★ From the renowned Korean children's book author, An Hyo-rim! An Hyo-rim has been honored with the Bologna Ragazzi Award for Best Children's Book and the New Illustrator Award!

★ The book features colorful and aesthetically pleasing illustrations, accompanied by philosophical questions and answers that enhance children's appreciation for beauty and inspire them to actively seek the reasons for their existence in the world!

★ The entire book is painted using a pastel technique, a complex material that is prone to smudging, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The mysterious blue tones are in line with the author's signature color sense, beautifully interwoven throughout the book!

★ This is a picture book that begins with the philosophical question of "the reason for being born" and reflects on the power of change brought about by transformations in the mind and behavior!

★ A full English translation of the text is available!

Author's works:
"who are you? "
"Warm Wind"
"The Frog Umbrella Problem"
"Call of the Persimmon Tree"
"The Wave is Coming"
…

"Why was I born?" Frog Umbrella asked in confusion.
"Is it to prevent the hair from getting wet?" (The hair of the little girl holding the umbrella got wet)
"Is it to prevent the clothes from getting wet?" (The clothes of the little boy holding the umbrella got wet)
"Is it to avoid catching a cold?" (The old lady holding the umbrella caught a cold)
"Is it to look good?" (Hmm... that's debatable.)
"Is it for hide-and-seek?" (Isn't this serious?)
"No, none of these are the answers, why was I born after all?"

"I believe..." Rainbow Umbrella replied,
it's for sharing (two friends hiding under an umbrella),
it's about waiting (the little boy holding an umbrella, waiting for his mother),
It’s to meet each other (the father coming to meet his child with an umbrella),
it's for friendship (the young man holding an umbrella for the old lady),
it's for a warm embrace (the little girl sitting on her uncle's shoulders under an umbrella),
It’s to start together (lovers holding umbrellas and walking together),
It’s for long-lasting happiness.

Frog Umbrella finally understood why he was born.

=====================

"Why was I born?" This question, asked by the innocent and cheerful green frog umbrella, offers a variety of perspectives on the world.

The book begins with a rather philosophical inquiry. "Why was I born?" This question, much like the rebellious questions of a teenager who doesn't expect an answer, is difficult to respond to. However, the first chapter of the book unfolds around this very question, which is the distinctive charm of "Frog Umbrella." The image of the frog umbrella, which reminds one of the innocent faces of children, with its invisible hands stretched forward and clenched, repeatedly emphasizing the reason for being born, is quite endearing.

But why was the frog umbrella born? The book compares the world seen through the eyes of the green frog umbrella with the world seen by the rainbow umbrella, through the fundamental and simple question, "Why was I born?" It invites us to consider different aspects of life from various viewpoints and positions. The questions posed by the green frog umbrella on behalf of children, and by the rainbow umbrella on behalf of the elderly or parents, may be hard to answer, yet they often resonate deeply and quietly in our ears.

Ahn Hyo-rin
Well-known Korean picture book writer.
Winner of the Best Children's Book Award and Newcomer Award at the 2018 Bologna International Children's Book Fair.
Her works include "Who Are You" (winner of the Bologna International Children's Book Fair in 2018), "The Call of the Persimmon Tree", "Here Comes the Wave" and other books.