A Tiger by the Tail and Other Stories from the Heart of Korea: [Hardcover]

Lindy S. Curry (Author), Chan-Eun Park (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 1999 | Series: World Folklore Series

The power of love within families; the complexities of relationships; the rites of passage for birth, coming of age, marriage, and death-these are some of the themes covered in this wonderful volume. Author and storyteller Lindy Soon Curry offers us 25 enchanting tales that foster understanding of Korean culture and Korean Americans. Humorous tales, teaching tales, tall tales, classics, and a section of stories about tigers are included. Written in a style that easily lends itself to read-alouds as well as to silent reading, these stories reflect unique cultural traditions and values of Korea as well as universal symbols and themes. Curry's tips for storytelling give educators insights in how to effectively present or perform the tales. In addition, Dr. Chan-eung Park discusses the wisdom to be found in the stories and the cultural continuity of the collection. A color plate section illustrates some of the traditional arts, customs, landscapes of Korea.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Curry retells 25 popular Korean folktales "that demonstrate-the power of love within families, relationships, and life stages." The stories are arranged into five sections: those with familiar themes, those that stress Korean values, a set entitled "The Power of Stories," tiger tales, and tall tales. While storyteller's notes follow most of the selections, there is no source information. Versions of "Cinderella," the marriage of rat's daughter, and Ondal the fool are included. Several selections feature wise, determined women. Unfortunately, the retellings are somewhat flat, without the nicely turned phrases that invite repetition or the liveliness found in Cathy Spagnoli's Asian Tales and Tellers (August House, 1998). Several black-and-white reproductions as well as spot art appear throughout; a center portfolio of full-color photographs and art reproductions shows aspects of the country's culture. A section of adequate storytelling tips opens the volume. While the stories are not completely polished, this title could be considered for libraries serving large Korean-American communities.-Diane S. Marton, Arlington County Library, VA

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Review

?This volume is a good one for a new storyteller to pick up. It has a section called 'Tips for Storytellers' as well as the 'Storyteller's Notes' which follow many of the stories. It also would be a great addition to a classroom unit on Korea.?-Colorado Libraries

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 120 pages
• Publisher: Libraries Unlimited (May 15, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563085860
• ISBN-13: 978-1563085864
• Product Dimensions: 10.4 x 7.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,490,966 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great index makes for a great collection of tales, December 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Tiger by the Tail and Other Stories from the Heart of Korea: (Hardcover)

This is a great great collection of folk-tales that embody many virtues: honesty, sharing, etc. The wonderful index emparts a user-friendly code that enables works of fiction and folk-lore readily available.