● Book Introduction
A sweet pause that warms the everyday — magical comfort delivered by a single ticket!

The Cocoa Hot Spring is a warm and gentle picture book about quiet comfort and recovery. It follows adults worn out by busy days and children facing emotional struggles, as they journey to a hidden hot spring in the forest. Guided by the sweet scent of cocoa and a mysterious ticket bearing the message, "You need a little time to rest," each character—Dad who has no ideas, Mom who is completely drained, Maru stuck on a difficult problem, and Tori upset after fighting with a friend—arrives with different burdens on their hearts. Yet, the warm ripples of the spring slowly melt away their worries.
And finally, even Mr. Marshmallow—the gentle hot spring keeper who always cared for others but never took time for himself—receives his own invitation to rest.
A heartwarming story of sharing warmth and finding renewal—will Mr. Marshmallow also find rest at the Cocoa Hot Spring?

● Publisher's Review
Rest is not a choice, but a necessity — a warm encouragement for the weary heart

The Cocoa Hot Spring gently tells readers of all ages that it's okay to pause for a moment. In a world where people often push themselves too hard, this picture book reminds us that rest is not a weakness, but an act of courage for recovery. As each character makes their way to the forest hot spring, the story quietly conveys how important it is to take care of oneself.

Comfort and empathy begin with the simplest things

Sometimes, a single glance or quiet presence can offer more comfort than a grand gesture. The Cocoa Hot Spring embraces the reader with its calm setting, soft scents, and warm expressions, delivering the message that true emotional healing begins with empathy. Through the experiences of Dad, Mom, Maru, Tori, and finally Mr. Marshmallow, the story shows that comfort is not only something we can receive—but also something we can offer.

A message about balance in caring

The moment when Mr. Marshmallow, who always looked after others, finally receives a ticket for himself highlights the importance of balance in caregiving. For parents and caregivers in today's world who often feel drained, this picture book warmly reminds us that true care for others starts with rest and care for oneself.

● About the Author
Siun Goo is a picture book author who studied design at Affinity Universe. The Cocoa Hot Spring is her debut picture book and the 59th title in the Affinity Universe picture book collection. Through this story, she wanted to offer a "pause"—a moment of rest in the midst of a busy, complicated life. Her gentle illustrations carry the message that "Rest is not a choice but the beginning of recovery," encouraging both adults and children to first take care of their own hearts.