With football season officially behind us, all eyes are now turned to PyeongChang, South Korea and the quest for Winter Olympics gold. For many young viewers, this is a chance not just to watch athletes at their finest, but to travel, even if it’s just through a tv screen, to a part of the world they’ve never experienced. And, of course, there are books, too. There are always books! Here’s a sampling of titles for all ages focused on the site of this year’s Olympic games.
Korean Children’s Favorite Stories, by Kim So-Un and Jeong Kyoung-Sim
This collection of thirteen folktales, fantasies, and legends has a wonderfully classic feel. Children might recognize some similarities to stories they already know from their own culture, a lesson that speaks to how universal some messages are from continent to continent, and generation to generation. The stories themselves are short, and illustrated in a traditional style, making them perfect for a quick bedtime (or anytime) read-aloud. (Ages 5 and up)
Seesaw Girl, by Linda Sue Park, Mou-Sien Tseng, and Jean Tseng
Set in 17th century Korea, 12-year-old Jade knows there is a world outside the walled courtyard of her family home, but she’s never seen it. Young girls of good families do not leave the family home until they are married. After years of listening to her brothers’ stories of the market, the ancestral gravesites, and the towering mountains, Jade finally comes up with a plan to escape beyond the courtyard walls. Once out, she is awed by the beauty that she finds. But there’s also a darkness, as Jade discovers when she encounters a pair of shipwrecked Dutch prisoners headed toward the palace, and a likely execution. Jade intervenes on their behalf, but to do so means she must also reveal her own disobedience. (Ages 7-10)
South Korea, by Derek Zobel
Part of the Exploring Countries series, this is a nice comprehensive introduction to South Korea. Age-appropriate text covers topics ranging from geography to culture to the nation’s history with neighboring North Korea. Numerous colorful photographs keep the reader’s attention and allow an inside peek into a culture halfway around the world. (Ages 7-10)
The Kite Fighters, by Linda Sue Park and Eung Won Park
In 1473 Korea, brothers Kee-sup and Young-sup bond over the art of kite fighting, while simultaneously competing for their father’s attention. As the older son, Kee-sup receives preferential rank and treatment. It is Kee-sup who will represent the family in the annual New Year kite-fighting competition. And yet, it is Young-sup who is the master flyer, while Kee-sup’s strength lies in the kite’s construction. When a chance encounter with the king leads to the opportunity for each boy to showcase his talents, Young-sup is thrilled. But traditions in 15th century Korea are paramount, and the brothers have to use some creative thinking in order to both achieve their goals while still respecting the family honor. (Ages 8-12)
Rabbit and the Dragon King: Based on a Korean Folktale, retold by Daniel San Souci and Eujin Kim Neilan
Folktales are such a rich representation of a culture’s history, and this example is no different. The dragon king, ruler of the oceans and hypochondriac extraordinaire, is sure his life is about to end (the queen, on the other hand, is rolling her eyes in typical married-life fashion). The only thing that can cure him, the king believes, is eating the heart of a rabbit. And so the king sets in motion a plan to do just that. But when the dragon king and the rabbit meet face to face, rabbit proves she may not be so easily fooled into becoming dinner. (Ages 4-8)
Virtual travel, competition, and a few good books. What’s not to love about Olympic season?
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