Spotlight on Korean Children’s Favorite Stories, by Kim So-un

Last week I missed MMGM, but for a very good reason!  We were otherwise occupied.  My son, who has decided to serve a two year mission for our church, received his letter last Monday telling him where he’d be going.  Since he (and we) leave that entirely up to the church and have no knowledge ahead of time where it might be, this is kind of a big deal.  For two years he’ll be fully immersed in the country, speaking the native language and serving where needed.

We guessed all kinds of places he might go, ranging from Australia to…Nebraska.  That one kept coming up.  But, he’ll actually be going to South Korea!  More specifically, Seoul and the area around it.  Woot, woot!

How appropriate, then, that I’ve been reading the wonderful tales gathered in Korean Children’s Favorite Stories, by Kim So-un!  I’m just brilliant that way, I guess. 😉

Korean Children's Favorite Stories

Some might say these kind of gathered folk tales don’t belong in a middle grade spotlight, but I happen to believe they do.  There are so many things for kids to learn from these folk tales!  Simply being exposed to a different view of the world and what a story should include can open eyes.  This is especially true of tales like The Green Leaf, which might strike western-bred kids as odd.  But, it’s also true of stories like The Great Flood, which has similarities to our older Cinderella stories, but is about a boy.  Of course, there are other differences, but this one change can deeply impact a child’s view of their world and their place in it.  You can almost hear the wheels in their heads turning: a princess story…about a special prince-like boy?  They can do that?  But, at the end of the day, the most compelling reason to read them is they’re fun!

Let’s see if the Apricot-kitty doesn’t agree with me:

Apricot Headshot eye roll“I liked how there were so many tigers in the stories–lots and lots of tigers!  However, too often the tigers got in trouble.  Why was that?  It’s not like cats are known for causing trouble.”

 

 

 

Hmm, maybe I’d best not respond to that. 😉  Next week’s spotlight will be on the recently released Audrey (cow), and will see me writing from our new house.  Here’s hoping all goes well, and I don’t drop the computer off the back of the truck or anything.  Wishing you all a great week!

For more Marvelous Middle Grade Monday spotlights, interviews and giveaways, check out Shannon Messengers blog, and happy reading!

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9 Comments

  1. Reply

    I also love folktales and think they belong to all grades. Thanks for sharing these with us today, and best of luck to your son in Korea. It’s great to live in a country and experience their traditions, customs, food, language etc. My Kiddos love for Chinese started with folktales in 4th grade and now she speaks it fluently and has lived in China off and on for several years, even met her soul mate there.

  2. Reply

    Thank you Natalie, Greg! We’re excited for him and definitely hoping a visit will be in the cards. Gotta save our pennies! lol

    Alex, that’s such a fun story! And wonderful to think it all started with folktales…stories, changing lives for the better. 😀

  3. Reply

    I adore folktales, so I’ll have to check these out. It’s interesting how Cinderella and other familiar tropes show up in so many cultures. Russian folklore is similar (a frog princess instead of a prince).
    I hope your son enjoys his time overseas. I’m sure it will be life-changing.

  4. Reply

    Thanks, Jenni! I’m sure it will be. 🙂 And, happy to hear you’re another huge fan of folktales from around the world!

  5. Reply

    I’ve always loved folktales. Still have a well-loved volume of Russian tales I’ve owned since childhood. They certainly belong in the MG spotlight. Congratulations and best wishes to your son. He’ll have wonderful experiences, I’m sure. My sister spent some time in Korea. The only thing that bothered her was the seasonings in the food. If he likes garlic and red pepper he’ll be fine!

  6. Reply

    As it happens, he loves them both, Joanne! Seriously, a hot food fanatic. So, we think this was a good call. 🙂 Glad you could stop by!

  7. Reply

    I loved this sort of book when I was a kid. Folk tales from (fill in the name of the country); Fairy tales from (name of country); myths and legends…. was such a wonderful way to travel to another place.

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