Interesting but topical concept for a children's picture book. ( )

I thank this book for helping me get a final Jeopardy question right.

Not really, but in all seriousness.....

This book is an excellent introduction to the conflict of North and South Korea--and the wildlife habitat that is the DMZ. How sad it is that animals can roam free(ish) but the families cannot. Families have been divided and yet, they can see the other side in what feels like a world away.

It's not a light read. Maybe kids might not see all the harshness. But I think it is one that can start conversations. ( )

The only thing I've had brain power for this week (in the recreational reading department) is this picture book. And, yeah, it's about the DMZ... not perhaps what you would immediately reach for when thinking of nice, pleasant children's picture books. It just happened to be next on my list from NetGalley. As it turns out, I thought it was pretty good. It is beautifully illustrated and simply written.

The DMZ, or demilitarized zone between North and South Korea, has become an unexpected sort of wildlife refuge, since it is virtually impassable to humans, kept out by their own gates, bars, and wire. The animals are at peace. The humans only long to be.

The book splits its small narrative between the animal activities throughout the year, and the comings and goings of "Grandpa," who approaches the border every now and then in contemplation of where he came from. It is a simple, heartfelt way of illustrating the situation to young people without being grim or bogged down in news. I enjoyed the emphasis on nature, and the basic similarity of people no matter where they live. ( )

A book with sweet illustrations featuring the many animals that live in the DMZ between North and South Korea. It has become an accidental wildlife refuge, and humans are not permitted in.

The animals are sweet, but the razor wire is there. The viewing platforms. The soldiers. And the tourists who come to look out to the north. This is a children's book, so it only briefly touches on the family separation, though there is a page of adult text in the back explaining what the DMZ is (was this in the Korean original I wonder?).

I just wish it gave the species names of the various animals featured--again, though, maybe it assumes the readers of the original Korean would know. ( )