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.
Through these stories you can learn about Korean culture and their rich storytelling history. -Castle View Academy blog [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 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 ...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 ...beautiful watercolour illustrations help bring these traditional tales to a new audience. -Creative Steps magazine Exploring the curiosities of nature, each of the three legends tells an entertaining tale while imparting cherished Korean beliefs and values. - Kirkus Review 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