I face myself, who always feels inadequate and lacking.

The name of the trapezoidal protagonist with big, clear eyes is Banban.
As the name suggests, Banban is a half-full water cup.
But one day, a full water bottle looks at Banban and says, “You only have half of it left!”
Half and half are confused at the moment.
Soon, Banban, who feels he is lacking, becomes obsessed with the feeling of being half-full and sets a goal to fill the remaining half and become a full cup.

We all want to be better versions of ourselves.
I exercise to become stronger and healthier than I am now, and I study to learn things I don't know yet.
If I work hard like this every day, will I be able to fill in my shortcomings and become perfect?

Banban's appearance has changed beyond recognition, as he has become muscular through swimming, running, cycling, dancing, yoga, and even strength training, but he still sees a half-empty cup in the mirror.
This time, Banban, who decided to fill his inner self rather than his outer self, learns and masters all the knowledge in the world.
But Banban, who stands in front of the mirror again, is surprised.
Because I worked hard, but instead I found myself empty.
Banban, who was shocked, suddenly felt a stomachache as if it was boiling inside.

People easily judge and comment on other people's appearance.
“You’re short.” “You’re too skinny.”
But, ruminating on those negative words and constantly thinking about your shortcomings won't make you a better person.
Because what matters is not what other people think of me, but how I feel and think about myself.
Don't try to fit yourself into other people's standards.
Tell yourself that you are perfect just as you are.

A half-and-half cup is not a half-empty cup, but a cup that was originally half-full, and if you look at it from a different perspective, it can be half-full or half-empty.
Let's follow Banban's journey through a long and winding road to face his true self.

A flap picture book written and illustrated by world-renowned children's book author Suzy Janella.

Suzy Zanella is a famous Italian children's book author known for her unique drawing style and colors.
Although she has illustrated many picture books, this is the first book in which Janella did both the writing and the illustrations.
Thanks to this, the text and pictures are closely connected.
Additionally, flap elements and tracing paper were used appropriately throughout the book to provide a glimpse into Banban's body and psychological inner self.
Lift the flap to discover a sea teeming with aquatic plants and fish spread out in the pool, and discover the infinite and mysterious universe that fills your inner self.

Teacher Lee Hyeon-a, who works as an elementary school teacher and is also the head of the ‘Children’s Book Research Group’, warmly and affectionately translated into Korean each and every step of Banban’s journey of finding himself.
After reading the message from teacher Lee Hyeon-a to the readers, unfold the cover page one last time.
Among the various shapes and countless vessels, you will discover someone special.

Translator's Note

“What else do I need to fill in to become a better person?”

This book says that rather than trying to fill in the gaps, it's important to first change the way you look at yourself.
The moment we judge ourselves by the standards set by others, we always remain as 'half-me'.
But when I turn my gaze and recognize the wholeness that already resides within me, I see myself again as I am.
When you feel empty and hollow inside, what you really need is not filling it, but the courage to look inside yourself again.
Please open this book to a child who constantly feels discouraged by comparing himself to others.
You will finally face the 'sufficient me' rather than the 'insufficient me'.

Lee Hyeon-a (teacher, representative of the Children's Book Research Group)