Picture Book Island by Tina Cho

Have you been to a picture book island? I have. Last month my family went sightseeing on Nami Island in South Korea. This little island is 63 km from Seoul in the middle of the Han River. It's a cultural place where 2.7 million visitors go to relax and get away from city life.

However, throughout this island you'll discover children's books everywhere! In bathrooms, outside restaurants, in resting areas, hotel rooms... Why? The whole island is a "library forest," so that people can be inspired.

In 2005 Nami Island celebrated the 200th birthday of Hans Christian Andersen by hosting the Nami Island International Children's Book Festival. It is the official sponsor of the IBBY Hans Christian Andersen Awards. Nami Island was founded by Mr. Minn Byung-do (1916-2006). He had supported cultural activities, including children's literature and art.

For 2015, Nami Island Concours hosts a contest for illustrators all around the world. It's aim is to "encourage creativity and to contribute to the advancement of the quality of picture book illustrations." Grand Prize is $10k plus a plaque. (Entries were due in Sept. 2014) Check here for shortlisted candidates for the final judging which will take place Dec. 31, 2014.

2014 Hans Christian Andersen Award Winner from Brazil

I think Nami Island would be the perfect place for an SCBWI Conference! (hint, hint) And now, here's a photo tour...

The only way to get to the island is by a less than five minute ferry boat ride or to drop in by zip line. We chose the first.

The funny-looking squirrels are friendly. The only other wildlife are noisy magpie and fenced-in, rude ostriches. 



Nami Island is rich in Korean history. You can see primitive huts and newer cottages.

Now let's take a walk and see results of the 2014 Nami Island Picture Book Festival. Perhaps you'll recognize some of these books and authors or try reading the different languages. (I didn't take pictures of all the countries.)

 

Nami Island's Motto:

"Let's eat and drink while crawling and playing amongst books"

Outdoor bookcase 

Come Visit!

I hope you enjoyed your photo tour of the picture book island, Nami Island!