Ulji anŭn tal Korean 2025

Do you have a precious being you'd sacrifice your life to protect? Bestselling picture book author Lee Ji-eun's first novel. With vibrant stories and innocent illustrations inspired by her unique imagination, Lee Ji-eun has repeatedly redefined the originality of Korean picture books. For the first time, she's donning the guise of a novelist and meeting readers. Written and illustrated by Lee Ji-eun herself, "The Moon That Doesn't Cry" tells the story of a moon that falls from the sky to earth one day. The story unfolds with a poignant and warm heart, like a poem or a love song, as she descends to earth, takes in a child who lost his parents in war, and raises him alongside the lone wolf Kana. How will the moon change and what will she learn as she descends to earth? The author offers these answers, which ultimately connect to where we come from and what we live for, layered like a precious treasure within her multi-layered narrative. This story, written with a gentle touch for the youth and adults who grew up reading her picture books, will perhaps bring overwhelming emotion and comfort to those who, like the moon long ago, are lost and wandering. This is a beautiful novel that we, wounded yet living, should not miss today. "For the first time, I have a reason to exist." The moon, which fell from the sky to the ground, conveys the reason we are here together now. The novel begins with the moon in the sky listening to the various prayers of humans. They call out to the moon, "Moon, Moon," as they please, repeatedly clasping their hands together in prayer. Knowing there is no omnipotent power to answer their prayers, the moon simply wants to close its ears and disappear from the world. But suddenly, for some unknown reason, the moon falls to the ground. It can close its eyes, sprout hands, and even move its body. Then, from somewhere, the faint cry of a child is heard. The moon feels it can do nothing for the human child, but a wolf appears and rescues the child. The wolf's name is Kana. Thus begins a new chapter in the life of Dal, Kana, and Ai. The child grows. He eats, plays, learns, gets sick, and recovers. And at every moment of the child's growth, Kana is by his side. While playing happily with the child, Kana disciplines him with strict rules, constantly worrying that the child will get sick or go hungry. Dal finds Kana fascinating and intriguing. What motivates Kana? Dal explores and studies the flora and fauna of this new land, while also wanting to observe and learn more about Kana and Ai. However, wild boars, having lost their habitat to human war and destruction of nature, are always on the lookout for them. Finally, the moment comes when he can no longer avoid the boars... What must Dal, Kana, and Ai do, and what can they do? The story unfolds as the white, round body of Dal cracks and crumbles, becoming a crescent moon, and finally, he stands before a dark waterfall that could determine his life and death, rushing toward the final page. Bologna Ragazzi Award-winning author Lee Ji-eun has garnered praise from both children and adults for her picture books, including "The Legend of Patbingsu," "Iparapa Nyamunyamu," "The Legend of a Friend," and "Tsutsutsutsu." These books blend elements of reality and fantasy, displaying profound emotional expression and shining with a positive message of respect for nature and community. The author's first novel continues this legacy. Following the allegorical protagonists, the moon and the wolf, as they navigate their familiar daily lives, we discover insights into life and relationships. The transformation of the moon, lost in its own quest for existence, and the unwavering devotion of Kana warm the reader's heart. Unaware of its own existence, the moon has always been by the child's side. And, like the child, it has grown. Enduring pain to prepare food for the child, and participating in games like tag and splashing, the moon experiences "being together." And then he realizes that Kana and Ai, whom he had considered mere objects of observation, were actually the ones who protected him. Dal wondered if this was happiness. For Dal, emotions were as difficult a task as determining the age of an immortal mouse. He couldn't figure out what happiness was, but only after the rainbow disappeared did he realize that moment had truly been beautiful. (p. 92) What should we call the tender emotional transformation that seeped into Dal's heart, whom he had longed to disappear from the world? Could it be love, or pride? In a sad reality where many people, especially in the midst of adolescence, lose meaning in life, wander, and even abandon it, "The Moon That Doesn't Cry" offers a beacon of hope, a beacon of hope we must restore. A book that combines beautiful illustrations and concise language, a gift that will restore forgotten love. The numerous illustrations, harmoniously interwoven with the plot, shine brightly between the pages. The mysterious yet beautiful journey of Dal, Kana, and Ai, and the colorful changes of day, night, and seasons that follow, captivate the heart. Readers can project themselves into the story, moving back and forth between "reader" and "viewer," breathing together with it. The lyrical illustrations, distinct from the artist's previous picture books, will be a precious gift to readers who have cherished the author's work. The author's delicate handling of relationships and emotions, and the natural incorporation of universal themes into fantastical settings, are also evident in the novel. The sentences, written in a simple style, avoid lengthy exaggeration or embellishment, evoke a sense of unfamiliar emotion at every turn. The small ripples of emotion that arise from these concise sentences, gradually expand as the story unfolds, creating concentric circles that stir the heart. "It'll stop soon. Nothing lasts forever in this world. I fell from the sky, too." (page 88) "I guess when everything crumbles and shrinks, I'll become a star." (page 101) "Isn't that funny? I've really become a crescent moon."' (Page 123) Through the harmony of beautiful pictures and language, 『The Moon That Doesn't Cry』 approaches readers without hesitation and unfolds a wondrous story. The story of the moon that fell from the sky, the old and lonely wolf Kana, and the child who grows up under the care of the moon and the wolf after losing his parents in war leaves a lingering impression. It will be read in different ways and capture the hearts of each generation, whether it is a teenager who questions what life is and faces an inner storm, or an adult who reminisces and longs for things they have missed. It is a special novel that will seep into your heart, reminding you that we are not living alone, and that the hands of nature, which nurtures and cares for us, and its gentle comfort are still with us.