Well-written and colorfully illustrated by Anne Sibley O'Brien, who grew up bilingual and bicultural in South Korea, this fast-moving adventure story — and cautionary tale for the wicked — captures the drama and pageantry of 16th-century Korea. The author includes two pages of notes and charming illustrations that explain the history of Korea during the Chosun Dynasty, Korean symbols, clothing styles, and word pronunciation.
An especially appealing part of the story's background is that, because the novel was written in Hangul, it was able to read by Koreans of all classes, not just the nobility. Kil Dong himself would have strongly approved, I'm sure. Source notes are also appended for additional reading. Children from ages 4-8 will enjoy having the story read to them; older children (ages 9-12) will prefer reading it themselves.
As my youngest two children are of Korean birth, I have a particular interest in children's stories that showcase the culture of Korea through its history and literature, especially its folklore. I have no doubt that The Legend of Hong Kil Dong will quickly become a favorite at my house. And not just because it's a rollicking good Robin Hood-type story, which it most assuredly is.
At its heart, The Legend of Hong Kil Dong delivers a message to all children that parentage and circumstances of birth aren't destiny, but merely a starting point on a personal journey during which all of us sit as captain. Where we go and how we get there resides squarely in our talents, resourcefulness, strength of desire and maybe a little self-made magic - an important message that even grown-ups should revisit often.
Article comments
1 - Natalie Bennett
This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States. Nice work!