JiHyeon Lee

JiHyeon Lee is a Korean-American author and illustrator who creates picture books for children. She studied illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design and has worked as both an author and illustrator in the publishing industry. Lee's work focuses on wordless picture books that tell stories through visual narrative alone. Her illustrations combine traditional and digital techniques, often featuring soft colors and expressive characters that convey emotion without text. "Pool" serves as her debut picture book, published in 2015. The book follows a young girl's experience at a public swimming pool, exploring themes of courage and overcoming fear through sequential art. Lee's approach to storytelling emphasizes the power of images to communicate complex emotions and experiences. Her work demonstrates how visual narratives can engage young readers and help them process their own feelings about new or challenging situations.

Readers respond positively to Lee's visual storytelling approach in "Pool." Parents and educators appreciate how the wordless format allows children to interpret the story themselves and discuss their own experiences with fear and courage. Many readers note that the illustrations effectively capture the protagonist's emotions as she navigates her anxiety about swimming. Readers particularly praise Lee's ability to convey the sensory experience of being at a pool through her artwork. The progression from fear to confidence resonates with both children and adults who remember similar childhood experiences. Several reviews mention how the book sparks conversations between parents and children about overcoming fears. Some readers express that the wordless format may not appeal to all children, particularly those who prefer text-driven stories. A few reviews suggest that younger children might need adult guidance to fully understand the narrative progression, though most see this as an opportunity for shared reading rather than a limitation.