North Korean Children's Book Collection

June 1, 2015-September 30, 2015
Location: Asia Collection

The Korea Collection at Hamilton Library has a significant number of North Korea-related titles, currently holding over 2,500 titles related to North Korean subject matters, including English-language material. Among these, we also have over 150 children’s books published in North Korea. Among these North Korean children’s picture books, it is easy to see that books share many common themes. There is the heroic and nationalistic youth, who tattles on the South Korean or American spy and receives praise for his actions. There is the message of comradeship and stepping forward together for Kim Il Sung at the conclusion of many of these books. Yet there are also books which serve as children’s encyclopedias or which tell traditional fables. All of these books are unique in their artistic style and narrative structure. They show different aspects of North Korean culture as depicted for young children to understand and absorb. We hope many library users can enjoy this rare opportunity to check out what North Korean children's books are really like.

Presented by Jude Yang, Korea Studies Librarian, and Rachel Lee, Student Assistant to the Korea Studies Librarian.