The Korean Cinderella

by Shirley Climo, Ruth Heller (Illustrator)

Overview

"This masterfully retold version of Cinderella presents real Korean customs and includes dramatic, brightly colored illustrations" (Children's Literature).

This is an enchanting and magical variant of the favorite fairy tale. Publishers Weekly noted that "the text is especially noteworthy for its instructive but unobtrusive incorporation of Korean words." Children's Literature pointed out that "it should be noted that all the illustrations—from those depicting Korean rituals to the smallest clothing details—are the result of the illustrator's extensive research and passionate interest in Korean culture."

Like the tree planted to honor her birth, Pear Blossom is beautiful, and the pride of her elderly mother and father. But then her mother dies, and her father remarries. Pear Blossom’s stepmother resents her new daughter’s beauty.

Out of jealousy, she makes Pear Blossom perform impossible chores while her own daughter, Peony, watches idly. But fortunately, Pear Blossom is not alone. With the help of magical creatures—togkabis—she can accomplish each task, and triumph over her stepmother’s cruelty.

Notable Children’s Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies (NCSS/CBC)

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780064433976
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	01/18/1996
Series:	Trophy Picture Bks.
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	34,027
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.80(h) x 0.20(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Shirley Climo's love of folklore began in her childhood and has provided the background for many of her children's books, such as The Korean Cinderella, Magic & Mischief: Tales from Cornwall, A Treasury of Princesses: Princess Tales from Around the World, A Treasury of Mermaids: Mermaid Tales from Around the World, and Someone Saw a Spider: Spider Facts and Folktales, an NCTE Teacher's Choice and Library of Congress Best Children's Book that was originally inspired by her research for Cobweb Christmas. Mrs. Climo and her husband live in Los Altos, California.

Editorial Reviews

Every culture has its version of the children's classic Cinderella. This Korean version combines lyrical prose with exquisite illustrations to tell the story of Pear Blossom, her jealous stepmother Omoni, and stepsister Peony. The fairy godmother role is assumed by a group of magical animals. Omoni demands impossible tasks of Pear Blossom, and with their help, Pear Blossom meets the challenge and ultimately becomes a nobleman's wife. It should be noted that all the illustrations-from those depicting Korean rituals to the smallest clothing details-are the result of the illustrator's extensive research and passionate interest in Korean culture.

Children's Literature - Marilyn Bagel

This adaptation of Cinderella is based on 3 versions of the tale known in Korea. Korean words add to the flavor of the story. Ms Heller's illustrations portray village life and dress as it was 300 years ago with designs inspired by patterns painted on the eaves of Korean temples. The heroine's name is Pear Blossom. As soon as her father remarries, her new stepfamily dub her "Pigling." Pear Blossom is aided by a 'tokgabi' (frog goblin) and a black ox. An intriguing version gracefully told. Children like to find elements they know to compare with the Perrault and Grimm versions.

Children's Literature - Jan Lieberman

Pear Blossom, a lovely Korean girl, is treated like a slave by her jealous stepmother and stepsister and forced to perform impossible tasks. With the help of magical creatures, tokgabis, Pear Blossom finishes all of her tasks just in time to see the prince in a procession. He sees the beautiful young lady lose her sandal and vows to marry the girl who wears the matching shoe. This masterfully retold version of Cinderella presents real Korean customs and includes dramatic, brightly colored illustrations.

Children's Literature - Debra Briatico