Hot summer sun, charming flights of fancy and a juicy red watermelon add up to superb summer fun in Bonsoir Lune’s Watermelon Pool, translated from Korean by Frances Cha.
In this lushly illustrated fantastical tale of “opening day at the watermelon pool” (rumor has it that “the coconut pool in the next town is already open”), neighbors of all ages clamber up a ladder that’s leaning against the massive melon and climb right into its cold sweetness, their eager footsteps making “crunch crunch crunch crunch” sounds as they navigate around shiny black seeds.
Lune cleverly takes iconic elements of summertime swims and gives them watermelon flair: a curved slice of rind becomes a perfectly slippery slide; a sturdy green stem is an excellent diving board; and squishy hunks of melon are fashioned into sculptures akin to sandcastles. All are a delight to behold, especially thanks to upbeat depictions of a community having a shared joyous experience. In a section that’s extra compelling in its witty weirdness,, a peddler of “cloud parasols” arrives. The narrator matter-of-factly observes that the vendor’s offerings “are as popular as ever this year.” Perhaps because customers can relax under their own personal fluffy white cloud, or even do some extra cooling off under individual “rain-cloud showers”? As one swimcap-wearing little boy says, “Aieee! So refreshing!”
Liberal use of onomatopoeia boosts Watermelon Pool’s sensory delights, from little feet that “splish” and “splash” in the juicy melon to a grinning elderly lady who “whoosh[es]!” down the slide. Vibrant colored pencil art features finely detailed smiling faces, textures that add impact, comic-esque paneled layouts, and innovative use of color and perspective. Young readers will enjoy pointing out their favorite swimming activities.
Lune has published 10 picture books in Korea, and Watermelon Pool, her 2015 debut, is already an award-winning bestseller there. Its superb, universally appealing art makes for an immersive, uplifting read that celebrates the singular delight of a day well-spent, and the delicious thrill of diving in to summer fun.