Description Grand Prize Winner of the 2nd Mirae N Aiseum Children's Book Contest By an author selected as 2020 Bologna Ragazzi Illustrator of the Year "This is a truly lovely and warm-hearted work. A pure heart devoted to helping others is woven into a lively, unclichéd story. Above all, the author knows how to create characters full of life and charm, and through them, quietly conveys the message she wants to share." — From the judges' comments We are proud to introduce Bongbongi's Very Special Hat, the Grand Prize winner of the 2nd Mirae N Aiseum Children's Book Contest. The judges unanimously selected this work for the top prize, praising it as "a story that unfolds steadily through trendy style and characters, leaving readers with a delightful feeling." Author Lee Jinhwa, who was named 2020 Bologna Ragazzi Illustrator of the Year at the Bologna Children's Book Fair, delivers a heartfelt message through this book about loving yourself just as you are, set in a world where humans and animals live naturally side by side. A Self-Esteem Journey for Bongbongi, Who Wanted to Hide Her Long, Odd-Looking Ears Everyone in Bongbongi's family, and everyone in town, owns a hat — everyone except Bongbongi, whose ears are unusually long. Bongbongi, who looks different from everyone else, represents children who fall outside the world's idea of "normal," whether in appearance or in matters of the heart. Anyone who notices they're different from the majority can end up feeling small and losing their sense of self-worth. Bongbongi's Very Special Hat follows Bongbongi as she spends a day wearing a brand-new hat meant to hide what makes her different — and through a series of small and big events, she gradually rebuilds her self-esteem. This book gently explores the psychology of comparing oneself to others, a common experience for children at an age when their sense of identity is rapidly developing. It helps children build a sense of self-efficacy through helping others on their own, as well as self-esteem through accepting themselves as they are. Self-esteem is a theme that resonates deeply with both children and parents today. In a world where kids can be teased at school for being a little chubbier, a little shorter, a little shy or a little loud — or even just for living somewhere different — this message matters more than ever. Bongbongi's Very Special Hat is a wonderful character-education picture book for any child who has ever wondered "why am I different?" as well as for children who may have joined in teasing a friend out of peer pressure. It offers a gentle chance for young readers to reflect and realize that being different is nothing to be ashamed of or to point fingers at. Stylish Illustrations and Adorable Characters from the Hands of a Bologna Illustrator of the Year In this book, 2020 Bologna Ragazzi Illustrator of the Year Lee Jinhwa brings her warm, sophisticated art style to life, evoking a charming European feel that appeals to parents as much as it does to children. As noted by the contest judges, Bongbongi and her friend Didi are so full of life and charm that readers will want to collect them as merchandise — they're simply that adorable. The colorful, whimsical hats that appear throughout the book add to the delight, evoking the feeling of wandering down a European shopping street with every turn of the page.