This story explores the complex emotions children experience when facing a "third person" in a friendship—jealousy, insecurity, misunderstanding, and reconciliation. It is a warm work about friendship and growth.

Two sit on a bus seat. Two ride a seesaw, too.
But what about us—one, two, three?!

Sometimes three is lonelier than one, and harder than two!
A great operation to become three friends, together with a new friend.

A strange and unfamiliar new friend who has come between us
A precarious and puzzling triangular friendship

Every morning on the way to school, Nureongi is by Sido’s side. They are best friends who find joy and happiness in everything they do together. But when transfer student Samsaek arrives, he creates a small crack in this once peaceful relationship. Sido must gradually give up the time he used to have all to himself with Nureongi, as well as the seat next to Nureongi that he once took for granted. As if sensing Sido’s wariness, Samsaek increasingly makes a point of speaking only to Nureongi and taking care of him, wedging himself further between the two. The more this happens, the more Sido’s feelings of being left out grow—until finally, the two end up saying hurtful things to each other… Can the three of them truly become real friends again?

Triangular relationships are difficult for anyone, young or old. Without meaning to, we can make each other feel left out, and we can wound ourselves with the sharp emotion of jealousy. In the world of children, where so many activities are done in pairs, the number “three” is especially tricky. New Friend, Three Friends lays bare the situations that unfold in a three-way friendship and the shifting emotions, big and small. The inner struggles each friend experiences from their own perspective—sometimes liking, sometimes disliking, wanting to push away but not wanting to act mean—evoke deep empathy. It’s a picture book that offers encouragement: although we may sometimes lose our way in a tangle of confusing feelings, having more friends doesn’t shrink friendship—it can expand it into something bigger and more joyful.

“Actually, I’m a little jealous of you”
How to slowly untangle a tangled heart

As children grow, they experience various relationships and feel many emotions within them. Among these, jealousy is one of the most natural and instinctive—just like Sido and Samsaek. What matters isn’t never feeling jealous, but following that sharp emotion to its end. In truth, Sido didn’t dislike Samsaek from the start. In fact, when they played together, he found it fun. He was simply afraid of drifting apart from his best friend, Nureongi. The same was true for Samsaek. Though he may have seemed to appear out of nowhere and stir up trouble, he likely worried that there was no place for him between Sido and Nureongi, while also feeling resentful toward Sido for making him feel unwelcome—especially since, having just transferred, Nureongi was the only one who showed him any care. And Nureongi, caught in the middle, must have had a difficult time, too. Words and actions flung out in frustration become increasingly tangled and magnified, obscuring everyone’s true feelings.

The best way to untangle a knotted heart is to be honest. To say “I’m sorry” when needed, to confess “I was jealous” sometimes, and to share the genuine feeling of “I want to be friends.” Sincerity is like the lemon juice you add drop by drop to oil and eggs to make mayonnaise. To blend two different things into one, you need a sharp, zesty honesty like lemon juice. When shared properly, that sincerity makes relationships smooth and healthy—like creamy mayonnaise. If you’re feeling hurt about a friend right now, try sharing your true feelings, just like Sido did when he gave mayonnaise as a gift. May this book give children the courage to do so, and may they grow happier as they build deeper, stronger friendships.

A new world unfolding from author Kim Yujin
Cute cat friends who truly understand how I feel

New Friend, Three Friends is a character-driven picture book by Kim Yujin, who has previously focused on drawing beautiful landscapes and people. Three cats with distinct appearances, personalities, and traits lead the story with lively charm. While incorporating real cat characteristics—like a yarn swimming pool and a cat tower toy—the book realistically depicts universally relatable situations set against a school backdrop. There’s also plenty of enjoyment in following the characters’ expressions, from jealousy-filled glares to playful looks. As you turn the pages, you’ll naturally find yourself identifying with one of the three friends, or thinking of your own close friends. If you’re feeling anxious about the fluttery new school term and the prospect of meeting new friends, open this book. Three friends who truly understand how you feel are waiting for you.