Korea
I Am the Subway
By Kim Hyo-eun, Deborah Smith (Translator)
I Am the Subway. Kim Hyo-eun. Translated by Deborah Smith. Scribble US, 2021. Originally published in Korean. ISBN 9781950354658. 52 p. (Ages 3-10). Picture book.
Narrated by the subway car itself, I Am the Subway brings to life the stories of the unknown people you see on the subway. It was rendered in English by star translator Deborah Smith, whose translation of The Vegetarian won the Man Booker International Prize. A recipient of six starred reviews. [dj]
The Tailor Shop at the Intersection
By Ahn Jaesun, Sora Kim-Russell (Translator)
The Tailor Shop at the Intersection. Ahn Jaesun. Translated by Sora Kim-Russell. Transit Books, 2023. Originally published in Korean. ISBN 9781945492761. 48 p. (Ages 4 and up). Picture book.
A multi-generational saga… in a 48-page picture book! It chronicles three generations of tailors (dogs, actually) operating a tailor shop in Seoul. The story moves from the introduction of western-style tailoring, through the destruction of the Korean War to the present day. Author-illustrator Ahn bestows as much care in presenting the details of tailoring and the city outside as the tailors do to their suits. A paean to craftsmanship and hard work, The Tailor Shop at the Intersection received a special mention for the Bologna Ragazzi Award in the debut category. [dj]