleepcompletely from human life. The book criticizes adults who exaggerate or fabricate theirachievements for fame and consequently hurt children as well as the tendency to undervalue sleep inorder to produce better results.

By Choi Hyunmee


The Children of Delta(Deltaui Aideul)Yim Eo-jinIllustrator : Cho Seong YonWoongjin ThinkBig Co., Ltd.2010, 96 pagesISBN 978-89-0110-699-1 W

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100 Essential Mathematical Questionsfor Elementary School Students

The author, an elementary school teacher and a consultant for a children’s educational programon EBS, explains elementary school mathematics in this fun picture book. At over 304 pages,it is a thick book-perhaps too thick for a children’s book-that covers the contents ofelementary school mathematics (grades 1-6) including fractional and prime numbers, shapes,probability and statistics, symbols and equations and regularity and function. However, theauthor explains by linking mathematics with stories easily found in everyday life rather thanwith numbers, equations and calculations so that children can understand the principles ofmathematics. She tells interesting stories of mathematics by answering questions like: Whenwere numbers invented? How did our ancestors count numbers? Why do telephone numbersalways end with four digits? Why are all soda cans tube-shaped? And what is the probabilityof winning the first prize in the lottery? Children can select the section they want to readdepending on their grade or start from the beginning and progress to higher mathematicalconcepts. Lee Yoonsun’s illustrations and general knowledge of mathematics make the book afun and interesting read.

By Choi Hyunmee

Copyright Agent : Claire Ko/BoA [email protected]/[email protected]+82 2 3404 9247, 3404 8459www.yearim.co.kr

100 Essential Mathematical Questions for Elementary School Students(Chodeunghakgyo Ttae Kkok Arayahal Suhak 100)Kim YoungjiIllustrator : Lee YoonsunYeaRimDang Publishing Co., Ltd.2009, 304 pagesISBN 978-89-3023-307-1

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PUBLISHER_Kim Joo-youn

Korea Literature Translation Institute at108-5 Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul,Republic of Korea 135-873

Telephone : 82-2-6919-7700Fax : 82-2-3448-4247E-mail : [email protected]

Cover Illustration:Kim Dong-sung, <The Wildflower Kid>, Gilbut Children Publishing Co., Ltd.


www.klti.or.kr www.list.or.kr

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