The Tiger’s Tale

By Kim Myung-soo

Translated by Kim Ok-hee and Betty Chung

(Appletree Tales)

Among many stories available for children, Korea’s traditional folktales offer a unique reading experience for young readers.

The fables, myths and anecdotes present humor and life lessons, as well as a glimpse into traditional values and culture.

Local publisher Appletree Tales’ bilingual series of children’s books, titled “Monkey Mama,” carries the essence of Korea’s folk tales. The stories are new interpretations with a modern touch, and have been written by some of the most celebrated children’s book authors in the country.

The series’ latest book, “The Tiger’s Tale,” is written by award-winning author Kim Myung-soo, who has written several children’s books since her debut in 1977.

The book tells a story of powerful yet foolish tiger, who fails to catch a rabbit and instead runs into a series of bitter experiences. The smart bunny manages to escape the danger whenever she runs into the hungry tiger by telling him he should try what humans eat first ― such as rice cakes and fish ― before eating her.

“My dear Tiger, Sir. You have lot of luck to eat ― I was going to fish,” says the rabbit in the book, when she is approached by the tiger who had already been tricked by her twice. He had been given grilled stones by the bunny who told him they were rice cakes.

“You sly rabbit, I am not going to be fooled again,” says the tiger, while trying to eat the bunny.

To this, the rabbit once again uses her wits. “Wait a minute, Sir Tiger. If you eat me now, you will never learn how to fish in your life. I am the only one who knows how to fish. You have only tasted animals in the mountain not the delicious fish in the water.”

The story is paired up with colorful illustrations of artist Lee Eun-cheon, who has drawn for numerous children’s books. Lee, who majored in traditional Korean painting while studying at ChungAng University’s fine arts program, offers what has been clearly inspired by Korean art.

Both of the animals are depicted humorously with Lee’s detailed brushworks, while the backgrounds are reminiscent of traditional landscape paintings, particularly those of mountains and rivers. And such traditional flair certainly compliments the folk tale-inspired story.

“Wisdom is much more valuable than physical power, especially when you are in danger,” Kim Myung-soo wrote to her young readers. “The bunny survives the danger, but tricks the tiger and puts him through bitter experiences. Would tricking others count as being wise? We should all think about the question.”

The book dedicates its last two pages to the story’s English translation. It would’ve been if the translation were placed on the same pages as the original Korean text throughout the book.

The series has published eight folk tales so far, including “Kongji and Patzzi,” and “Tiger and Dried Persimmons.” For more information on the series, visit www.appletreetales.com.

(dyc@heraldcorp.com)