A New Hello, My Robin!, A Renewed Story

A New Hello, My Robin!, A Renewed Story

— Creating the Revised Edition of Hello, My RobinIn 2022, my first picture book, Hello, My Robin, was released into the world.
I poured my heart into that book—into the watercolor illustrations, the words, the emotion behind every page.
But as time passed, I realized I wanted to tell that story again—more carefully, more intentionally, and with a deeper understanding of my craft.

Things I Didn't Know ThenWhen I first set out to publish, I was new to everything beyond art: editing, formatting, publishing.
While I wrote and illustrated the book myself, I handed off many of the technical aspects to outside help. It was the best decision I could make at the time, but looking back, I wish I had been more involved in the full process.
Now that I’ve gained experience and perspective, I see how much every element matters—how tone, pacing, layout, and illustration work together to create emotional impact. And especially with a story that speaks to children’s emotions, I wanted to refine every piece with the care it deserves.

The Robin That Stayed With MeThis story was inspired by my dear friend and artistic companion, Emilia.

One day, a pair of robins built a nest outside her window and raised their chicks there.
She shared this experience with me, and something about it moved me beyond words.

It felt like a quiet miracle—one that stayed in my heart.
I wanted to share that same feeling with children who might be going through loneliness or fear, children who might feel like they've been left alone in the world.
At the time, I was completing my master’s degree in Art Education at Adelphi University, and this book began as a mid-term project.
Thanks to that moment of inspiration and the guidance of Professor Stephanie Boggs, Hello, My Robin came to life.

Why I Returned to This BookThe revised edition of Hello, My Robin is not just a technical update—it’s a reflection of growth.
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Here’s what I focused on:

• Watercolor rework: refined tones, stronger narrative flow between illustrations
• Text improvements: smoother rhythm and emotional clarity
• Layout & pacing: redesigned for deeper engagement
• Amazon optimization: updated for both print and digital reading experience

Working on this edition felt like sitting down with an old friend, gently re-listening to their story, and helping them tell it even more beautifully.

"Our robin is always in our hearts."This book carries a quiet but powerful message:
That we’re never truly alone.
That even when something beautiful leaves, its warmth can stay with us.
That courage can grow from the smallest gestures—like the flutter of a bird’s wing outside your window.

A Personal Note of ThanksTo Emilia—thank you for sharing the robin story that sparked this one.
To Professor Boggs—thank you for guiding me with kindness and clarity.
And to every child (and grown-up) who reads this book—I hope it brings you comfort, wonder, and peace.

Hello, my robin.
This time, I say it with more warmth, and more heart than ever before.

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​What I learned while revising my first picture book
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- Realistic advice and warm feelings for aspiring writers

In 2022, I published my first picture book, *Hello, My Robin*, through Amazon.

And just recently, I released a revised version of that book.

The two books are filled with my time as an author.
Not only technical growth, but also emotional changes, responsibility, and new perspectives.

Today, I would like to share with you the things I regretted while creating my first book,and how that experience changed my work style and thinking.
I hope this article will be a small reference for someone who is thinking about publishing their first book through Amazon.

​1. The title and cover are the beginning of everything

The first thing I want to say is, “I should have spent more time on the title.”
At first, I gave the title after finishing the main text, but now that I think about it, I should have done the exact opposite.
A title is not just a name, but a representative sentence that encapsulates the emotion and tone of the entire book.

Since then, I have invested the most time and the most time in the title and cover design for all my book work.

I learned through my first book that first impressions are never light, and that readers decide whether or not to open a book based on the cover alone.

2. Children’s books don’t need to be ‘colorful’

When I was making my first book, I thought, “Since it’s a children’s book, bright and intense primary colors would be good, right?”

However, as I worked on it and listened to the reactions of many readers, I realized that
These days, children’s aesthetic standards are very high and delicate.

In fact, I learned that sophisticated and calm designs,
and soft colors using pastel tones are much more loved by children and their parents. The moment I let go of the stereotype that “children’s books = always colorful,” my range of expressions expanded significantly.

3. My own drawings, connecting with the local community

The watercolor drawings I drew myself did not end with books.
When I exhibited the original drawings in the picture books at the local library, I was able to meet children, parents, and the local community through books.
The people’s response was also very good, and I decided to hold this exhibition every year.

The moment it went beyond just a book, I realized that picture books can be a platform for experience.

It was very special to show children how picture books are made,
and share the process of pictures turning into letters and stories turning into books.

4. Editing, doing it yourself is also a way
When I first made the book, I was very anxious, so I hired an outside company to edit it.

In the end, I was left with regret.

I think that if I had just a little more of the details, such as the printing quality, the balance of the margins, and the adjustment of saturation,
the results would have been better.

Especially in the case of picture books, I realized that the saturation needs to be lowered a lot to make them easier on the eyes
I only learned this after receiving the printed version myself.

5. The first book was serious, but children need 'fun'

The first book was a work I made as an assignment for a graduate school class.
That's why the content and expression were quite serious and heavy.
Of course, reflection is important, but at some point I realized that
children need to feel 'fun' before 'emotion' to open their hearts.

That's why I encourage children to make their own books these days.
Their imagination sometimes surpasses me as a writer.
There is a uniqueness and innocence in them that adults can never keep up with.

I thought it would be a shame for those stories to just pass by.
I believe that adults who know how to listen to children's stories should write picture books.

6. The biggest piece of advice: Never be afraid

Lastly, there is only one piece of advice I want to give you.
Never be afraid.

Creating a picture book is never easy.

But it is equally rewarding, and it is also a job of planting a small seed in someone's heart.

It may be lacking at first. You may fail.

But the experience of writing, revising, and continuing to try eventually becomes my asset.

In conclusion
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While making the revised edition, I thought back to the day I first met myself.

That moment when I was anxious but earnest, awkward but sincere.

If there is anyone who is currently preparing their first book,
I hope you take to heart the mistakes I made and the things I learned.

Your first book can be someone's first impression.