A dream journey with the soil, from a small seed to a forest.

Have you ever planted a seed in the soil and watched it grow? It may seem like a tiny, insignificant seed, but witnessing the powerful life force within it, sprouting into a green sprout and growing day by day, is truly a mystical and precious experience.

"The Dream of the Soil" is a picture book that tells the story of how seeds in the soil sprout, grow stems and leaves, bear flowers and fruit, and form a forest, all through the voice of the soil.
This book not only shows the process of a plant growing, but also shows a scene where a child plants a sapling in the ground, grows it, and then throws a joyful feast with others using the fruit that the tree produces.
Just as the dream of a forest grown from the soil provides a home and breath to many other living things, the tree planted by the child also allows many people to share happy times and delicious food together.

Plants and natural ecosystems are always breathing right beside us, but when we actually try to approach them with interest, they can feel somewhat monotonous and difficult.
But sowing seeds and growing plants is simpler and easier than you might think, and it's actually fun.
Just like the child in this book, make a round seed ball by mixing soil and seeds and toss it on the ground.
Even if we don't work hard, the seeds will sprout with their strong vitality.
Also, the plant roots and fungi connected in the soil will deliver water and nutrients to the plants so that they can grow well.
I hope that children who read this book will also have the dream and courage to embrace life warmly and nurture it with care, like the soil.

A harmonious life where you can find happiness through small discoveries in nature

We live in nature.
Whether you are in the city or the countryside, you can see grass, trees, birds and insects.
We might think of these creatures as ordinary, spontaneous beings, but in fact they sustain and enable us to live our lives.
Living together helps to maintain balance in the ecosystem.
Hwang Yul, the author and illustrator of this book, grows fruit trees and maintains a vegetable garden.
While experiencing growing vegetables, herbs, and flowers myself, and harvesting fruits, I was able to observe small but new changes every day and feel the power of life growing naturally in harmony with nature.
The author has captured what he has seen and experienced in warm, cozy pictures like the spring sunshine and affectionate, vivid stories.
I hope that the children who read this book will be able to fully grasp the small joys and respect for life that author Hwang Yul encountered while living in nature.