Deep within the mangrove forest of Dongdong Mountain stands a laundry shop shaped like a bright red apple. Without so much as a word to its boss, Leo, the shop’s employee, Pangpang has been scattering strange leaflets all over the village, and soon villagers began taping notes—some sharing their troubles, others offering apologies—to the walls. But one day, a new unmanned laundry opened nearby, and Leo’s sighs grew heavier. Tupper, the station chief’s distant relative, had set up this automated laundromat at the foot of Dongdong Valley, complete with AI-powered washing robots that handle both cleaning and drying in one go. Old-timers who once frequented Apple Laundry quickly switched to the new place. Just then, Leo noticed suspicious foam from the unmanned shop trickling into the valley’s stream. To make matters worse, villagers started complaining of itchy skin, and clothes washed by the robots always seemed to carry an unpleasant odor—problems piled up, throwing the entire village into chaos.

The villagers convened a meeting to discuss the unmanned laundry. From Coco, the owner of Badugi Hair Salon, to Soso from Soso Snack Bar, and even Beibero from Beibero Architecture, everyone was there. Yet Station Chief Tupper shirked responsibility, avoiding the issue. Leo questioned Tupper’s priorities—suspecting he valued the Dongdong Mountain development project more than the villagers’ safety—and resolved to uncover the truth about the unmanned laundry. Though each villager faced different circumstances, none turned a blind eye to the problems plaguing Dongdong Mountain. They gathered to pool their ideas and decided to stand up and protect their home. After all, the mountain’s pristine natural environment is a precious legacy that must be passed down intact, and as the villagers’ representative, the station chief bears that duty as well.

Leo had once planned to leave and strike out on his own, but before he knew it, this unexpected “family” by his side had become an indispensable part of his life, making it harder and harder for him to let go. Pangpang, oblivious to Leo’s inner turmoil, was determined to curb her clumsy ways and prove she could handle her duties. She poured all her energy into winning the annual Dongdong Mountain “Employee of the Year” award, yearning for recognition. Yet her efforts only deepened the misunderstandings between them, leaving both in tears. In the end, Leo reached out first, truly understanding her heart. With heartfelt sincerity, he offered her an apple and said the very words she’d longed to hear. Watching these two imperfect characters slowly draw closer, you’ll come to understand how relationships can help us grow. And just as they wait for spring to return, why not plant a sturdy seed in your own heart and watch it take root?

★ The sequel to “Apple Laundry” has been eagerly awaited by readers, and the new book went into a second printing as soon as it hit the shelves.
★ It won the prestigious Chuang-Pi Award for Outstanding Children’s Book in the Lower Grades category, with the jury praising its “sincere appreciation for every young reader.”
★ Beloved characters return: Leo the little panda, the laundry shop owner, and Pongpung the mischievous flying squirrel, bringing another funny yet heartwarming tale of friendship.
★ New characters make a dazzling debut, continuing the series’ cute and lively style.
★ The fresh story focuses on the villagers uniting to protect Dondong Mountain, with a plot that sparks curiosity.

As soon as the children’s bestseller “Apple Laundry” was published, it immediately sparked countless readers’ eager inquiries about a sequel.

Leo, the owner of Apple Laundry, and the mischievous, crybaby Pongpang are back!

This children’s picture book, created by Park Bo-young, was awarded the Grand Prize in the Lower Grades category at the Changbi Publishers’ “Excellent Children’s Book Awards,” with the jury praising it for “sincerely cherishing every young reader.” Now, the long-awaited sequel has finally arrived. In response to readers’ fervent anticipation, the new book went into a second printing as soon as it hit the shelves. In this latest installment, Park Bo-young’s signature cast of endearing, lively new characters will also make their sparkling debut. The first volume tells the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Leo the red panda, who runs an apple-shaped laundry deep in the bamboo forest, and his unforgettable friendship with Pongpang, the shop’s only employee—a cheeky flying squirrel whose antics never fail to amuse. The second volume paints a touching story of the villagers uniting as one to protect Dongdong Mountain. What on earth has happened to the once-peaceful and serene Dongdong Mountain?

Park Bo-young
She majored in Russian at university and studied children’s literature at a writers’ workshop.
Her books are designed to bring children a sense of connection and laughter. Her work, “The Tale of Hahotang and Sanyang,” won first prize in the 29th Changbi “Excellent Children’s Book” Manuscript Competition.

1. Leo’s Sigh
2. The Self-Service Laundry
3. The Truth Comes to Light
4. The Residents of Dongdong Mountain
5. The Best Employee