A story about finding one’s way back to the beginning.

A young boy sets out to plant a tree, but when his shovel breaks, he seeks help from different people, wandering further than expected. Like the boy, I as the creator have journeyed through countless revisions, feeling lost yet striving for meaning.

This picture book is a gift to my past and future self — a gentle reminder not to lose sight of one’s original intentions in the midst of daily life.

For international readers, the boy’s identity as a little monk is symbolic—he represents all of us. While the “Lucky Day” version ends with regret transformed into fulfillment, I personally prefer the original ending, leaving space for reflection. Life is full of detours and unresolved paths, moments of getting lost, and some may never find their way back. Whether the boy reaches the tree or not is left for readers to interpret.

Awards

• Outstanding Work, China Illustration Annual

• Gold Award, “Huaxia Award” Cultural and Art Design Competition (Autumn)

• Top 100 Finalist, 9th Golden Pinwheel International Young Illustrator Competition