These tales may miss the connection to a current Western audience.
Three traditional Korean folktales are combined into one anthology, fully illustrated, with an introduction on the cultural background.
During his lifetime, storyteller and journalist Kim (1907-1981) published multiple books on Korean folklore. The three stories chosen for this anthology (“The Magic Gem,” “The Tigers of the Kumgang Mountains,” and “The Deer and the Woodcutter”) have been previously published as stand-alone books. Exploring the curiosities of nature, each of the three legends tells an entertaining tale while imparting cherished Korean beliefs and values. As with the Grimms’ tales, there are hard truths and feelings of hatred, jealousy, and desire. Two of the stories clearly value being kind to wild animals, with celestial rewards. They also involve filial devotion, with a return to family leading to mixed results. Some of the morals are ambiguous and complicated. For example, the woodcutter kidnaps a fairy and makes her his wife, a turn of events she accepts with calm. And, unfortunately, the story of the tigers, a revered symbol in Korean culture, also does not migrate well. In the tale, tigers assume human forms, such as a priest, an old woman, and a young married couple. In each case, a hunter, avenging the death of his father, shoots these people, whose bodies then transform back into dead tigers. There may be a story of persistence here, but the revenge story and gun violence seem louder.
These tales may miss the connection to a current Western audience. (Fairy tales. 6-10)Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2019
ISBN: 978-0-8048-5227-2
Page Count: 96
Publisher: Tuttle
Review Posted Online: Sept. 1, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2019
This genuinely clever math book uses rhyming couplets and riddles, as well as visual cues to help the reader find new ways to group numbers for quick counting. It’s a return to number sets, with none of those boring parentheses and <>signs. Here the rhyme gives a clue to the new ways of grouping numbers. For example: “Mama mia, pizza pie, / How many mushrooms do you spy? / Please don’t count them, it’s too slow, / This hot pie was made to go! / Let me give you some advice, / Just do half and count it twice.” A quick look at the pizza, and the reader can see each slice has the same number of mushrooms. Count by threes for half the pie, and double it. Each rhyme is given a double-page spread. The extra-large, brightly colored images leap off the page but never distract from the author’s intent. Some riddles are very challenging, but the author provides all the solutions in the back. Once the reader has seen the answers, the strategy is obvious and can be applied to other situations. Great fun for math enthusiasts and creative thinkers, this might also teach adults some new tricks. A winning addition. (Nonfiction. 7-10)
Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-439-21033-X
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Scholastic
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2000
Together, art and verse adeptly capture the appeal of this popular sport.
Lesynski’s rollicking collection celebrates the sport of soccer.
This ebullient compilation of more than 50 poems will inspire and entertain soccer enthusiasts, whether they are novice or expert players. From the commiseration offered to players who must persevere through squalls in “Rain Game” to the whimsical “Turf Burn,” which comically describes the perils of artificial grass, Lesynski’s verse explores the gamut of soccer experiences. The format varies, with verses that range from brief and succinct, such as the sole line comprising “The Concussion Discussion,” to the lengthier “How to Be a Referee,” which pays homage to the dedication of game officials. In “Over,” Lesynski declares that “Remembering the fun we had / will last... / and last…”—delivering an apt reminder for young athletes to enjoy playing the game, regardless of who wins or loses. Rasmussen’s comic-book–style illustrations burst across the pages in a medley of vibrant hues. His humorous vignettes complement the playful poems.
Together, art and verse adeptly capture the appeal of this popular sport. (Poetry. 6-10)Pub Date: Nov. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-55451-422-9
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Annick Press
Review Posted Online: Sept. 18, 2012
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2012
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