Kirkus Reviews QR Code
MAGIC SPRING by Nami Rhee

MAGIC SPRING

A Korean Folktale

Nami Rhee

Pub Date: May 26th, 1993
ISBN: 0-399-22420-3
Publisher: Putnam

From Korean-born Rhee, a graceful retelling of an amiable tale about a gentle, poor old couple who labor on without complaint, even when their greedy, wealthy neighbor taunts them with their lack of a son to help them. But whatever deity is watching over them is remarkably kind—and has an ironic sense of humor: A bluebird leads the man to a spring whose water restores his youth; he takes his wife there, with the result that they become a handsome young couple once again. And the neighbor? Discovering their secret, he greedily drinks more than the single sip they each had and becomes a baby for them to raise—``with love,'' but presumably also to look after them in their next old age. In Rhee's lively illustrations, the agile brushed lines are beautifully expressive of character and movement, while her palette of smoky blues and brilliant greens is warmed with rusty browns and flesh tones. A delightful story in an attractive edition. (Folklore/Picture book. 5-8)