First Encounters with the Novel – Imagination (3 Book Volume)

The series First Encounters with the Novel, which adds rich illustrations to short stories of literary merit, is back with a new installment: Imagination. Through compelling and captivating works of literature only 100 pages in length or less, this series gives young readers who don’t have the familiarity with literature nor the time to read a chance to casually approach great works by contemporary authors. This new installment, Imagination, is comprised of unique short stories by Chung Serang, Jaesik Kwak, and science fiction author Choyeop Kim, beloved by readers for their original and refreshing stories.
 
First Encounters with the Novel 13 – “The Strange Story of the Wrestling Match at Cheonggiwa Gas Station” (written by Chung Serang and illustrated by Choi Yeong-hoon)
A boy who’s been chubby since before he turned 10-years-old quits wrestling and starts working part-time at a gas station. Then one day, his manager makes a strange suggestion; he tells the boy to wrestle with a goblin. Wrestle with a goblin in the dead of night? Having nothing to lose, the part-time worker takes the strange suggestion. This is a fantastical and refreshing story that will peak everyone’s curiosity.
 
First Encounters with the Novel 14 – “The Strange Tale of Yong-son” (written by Kwak Jaesik and illustrated by Cho Won-hui)
A young boy discovers that his ancestors were dragons. This might explain why every time he goes on a picnic it rains; dragons are supposed to have such mystical abilities. But try as he might to control his powers, things aren’t so easy, and it only rains when he’s emotional. This is a lovely coming-of-age story by science fiction writer Kwak Jaesik.
 
First Encounters with the Novel 15 – “The Girl in the Tube” (written by Kim Choyeop and illustrated by Geun-ha)
In the future, cities use state-of-the-art nano technology to purify the air and remove micro-dust from the atmosphere. But Jiyu is allergic to nano particles and must live trapped in a clear plastic tube. Then one day, a child named Noah comes and befriends Jiyu. The two of them want to take a walk together through their neighborhood one day, but things are not so easy. This beautiful story is about the heart’s longing for individuality, differentiation, and most of all freedom.