Where Memories Like Acorns Are Picked in Picture Books [.txt]

A picture book can evoke memories like a beacon, yet many people find the concept foreign. The term “picture book” often seems unfamiliar, or it is merely seen as a subcategory of picture books. One day, unexpectedly, a picture book shop appeared in Seoul’s Songpa District, causing confusion. Many asked, “What is this place for?”

While neighborhood bookstores and independent shops are common, the picture book shop truly resides in the heart of the community. It’s unusual for residents to view such a place as an awkward or unusual addition, but rather a cultural center where people gather.

People often approach the shop with children in tow, but sometimes, individuals visit alone, mainly educators or illustrators from related fields. The notion that picture books are primarily for children holds true, as children remain the largest consumer base. As someone who never cared for picture books until becoming a creator, I too felt perplexed by the reactions of adults.

Nonetheless, running a picture book shop has provided a unique experience. I have repeatedly encountered children, engaging in conversations and reconnecting with my own youthful memories. Childhood memories are often pure, simple, and beautiful, yet life for children is as complex as that of adults. They too face worries, decisions, hardship, and moments of embarrassment.

Through these experiences, they grow into adulthood. Picture books hold the ability to evoke forgotten emotions and feelings within us, offering solace and fostering empathy for both children and adults. I hope more adults and children will find comfort in reading picture books. Visitors to the picture book shop often leave with bright eyes, captivated by the art and moved to share the books as gifts.

Children sometimes greet me on the way to school, accepting snacks or candies. The picture book shop is intentionally located in areas where people seek out such experiences, rather than a bustling commercial district. It stands as a place that truly embraces someone’s life journey, inviting individuals to return and rediscover emotions long forgotten, whether during work hours, on the way home, or at any moment.