Written and Illustrated by Lee Hee Eun


The picture book with a question of ‘Are we the same, me and you?’

Two circles are sweetly looking at each other and having a friendly conversation. They like each other very much. They ask each other, “Are we really the same?”. They look alike in their appearances and they begin talking about what they see, hear, feel, and think. This book, ‘Are we the Same?’, is the one with simple and intuitive illustrations to show how we get to know friends we like. These two circles are the metaphors representing family, friends, and lovers. We can see the way how they understand and respect others by bouncing cheerfully.
In this book, the conversations between two circles are very interesting. As we turn pages, the voices are higher and faster. Their responses are even more intriguing. The rhythmical expressions to express various ‘sounds’ add fun to read, and highlighted parts make the conversation atmosphere even more fresh. What makes their conversation more interesting is the change of circle characters. If I like spring, I become a flower. If I like winter, I turn to a snowman. If I like forests, I change into a tree. If I like the sea, I become a fish. After changes, they always look into each other’s eyes and talk as they express lovely feelings wanting to get to know more about each other. Their conversations are getting deeper and deeper as they become close. Without knowing, the repeated question, ‘Are we the same?’, disappears, and instead, they get to care and respect each other.
It’s all because of their cheerful conversations while looking at each other’s eyes.