"Let's take a walk in the forest with Rufus."

Rufus lives in the city, but from his plaid shirt, you can always smell the scent of pine trees, the smoke of a bonfire, and the aroma of blackberry tea. While nowadays most people use simple and convenient lighters to start a fire, Rufus prefers the old-fashioned way with flint and tinder. With a thick, forest-like beard and always a pipe in his mouth, Rufus enjoys puffing away. In the woods, he'll show you where the clear water springs from, what the birch bark is used for, and which mushrooms make the tastiest soup. So, shall we take a walk in the forest with our Rufus?

Review by Atnoon

Rufus' Forest Guidebook: A Journey of Love for the Woods

In the midst of a global pandemic, many people find themselves restricted in their movements and interactions. During such times, the allure of outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and being close to nature has grown significantly. Some individuals have even chosen to relocate to places closer to nature, reflecting a collective yearning to seek refuge amidst the natural world. Families, children, and individuals alike deeply appreciate the serenity that can be found within nature's embrace.
Our protagonist, Rufus, not only loves the forest but also embodies its spirit in his appearance. Whenever he feels weary of urban life, he dreams of the forest. However, his dreams don't remain mere fantasies; he acts upon them, grabbing his backpack and setting off to the woods without hesitation. Arriving in a small countryside village by train, Rufus embarks on a journey along forest paths, savoring the melodies of wild birds, encountering insects and snakes, enjoying the sweetness of wild strawberries, and quenching his thirst with refreshing stream water. He immerses himself in the unhurried essence of the forest.
Rufus, a true lover of the woods, never forgets to adhere to the rules of responsible forest enjoyment—collecting and disposing of garbage, refraining from damaging natural elements, and leaving firewood for others to use. This book, "Rufus' Forest Guidebook," chronicles his knowledge on how to embrace and revel in the forest's wonders. Following Rufus' lead and spending a tranquil night in the forest will surely leave you feeling rejuvenated, shedding the accumulated burdens from both body and mind, and experiencing a newfound sense of clarity and freshness.

I hope that the story of Rufus will be loved by Korean readers. I also hope that all of you, like Rufus, can discover the beauty of the surrounding nature. Grab your backpacks, venture out, enjoy delicious snacks, and savor the forest. Oh, one more crucial thing! Please cherish nature and remember to take back everything you bring with you. So go ahead and fully enjoy the wonders of nature!

"A truly Czech-style book."

I and my Czech acquaintances, after getting hold of this book, all summarize it with one phrase: "Truly Czech-style book."
When thinking of the Czech Republic, people usually associate it with Prague, a city filled with red-roofed buildings, landmarks like Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. However, Rufus takes the readers' hands and leads them away from the bustling Prague into the tranquility of Czech nature, into the heart of the forest. In the woods, Rufus picks mushrooms, makes soup over a fire, and enjoys the beauty of nature. This portrays one of the typical leisure activities enjoyed by Czech people.
Through its rugged illustrations and colors, this book beautifully captures the simplicity and charm of nature, allowing readers to experience another aspect of the Czech Republic's allure.

Translator Hyojin Park

David Dolenský

I am majoring in illustration at the Prague Institute of Industrial Arts.
I work as an illustrator and have published several children's books. Additionally, I am also active as a graphic artist.

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