Searching for those who could not return from foreign lands

A long time ago, when the term "picture book" evoked thoughts of ancient tales and mythology, those enduring legends found their way into picture books, becoming best-sellers in the market. Today, however, discovering fresh picture books based on ancient tales is becoming increasingly difficult. The challenge lies not only in the lack of appeal through stimulation and swift storytelling but also in the core essence of ancient tales, which revolves around extreme survival stories such as hunger, poverty, mistreatment, and conflict with nature.

Today's young children primarily experience anxiety related to internal deficits like friendship difficulties, academic pressure, and loneliness. The threats faced by children are subtle and everyday, making them difficult to escape or overcome through cleverness. Ancient tales are not easily disappearing relics, though. The annual gathering of children's book creators, the "Bakcans Project," introduced a new batch of independently published works interpreting ancient tales, with one standout being the debut work "The King of the Goblins, Please."

The goblins in the story possess incredible abilities but lack a purpose for using them, making them nothing more than mischievous children eager to play. When a goblin sees a diligent girl carrying bamboo to cater to her many chores, the goblins transform into terrifying beings simply out of curiosity, as the concerned child sees no reason to be scared.

The reason these stories may have lost their appeal is that children today are more interested in the "king goblin" than the hardships faced by common folk, who are more likely to seek out the most extraordinary treasure from goblins traveling through realms like Dragon's Peak and the Underworld. The author, Gahgeuchu, uses only two colors, red and blue, drawn from the taijitu symbol, to create a striking visual contrast.

The vivid color contrast, rhythmic lines, and the auditory charm created by the interaction of text and illustrations offer a multisensory experience. Ancient tales often portray humans as beneficiaries of the treasures goblins provide, becoming wealthy and passing their wealth down through generations. However, in "The King of the Goblins, Please," children grow wiser and more compassionate by receiving these treasures, learning to help others more generously.

The story's contemporary relevance lies in its departure from the traditional narrative of overcoming nature, suggesting that the material essence of nature itself might be the true essence of goblins. Perhaps the time has come for us to welcome the natural world, and when goblins are given a place to play freely, a new world will open up for humanity.