Three Korean Fairy Tales - by Kim So-Un (Hardcover)

About the Book

A selection of traditional folk tales that are instantly recognisable to Koreans of all ages. These treasured tales are retold by an eminent storyteller who is a household name in Korea. The illustrations combine modern and traditional Korean art elements and techniques in telling these classic stories. This book presents the following tales: The Magic Gem answers the question why do dogs and cats fight? When the house feline recovers the story's prized title jewel, the family dog bears a grudge that is passed down through the ages. The Deer and the Woodcutter follows a merciful man who saves a deer's life and is rewarded with love and luck. When he's turned into a rooster, he expresses his joy each dawn through his loud crowing. The Tigers of the Kumgang Mountains is a cautionary tale about overcoming challenges. A hunter's son sets out for revenge but instead learns that things are not always as they appear, and that persistence and sacrifice hold richer rewards.--Adapted from book jacket.

Book Synopsis

This multicultural children's book presents a selection of traditional Korean folk tales that are instantly recognizable to Koreans of all ages. These treasured tales are retold by Kim So-un, an eminent storyteller who is a household name in Korea. The illustrations combine modern and traditional Korean art elements and techniques in telling these classic stories.

In the Tuttle tradition of bringing beloved stories from other countries to new generations of readers, this book presents the following tales:

• "The Magic Gem" answers the question why do dogs and cats fight? When the house feline recovers the story's prized title jewel, the family dog bears a grudge that is passed down through the ages.
• "The Deer and the Woodcutter" follows a merciful man who saves a deer's life and is rewarded with love and luck. When he's turned into a rooster, he expresses his joy each dawn through his loud crowing.
• "The Tigers of the Kumgang Mountains" concludes the anthology with a cautionary tale about overcoming challenges. A hunter's son sets out for revenge but instead learns that things are not always as they appear, and that persistence and sacrifice hold richer rewards.

With Three Korean Fairy Tales, kids and parents alike will learn about Korean culture by experiencing the country's rich storytelling tradition.

Review Quotes

"...beautiful watercolour illustrations help bring these traditional tales to a new audience." --Creative Steps magazine

"...There's nothing brisk here; these are stories that meander, peopled by talking animals and human-scale fairies, monstrous tigers and bold hunters, with ethereal ink-and-watercolor pictures by Jeong Kyoung-Sim that evoke traditional Korean artwork. Children who have wondered why cats and dogs fight, or why roosters stand crowing on rooftops, will find explanations here that they may not have considered." -- The Wall Street Journal

"[A] beautiful book of multicultural fairy tales...Children are quickly caught up in the suspense over what will happen... all the while absorbing details of Korean culture. I loved the artwork, which combines elements of traditonal and modern Korean art. A not to be missed collection." -- All Done Monkey blog

"Exploring the curiosities of nature, each of the three legends tells an entertaining tale while imparting cherished Korean beliefs and values."-- Kirkus Review

"I absolutely love each one of these (and so do the chicks, for all they are 10 & 12 now) and recommend them for bedtime stories, afternoon stories, or really stories any time. The format and length make them great for reading aloud as well as quietly." --The Red Hen Bookshop

"This book is wonderful--as in, full of wonders! The beautiful painted illustrations are rendered vintage Asian style yet with a modern sensibility and sense of humor. The text for each fairy tale is very well written, each long enough to be the perfect bedtime story...The book offers delightful insights into both traditional Korean society and the wonderful worlds of fairy tales which span the globe with their magic." -- KidsR.US blog

"Through these stories you can learn about Korean culture and their rich storytelling history." --Castle View Academy blog

"With Three Korean Fairy Tales, kids ages 6-12 (and their parents!) alike will learn about Korean culture by experiencing the country's rich storytelling tradition. [It] is unreservedly recommended for family, school, and community library Fairytale/Folklore collections for young readers."-- Midwest Book Review

About the Author

Kim So-un was an eminent Korean storyteller and a specialist in Korean poetry and folklore. A former journalist for a major newspaper and chief editor for the Korean Children's Educational Institute, he published two dozen books during his lifetime, including anthologies of poetry, folk tales, folklore, folk songs and critical essays. Kim So-un is also the author of Korean Children's Favorite Stories.

Jeong Kyoung-Sim enjoyed reading stories by Kim So-un when growing up, and is delighted now to illustrate his work. Kyoung-Sim is a graduate of the College of Fine Arts at Seoul National University. Her work is based on using traditional Korean colors, tones and painting methods in a modern style. She has illustrated a number of children's books, including Korean Children's Favorite Stories.