Description: Eric is a boy who lives in his own world, communicating only with his imaginary secret friend. This book shows how a boy who never spoke gradually began to connect with the world around him. Eric believed that his secret friend spoke for him and always protected him. But everything changed when Eric met a friend named Martha. Martha didn't mind that Eric didn't speak, and unlike the other children, she never teased him. Eric was able to open his heart to Martha because she accepted him just as he was. Through her, Eric found comfort and gained confidence. And at last, he says "Goodbye" and lets his secret friend go. Illustrator Anthony Browne beautifully captures Eric's emotional journey through shifts between black-and-white surfaces and changing rectangular frames, delicately portraying how a once-closed-off child gradually steps out into the world. Author: Gwen Strauss Recent Works: Goodbye, My Secret Friend, and one other title. About: Born in 1963, Gwen Strauss is an American author and poet. She is widely known for Trail of Stones, a collection of poems told from the perspective of supporting characters from classic fairy tales—such as the father in Hansel and Gretel or the wolf in Little Red Riding Hood—rather than the main heroes. Her work often explores deep inner emotions such as fear of love, shame, jealousy, and loneliness through storytelling. Illustrator: Anthony Browne Recent Works: Kinderland Best of the Best Set (10 Volumes), What Shall We Do?, Little Bear and Frieda, and 227 other titles. About: Anthony Browne is widely regarded by picture book readers as one of the greatest illustrators of all time. In 2000, he received the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest honor in children's picture book illustration, and is recognized as one of the finest artists in the world. He is also one of the most beloved illustrators among readers in Korea. Deeply influenced by the surrealist painter Magritte, Anthony Browne excels at blending realistic imagery with fantastical storytelling. Many of his works tackle weighty themes with humor and wit, resonating deeply with both children and adults. Browne has said that the purpose of his art is to express "love for people and nature," and he never neglects to hide playful, clever details throughout his illustrations, adding extra delight for readers of all ages. Anthony Browne was born in England in 1946. He won the Kate Greenaway Medal and the Kurt Maschler Award for Gorilla, and won a second Kate Greenaway Medal for Zoo. In 2009, he was named the UK's Children's Laureate. His unique and outstanding work has also been highly praised in Korea—Willy's Pictures (2001) and Piggybook (2002) were rare cases of foreign translated picture books being selected as Ministry of Culture and Tourism Recommended Books for two consecutive years. Other works by Anthony Browne published by Woongjin Junior include Tell Me a Feeling, Anthony Browne's Magic Pencil, Piggybook, Me and You, Willy the Dreamer's Museum, We Are Friends, Anthony Browne's Happy Museum, My Mom, My Brother, Willy the Dreamer, Do You Want to Have It Too?, Goodbye, My Secret Friend, Willy and the Villain Nosey, Willy the Champ, and Willy and Hugh, as well as his autobiography Anthony Browne: My Imaginary Museum. Translator: Kim Hye-jin Recent Works: Clap Clap, Coco Co, Turn Turn, and 9 other titles. About: Kim Hye-jin studied English literature in college and now creates children's books. She has authored the "First Birthday Play Book" series and What Day Is Today?. Her translated works include Goodbye, My Secret Friend, Toy Rescue Squad, The Magic Red Wagon, and The Noisy Costume Party.