[This Week's Children's Books] "A Picture Book That Melts Away Anxiety" and More

A Picture Book That Melts Away Anxiety

Some children are especially fearful of new things. They take a long time to adapt to unfamiliar environments and often worry about things that haven’t even happened yet. Such anxiety needs to be addressed during childhood to help them grow up free from unnecessary fears about the world. This book was published for that purpose. The author, a child psychology expert, provides information to help children understand their own anxiety. The book introduces ways for children who are temperamentally risk-averse or highly socially sensitive to use their unique delicacy and caution as strengths. The illustrator also stands out for vividly depicting the emotions and situations that anxious children are likely to experience. (Written by Lee Darang | Gilbut)

The Giraffe Outside the Window

This book is the grand prize winner of the 2nd Wisdom House Fantasy Literature Award for Children, where the final winner is chosen entirely by readers. Selected by 120 child judges, the story follows a girl named Jaei, who is left alone and unable to move into the AI-created utopia "Riverview" with her family. The book compellingly portrays Jaei’s first experiences with loneliness and anxiety after being separated from her family, as well as her journey to discover caring and true freedom, all within a suspenseful narrative reminiscent of a detective story. (Written by Kim Yukyung | Wisdom House)

Heart-Pounding First Dive

This is an ecological picture book introduced by the cheerful science curator, Lee Jiyu. Through entertaining stories, it shares the unique lives of animals living in various natural environments and conveys the value of coexistence. Readers can learn about ecology in a friendly way through stories told directly by animals such as beavers in wetlands, sloths in tropical rainforests, and emperor penguins in Antarctica. In addition, the book allows for an in-depth exploration of the precious nature we need to protect. The distinctive art style that matches the characteristics of each animal protagonist adds another layer of enjoyment to the book. (Written by Lee Jiyu | Human Children)

A Map of Korea at a Glance: Illustrated Book

This book covers everything from basic information such as the area and population of each region in Korea to cultural heritage, scenic spots, and local festivals, encompassing both natural and cultural knowledge. It introduces the characteristics of various regions in Korea through detailed maps and fun illustrations, making geography engaging for children. The book provides easy-to-understand information about 1 special city, 9 provinces, 6 metropolitan cities, 1 special autonomous city, and important geographical facts about North Korea. It also includes information on notable historical sites, regional festivals, and local specialties worth visiting. (Written by Min Byungjun and two others | Jinsun I)

Barefoot Hero Abebe

This book tells the story of Abebe Bikila of Ethiopia, who won gold medals in the marathon at both the Rome Olympics and the Tokyo Olympics. During the 6·25 Korean War, Ethiopia was the only African country to send ground troops to Korea. Abebe Bikila was also a member of the Kagnew Battalion and set foot on Korean soil as a war veteran. The book highlights Abebe Bikila’s life as a marathon runner who overcame adversity with indomitable will, as well as his role as a 6·25 Korean War veteran, reminding young readers of the significance of the 6·25 Korean War and the people we should be grateful for.