Korean Children's Favorite Stories

Author: Kim So-un
Illustrated by: Jeong Kyoung-Sim
Hardcover: 96 page(s)
Age Range: 4 to 8

Book Description:

Korean Children's Favorite Stories is a captivating collection of Korean folk tales that have thrived for generations. Some are unique to Korea, while others echo those told in other countries. Written with wit and pathos, they reveal the follies of people everywhere and expose the human-like qualities of animals and the animal-like qualities of humans.

Publishers Weekly
After collecting the literature of Japan and Bali, author Kim So-un and artist Jeong Kyoung-Sim introduce a host of characters in Korean Children's Favorite Stories, including a wily old woman who outwits "The Bad Tiger" and, in "The Pumpkin Seeds," a pair of brothers-one proud, one humble-who get their just deserts. Smoky watercolors bring other creatures, such as demons and snakes, to life as well.

School Library Journal
These 13 tales first appeared in Story Bag: A Collection of Korean Folk Tales (Tuttle, 1955; o.p.) and have been newly illustrated. Though no source notes are included, an introduction by the author speaks to the authenticity of the selections. The collection includes elements shared by many cultures, such as a flood story, and others with a unique sensibility. A variety of animals appear, including tigers, both good and bad, and snakes, depicted as dragons. The delicate watercolor illustrations make the stories accessible to children, and the square format and the calligraphic quality of the titles contribute to the overall sense of design. Appropriately, the opening tale speaks to the importance of sharing stories, and this collection succeeds in making these little-known offerings accessible to a new audience.