[This Week's Children's Books] "Gumsu Clothing Contest" and More

Gumsu Clothing Contest

This is a warm and beautiful clothing fantasy featuring human tailors and animal guests. Set in 19th-century London during the Little Ice Age, when the city is gripped by cold, the story revolves around a "clothing contest" held for animal people exhausted by the chill, with humans, cats, bears, and others competing. The journey to reclaim laughter, despite interference from the anti-human organization "Ligresser," is depicted in a heartwarming way. The work stands out for its classical-style illustrations, the classic backdrop of 19th-century London, and a warm fashion fantasy created by both humans and animals. (Daewon C.I.)

The Life of Jesus

This is a biblical fairy tale written by Charles Dickens, one of Britain's greatest literary figures, who stands shoulder to shoulder with Shakespeare. It is structured in an easy and entertaining way, tailored to the perspective of children. Dickens originally intended to tell these stories to his own children, but the manuscript was left unfinished and only published in 1934 after being discovered by his descendants. Based on the four Gospels of the New Testament, the book recounts the life of Jesus in chronological order, vividly describing significant events as if they are unfolding before the reader's eyes. (Written by Charles Dickens | The Story)

Children Are Children

EBS "Ding Dong Dang Kindergarten" is a representative Korean educational television program for young children, first broadcast in May 1982, and is the country's longest-running children's program, airing for over 40 years. This book is a production journal by two directors who have led major changes to the program through various innovative attempts, from the complete overhaul of the show in celebration of the 100th Children's Day in 2022 to March 2025. It is also an essay containing reflections on early childhood education and social and cultural criticism. (Written by Lee Jihyun and one other | Munye Publishing House)

Ren of the Swamp

In a future where genetic modification procedures have become commonplace, a series of incidents occur in which teenagers suffering from seizures harm citizens. To address this, a draft is issued for teenagers, and fifteen-year-old Ren and other children, taken to a facility, are confronted with unimaginable violence. The concise yet powerful prose delivers a vivid sense of reality, sharply exposing the cruel and chilling nature of violence. At the same time, the story gently and firmly portrays the friendship and solidarity among Ren and the other children. (Written by Choi Sanghee | Changbi)