Practicing how to sort through and express complex emotions is an essential part of a child’s growth.
Adults often find it hard to fully understand what’s going on in a child’s mind—especially in unfamiliar situations, where the emotions children experience are far more complex and profound than adults realize. That’s why children need plenty of practice in using language to sort out and articulate their inner feelings. Whether it’s joy,委屈, or anger, every emotion is deeply valuable. Children need to develop the ability to better understand their own inner world and to express themselves honestly.
“Mom, You Move Yourself!” tells the story of Chohui, who struggles to hide her sadness when faced with a move. This fairy tale is designed to naturally help children understand and express their emotions while building their reading skills. It is hoped that children who read this book will feel a sense of resonance—“I’ve felt this way too”—and gradually build the ability to understand their inner selves and express themselves with honesty.

Chohee really hates the sudden news that they’re moving. Her school, her friends, the familiar house—they’re all so great. Why do they have to move at all? It’s our family home, not just Mom’s alone—so why does Mom get to make the decision by herself? That’s why Chohee says firmly, “Mom, you can move on your own!”

As you follow this story, you’ll deeply empathize with Chohee’s fear of change and her complex emotions. Watching how her thoughts, words, inner feelings, and actions gradually shift, you’ll naturally come to understand just how powerful it is to express your thoughts in words.

What’s especially special about this book is that it includes many fun sections designed to keep you fully engaged as you read. If you take your time and savor each page, just like chewing slowly and thoroughly, you’ll find that you can easily tackle the challenges and questions posed in the story.

A relatable story and reading skills guide from a current elementary school teacher
This book is written by Kim Soo-hyun, an elementary school teacher and mother of two, and is a fairy tale designed to nurture reading skills while sensitively capturing the psychology of young children. With its concise, impactful sentences and relatable scenes, the book naturally helps children develop their ability to read and understand text—that is, their “reading literacy.” In addition, by practicing how to understand their own emotions in unfamiliar situations and express those emotions through language and writing, the book also helps children develop both their emotional understanding and their ability to express themselves.

Kim Soo-hyun

In the classroom, on the playground, by the roadside, and at my desk, I have always pondered the gazes and inner worlds of children. I am passionate about the spark of curiosity that lights up in their eyes, and I am dedicated to helping the stories of these young hearts blossom into beautiful flowers.
Her works include “The Day the Grand Prize Disappeared,” “That Quiet Child in Our Class,” “That Child in Our Class Who Hates PE,” “How to Speak Confidently and Boldly in Front of Friends,” the “Children’s Life Dictionary” series, “Good Manners Give Off a Pleasant Scent,” “Everything You Need for Elementary School Entrance in One Book,” “A Family Reading Revolution,” “What Teachers and Older Sisters Tell You About Real First Grade Life,” and “Boosting Children’s Learning Power Through Listening and Reading.”

Illustrations/Comics: Oh Woo-sung
An illustrator and picture book author who uses his twin brothers, “Ole” and “O-o,” to express everyday life in a fun and engaging way. He has won awards in several design competitions, including the Seoul Illustration Fair and the Korean Goblin Character Design Competition. His self-written and illustrated works include “Ole O-o and Fine Dust” and “Ole O-o: Spot the Differences in Masterpieces,” while his illustrated works include “The Jam Jar Lid That Absolutely, Positively Won’t Open” and “Elementary School Korean Concepts at a Glance.”

I’m Kind-hearted Chohee – 9
Let’s Do It Together! – 16
An Amazing Mom – 24
Mom’s Important Announcement – 32
I Must Protect My Room! – 40
A Wish Written in the Secret Handbook – 50
I Don’t Want to Be Mocked! – 58
New Operation! Success or Failure? – 66
The Biggest Challenge of My Nine-Year-Old Life – 76
No More Secrets – 84
My Unstoppable Little Sister – 92
Mom’s Confession – 100
I Want to Go Too! – 110
Author’s Note – 120
Answers to the Reading Comprehension Practice Exercises – 122