*Selected as 2016 Outstanding Contents by Publication Industry Promotion Agency Of Korea

Poet Kang Kihwa's first children's poem collection A Perfect Day To Play is published. Composed of four parts, this collection depicts the world of imagination through the perspective of children. The poet delivers the story of the children and imagination through lyrical language. Identifying poetry writing as a desperate prayer for her wild imagination to come true, Kang seeks to send her earnest cheers to all child readers as well as the child spirit in adults. She says the poems are a mantra to the self to become a good person. APerfect Day to Play started from funny and amusing imaginings. The poet shares her unpredictable world of imagination and the positive spirit through the poems.  

A Perfect Day to Play illustrates children in their lives at school, with family, and among friends. "Parents Day" demonstrates children in class on parents day. "Text" captures the heartwarming words between friends as they seek to reconcile. These poems provide a crossection of children's experiences and thoughts from different facets of their lives.

The poet also demonstrates how important playing is in a child's world. The poet illustrates children's doodles in "Skeleton Head" as well as rhythmical performance using a plastic cup in "Cupta." Even in bad weather or in dark, anything can be made into a fun game in the world of children.

Kang respects the world of children as it is and seeks to preserve the innocence and fantasy. This attitude makes adults reflect on how they tailor children's lives to meet their grown-up standards. Kang's poems bring warming smiles to the readers and resonate with the innocence of children.

There are numerous problems and sadness in the world. A Perfect Day to Play also reflects on these challenges by featuring a number of social issues. The poem, "Serpent Seeking To be a Dragon," delivers a surprising message. "Why We Study Fractions" reflects on the earth and environmental issues through math class on fractions and Jeongsu's experience of placing a slug on a leaf. "The Forest of Memories" offers a eulogy to the tragedy of the Sewol ferry.

Kang depicts social issues through children's innocence, thereby simplifying the complex, dense reality and identifying the most important values in life. This collection will offer child readers ideas about peace, and show adult readers values to preserve for their children's happiness.

A Perfect Day to Play features 48 poems told in children's language. This collection illustrates what Kang Kihwa has learned from listening to and watching children as she teaches them how to write. The poet's imagination fills up the amusing poems. The children's frustrations from having to juggle their busy lives -- school work, cram school, and their parents' high expectations -- are told with amusing imagination. -- Kookje Daily News