Cover
Hamdori and Friends of the Forest
Image description: Cover of Hamdori and Friends of the Forest — Hamdori and friends running through the woods
Page 2
In a forest village lived a very fast hamster. The name was Hamdori. Dadada — when Hamdori ran, even the wind said, “Whoa, faster than me?” and blinked in surprise.
Image description: Hamdori running happily along a forest path
Page 3
What Hamdori loved most were toasty walnuts and almonds. Stuff the cheek pouches full and the cheeks ballooned like balloons.
Image description: Hamdori with puffed cheeks, dreaming of walnuts
Page 4
Then one day, every walnut in the forest vanished! Under the trees, behind the rocks — not one left in the usual places.
Image description: Hamdori fretting over empty walnut spots
Page 5
Hamdori dashed dadada through the whole forest looking. But until the sun leaned low, no walnut, no almond. Eyes stinging, tears welling up. “I’m so upset….”
Image description: At sunset, Hamdori on a stump with brimming tears
Page 6
“If I run even faster, I’ll find them!” Hamdori ran faster, farther. Then — tumble-tumble, thump! — right into a thorn bush. Fast feet alone were no help.
Image description: Hamdori dazed after tumbling into a thorn bush, leaves scattered
Page 7
Then Hamdori understood. ‘I can run fast! Not alone — go to my friends!’
Image description: Hamdori standing up with bright, decided eyes
Page 8
Dadada, Hamdori! To Squirrel’s house. “Squirrel, all the walnuts are gone. Will you help me look?” “Of course! I’ll watch from the treetops!”
Image description: Hamdori talking with Squirrel in front of a tree house
Page 9
Dadada, Hamdori! To Rabbit’s meadow. “Rabbit, will you help?” “Yes! With my sharp ears I’ll hear anything rolling!”
Image description: Hamdori with a gray rabbit, ears perked
Page 10
Dadada, Hamdori! To Hedgehog and Baby Deer too. “We’re coming!” One by one the friends gathered — five in all.
Image description: Five friends putting their hands together
Page 11
From the treetop Squirrel shouted, “Found them! Across the stream on the hill — a mountain of walnuts!” Last night’s wind had rolled them all away.
Image description: Squirrel high in a tree pointing to a distant walnut pile
Page 12
The friends decided to cross the stream on a log bridge. Then — crack! The old log broke, and a few walnuts plopped downstream. “Nooo!”
Image description: A broken log bridge, walnuts floating away, five startled friends
Page 13
But they didn’t give up. Baby Deer strode out and became a bridge. Hedgehog grinned. “Load them on my back. I’ll roll-roll them across!”
Image description: Baby Deer bridging the stream while Hedgehog rolls with walnuts
Page 14
At the hill — caw! A big crow sat on the walnut pile. “I found these first!” The crow spread wide wings and blocked the way.
Image description: A crow with open wings on the walnut pile; five friends looking up
Page 15
Hamdori thought a moment, then smiled and said, “Then let’s share! Sharing tastes even better.” The crow blinked and blinked. No one had ever said that before.
Image description: Smiling Hamdori offering a walnut to the crow
Page 16
So everyone together! Hamdori dadada back and forth, carrying walnuts on the fastest feet. Crow took the sky; Squirrel took the trees. Cheek pouches full, carts full!
Image description: The crow and friends hauling walnuts together
Page 17
At dusk a toasty smell filled the forest village. By the fire they all shared walnuts and almonds — the crow too. “Running alone is fast, but running together is delicious!”
Image description: Friends by a campfire sharing walnuts, crow included
Page 18
From that day Hamdori’s runs became errand runs. Medicine for a sick friend, a smile for a bored one. Dadada, Hamdori! Today the forest sparkles again.
Image description: Hamdori delivering a basket through the morning forest
Artist’s note
“Like Hamdori, I love running fast. I’m happiest when I share food with friends.” — Park Dawon
Image description: Portrait of Hamdori saying hello
