[K-book Review] Picture Books by Baek Yu-yeon (백유연)
I recently enjoyed reading the Chinese edition of five picture books from the Forest Animals’ Feasts Series by Baek Yu-yeon (백유연), a bestselling picture book author and illustrator from Korea. This charming series features seasonal feasts celebrated by forest animals living in Korea. The titles I explored – Cherry Blossom Popcorn (벚꽃 팝콘), Grass Noodles (풀잎국수), Leafy Snacks (낙엽 스낵), Sugar Candy Tree (사탕 트리), and Magnolia Dumplings (목련 만두) – depict a vibrant world where these animals come together to celebrate the changing seasons with delicious meals. Through these stories, Baek fosters love and empathy for the animals while highlighting themes of sharing, friendship, kindness and creativity. I was captivated from the very first page.
In Cherry Blossom Popcorn, spring arrives, but the animals awaken from hibernation only to find their forest lacking food. The clever rabbit suggests making popcorn, and soon the friends gather to create crispy treats from corn kernels. They even make special cherry blossom popcorn using seeds brought by the birds. The story beautifully captures the essence of friendship and creativity, reminding us of the joy in sharing.
Grass Noodles takes place during a hot summer when the animals discover that their friend, the wild boar, is suffering from heat exhaustion. Determined to help, they gather fresh grasses, colorful flower petals, fragrant seeds, and a sweet and sour broth to create refreshing grass noodles. After enjoying this cooling meal, the wild boar feels rejuvenated and joins in preparing more noodles, filling the forest with laughter and joy. This delightful tale serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for one another. Baek drew inspiration for this story from news about wild boars suffering during the pandemic, hoping to comfort those animals through her narrative.
In Leafy Snacks, the animals celebrate the arrival of autumn by collecting beautiful fallen leaves to make delicious snacks. They prepare the leaves with flower petals and grass to make delicious leaf snacks, which they enjoy together, filling the forest with laughter and crunching sounds. This story perfectly captures the autumn atmosphere and the joy of sharing.
In Sugar Candy Tree, as winter approaches, the animal friends create a Christmas tree adorned with their favorite items. They decorate the tree with flowers, fruits, and ornaments. The deer has a special surprise for its friends – it spreads its treasured honey on the tree ornaments and sprinkles them with crispy leaf powder, allowing the chilly wind to freeze them into candies. On Christmas Day, the tree is filled with sweet, icy treats, which the animals joyfully share in their secret hideaway. This story emphasizes the warmth of kindness during the cold season, encouraging readers to look out for one another.
In Magnolia Dumplings, spring returns, and the squirrel emerges from hibernation but is frightened by the presence of a gray squirrel, rumored to bully squirrels. Soon, the squirrel realizes the folly of believing such unfounded rumors and decides to make amends with the gray squirrel. With its friends, the squirrel prepares a special filling using tender leaves, leaf snacks, acorns, and dried flowers, carefully wrapping it in magnolia flowers to create delicious dumplings. The squirrel shares these dumplings with the gray squirrel as a gesture of friendship, bridging the gap between them. The story reminds us that misunderstandings can often be resolved through simple acts of kindness and willingness to set aside preconceptions.
With a background in art education from Korea University, Baek has honed her skills as a designer and color mixer, which shine through in her heartwarming and delightful works. Her artwork is characterized by vibrant colors and detailed illustrations that appeal to both children and adults. For example, in Cherry Blossom Popcorn, she skillfully features a variety of colorful flowers, beautifully illustrated to evoke the vitality of spring. Grass Noodles transports readers to a refreshing summer scene with lush grass, flowers, and a gentle river.
The books offer more than just delightful stories; they provide a rich reading experience filled with warmth, kindness, and a deep appreciation for nature. Beyond being entertaining, each book is aesthetically pleasing – every page is a visual delight, capable of standing alone as a beautiful piece of art. The illustrations are so captivating that even when I wasn’t reading, I found myself flipping through the pages just to admire the artwork. Baek’s creativity truly shines through her imaginative transformation of ordinary forest materials into ingredients for seasonal delicacies, inspiring readers to see the creative potential in their own surroundings.
The series has changed my perspective on picture books. I used to think that picture books were meant only for children, but I now realize they have the ability to captivate readers of all ages. If you’re looking for books that combine engaging stories with beautiful art and positive messages, I wholeheartedly recommend Baek Yu-yeon’s Forest Animals’ Feasts Series. These books invite readers to explore the wonders of nature and the importance of sharing, friendship, kindness, and creativity through the lens of tasty, delightful animal feasts across the seasons.
Happy reading! 😍📖
Note: A video version of this book review is available on “Korean Culture Village” YouTube channel.
