[New Book] My Owner's New Pet

This picture book about cats depicts the adorable side of a pet cat overwhelmed by jealousy. The story begins with a cat leisurely grooming itself on a cat tower, when one day it discovers a round, flat being that its owner has brought home. The cat perceives this newcomer as a new pet. Confronted with the arrival of this new presence, the cat, who had always acted aloof toward its owner, reflects on its own behavior and tries to soothe its lonely heart. However, whenever the owner leaves the house, the new pet torments the cat so much that it becomes furious. Unaware that the newcomer is actually a robot vacuum cleaner, the cat hatches a plan to drive out what it believes is a new pet, and these cute schemes unfold throughout the book.

This charming portrayal is similar to how older siblings often feel about a new baby in the family. When a younger sibling is born, a child might feel as though all attention and love has been taken away and given to the newcomer. In such situations, children may suddenly act like a baby again to get their parents' attention or come up with their own little acts of revenge. Just as the cat in the story eventually realizes the owner's unwavering love, the book helps children understand the constant love of their parents through its delightful illustrations.

The author, Lee Suyeon, has previously received attention for her witty and entertaining takes on everyday topics in works such as "Penguin's Worries," "Oh! Strawberry," and "New Skin, Gentle Nature Bandage Stickers." The author explained, "One day, after seeing a cat riding on top of a robot vacuum cleaner, I imagined a symbiotic relationship and was inspired to write this story."

The illustrator, Chayada, completed the story with a warm artistic style that captures both humor and insight. The robot vacuum cleaner is depicted as if it were a real pet, enhancing the reader's immersion. The living room, which serves as the main setting, is filled with subtle changes in detail, creating anticipation for how things will change on the next page.

My Owner's New Pet | Written by Lee Suyeon | Illustrated by Chayada | KidsM | 40 pages | 14,000 won