- Overview
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This cartoon-style picture book is about an exciting worldwide live talk show with Long and Pong, aliens visiting Earth.
- Book Intro
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Will Long and Pong become Earthlings?
It is said that a planet called Soft Stone will turn into a block of ice in 100 years. The aliens of Soft Stone sent messages to Earth and other planets, asking for help to migrate. They've promised to help other planets with their three exceptional skills: the best transformation skill to survive anywhere, the best peace tactics in the universe, and excellent science and technology.
The people of Earth decide to take a vote, saying that they like to make decisions with the consensus of the people. Thus, a talk show with aliens is broadcast live to the world. Can Long and Pong pass the strict vetting by the people of Earth and become Earthlings?
What do earthlings wonder about and want from Long and Pong?
People first ask Long and Pong to show them the most potent transformation skill in the universe. Round-shaped Long and Pong quickly transform into human figures with long arms, legs, and torsos. Earthlings say they don't like their skin, eyes, and hair color and decide on new colors by popular vote. The next question is about how the aliens will help Earth’s people. When Long and Pong talk about their best peace tactics and scientific technology, the people of Earth get excited about their plans to use the technology to go to another planet and build a colony.
Lastly, the Earthlings observe the daily life of Long and Pong. Tired, Long wants to rest while Pong cooks; Earthlings interrupt, saying that every task should be divided equally, and order them to cook together. Finally, the voting is over. How does the vote turn out? Will Earthlings accept Long and Pong?
About the hope that we can live with respect for each other in a world full of prejudice and hatred
Earthlings’ questions and live chat comments reflect the current state of society. We do not realize how much prejudice occupies our thoughts and actions. In response to a sensitive issue, we speak as if we are right and are hostile towards those with a different view.
The Soft Stone aliens acknowledge each other's differences without trying to force change. They share what they have and borrow what they lack as they live together. It is the opposite of Earthlings who try to change anything they don’t like so they can have more without sacrificing anything.
What can we do to avoid being left alone in this world? We need to become people who understand and care about others and keep our own values separate from societal prejudices. This book shares the hope that change can begin now.
- About the Author
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Yoon Yeorim
(English) I can’t say enough how happy I was that the book Teacher Deadpan Smiled, which came before Teacher Deadpan Smiled Again, was so well-loved. Teacher Deadpan didn't show it but she, too, must have been overjoyed. Although I didn’t even ask her, she readily related the stories of her students from second semester. There are also tales of her childhood and secrets concealed here and there in the book. So please look for them! Yoon Yeorim has written Boxworld, Teacher Beanface series, Small Bean Kid, and Mr. Otter, Become a Writer.
Kim Gyutaek
(English) Kim Gyutaek wrote and illustrated Once Upon a Time and The Largest Cauldron, and illustrated The Flame on November 13th: the Dream of Jeon Taeil, You've Connected to a Strange Future, Recycling: A Way of Using Trash Again, A Clumsy Prescription, Wow's First Book, Dragon Ant, Ant Dragon, A Dog Eating Ramen, and A Tale of Ongojib. Kim also works as a cartoonist under the pen name of Chorokbaem.
(Japanese) 絵: 少し離れた場所に平行に引かれたふたつの線は、いくら伸びてもお互いに会うことはありません。しかし、同じ場所で出会えなくとも、ひとつになれなくとも…ふたつの線は長い間一緒に並んでいられるということを忘れないでください。2012年のデビュー後、複数の子供向けの本の絵を描き、「ミドリヘビ」というペンネームで漫画も描いています。
(Russian) Среди книг, которые автор написал и иллюстрировал самостоятельно такие, как "Давным-давно", "Самый большой в мире котел". Среди иллюстрированных автором книг следующие: "Первая книжка лягушонка Вау", "Собака, которая ест лапшу рамён", "Сказание про упрямца", "И школьная собака за три года...", "Прачечная, в которой гладят мечты", "Муравей-динозавр и динозвр-муравей", "Неправильный рецепт", "Как использовать утилизированный мусор" и др.