English / Republic of Korea
Magma Boy
Kang, Woo-hyon
(Gang, U Hyeon)
(text/illus.)
Mello, Roger
(text/illus.)
Seoul: Namibooks, 2017. – [44] p.
ISBN 979-11-88191-01-7
Jeju Island | Volcano | Sea | Mermaid | Haenyeo (female sea diver) | Creation myth | Picture book
Reading age: 4+
White Ravens issue: 2018
This picture book tells the story of the birth of Jeju Island, one of the most beautiful places in Korea, designated as “UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site”. The island is also home to the culture of “Haenyeo” (female sea divers), which recently made the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” list. Distinguished Korean writer and illustrator Woo-hyon Kang and multiple award-winning Brazilian writer and illustrator Roger Mello collaborated in creating an original narrative that breaks away from the traditional origin myth of Jeju. The book is illustrated using both East Asian and Western art techniques. In the story of love and friendship between Magma Boy and Mermaid, personified magma acts as the narrator, who explains how he created the island. Illustrations in vivid colours contrast with delicate watercolour pictures, creating a mysterious atmosphere, as one reads this powerful and imaginative story about Magma deep in the sea.