The Gift

So much more than a picture book, The Gift opens the window to Korean culture, transporting the reader to another time with an important lesson to learn

Tired of constantly working hard, a poor painter encounters the legendary Dokkaebi, who gifts him the life he has always dreamed of as a rich and famous artist. But the painter soon learns that his gifts come at a price and perhaps his new perfect life is not all it seems to be.

Vividly illustrated in a style that combines Minhwa, traditional Korean folk art, with pop art, The Gift is an engaging fable about gratitude and appreciating the beauty in life.

Jihyun Park Trepkas, the creative force behind the illustrations, draws inspiration from her South Korean heritage, holding a master’s degree in illustration from Kingston University. Her debut, The Child of the Earth, Nod, earned recognition when chosen by Anthony Browne for a prestigious competition in South Korea. Enriched by studies in floral arrangement design in Tokyo, Jihyun’s deep connection with nature adds a unique dimension to her artistic journey. Her love for nature, coupled with a penchant for meditation and a plant-based lifestyle, reflects a broader interest in art therapy. Nikolaos Park Trepkas is a Greek born in Germany and raised in Greece, immersed in multimedia design in Denmark. Beyond his roles as a writer, actor, director, scriptwriter, and painter, lies a profound tale. A decade ago, Jihyun and Nikolaos fell in love in London, setting the stage for a journey that fused not only their hearts but also their creative souls. Over the past ten years, their narrative of shared growth, learning, and storytelling has resonated from the depths of their beings.