Gina Kim | South Korea
This story explores the deep bond and love between a grandmother and her granddaughter. In Korean culture, death is often expressed as "becoming a butterfly." As people age and become frail, they may feel like a caterpillar on the verge of transformation. Emerging from the chrysalis as a butterfly symbolizes embarking on a new life, suggesting that death can be seen as a transition to a new form of existence.
Through this narrative, the story gently introduces children to the concepts of aging, death, and separation. It uses the metaphor of a butterfly's transformation to convey the beauty and inevitability of these life stages. The story aims to provide comfort and understanding, showing that even in parting, there is a continuation and a new beginning.
This story not only addresses the sensitive topic of death but also celebrates the magical and cherished moments shared between the grandmother and granddaughter. By presenting these themes with warmth and tenderness, the story helps young readers grasp the natural cycle of life in a compassionate and accessible way.
Education:
Cambridge School of Art
Children's Book illustration
Graduation: 2024
Published titles: 2