Baek Hee-na, one of South Korea¡¯s most celebrated picture book artists, has enchanted readers worldwide with her imaginative stories and distinct artistic style. Born in Seoul in 1971, she studied educational technology at Ewha Womans University and later pursued animation at the California Institute of the Arts. Her background in film and animation adds a cinematic touch to her picture books.
What makes Baek¡¯s work unique is her meticulous creative process. She sculpts miniature figures, builds detailed sets, and designs precise lighting to craft evocative, three-dimensional worlds that are photographed for her books. This hands-on approach gives her stories a magical, tangible quality.
Her debut book, Cloud Bread (2004), a whimsical tale of kittens that fly after eating the bread their mother bakes from pieces of a cloud, became a phenomenon, inspiring a TV series, musical, and merchandise. Baek has since published 13 picture books, including Magic Candies (2017) and I Am a Dog (2019), exploring themes of loneliness and connection.
In 2020, Baek became the first Korean to win the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award. Most recently, the animated adaptation of Magic Candies (2024) has been shortlisted for an Oscar at this year¡¯s Academy Awards, further cementing her legacy as a visionary artist.
May For The Teen Times teen/1737615446/1613367679
1. What distinguishes Baek Hee-na¡¯s creative process from other picture book artists?
2. What themes does Baek explore in her picture books, such as Magic Candies and I Am a Dog?
3. What major international recognition did Baek Hee-na receive in 2020, and why was it notable?
4. How does Baek Hee-na¡¯s work contribute to her legacy as an artist in children¡¯s literature?
1. Have you ever read a picture book that left a lasting impression on you? What made it memorable?
2. Why do you think Cloud Bread became such a cultural phenomenon?
3. How do themes of loneliness and connection in Baek¡¯s books resonate with readers of all ages?
4. What other Baek Hee-na books would you like to see adapted into animations, and why?