Tigers, Frogs and Rice Cakes: A Book of Korean Proverbs [Hardcover]

Soma Han Stickler (Author)

Book Description

Sok-dam - folk sayings - represent enduring values held throughout all strata of Korean society. Each proverb in this book focuses on a significant folk symbol or belief deeply held by Koreans. In a culture where language ability, particularly taciturnity, is highly respected, proverbs are used as a tool for expressing oneself with grace and style. Accompanied by glowing illustrations, twenty proverbs are grouped in three themes: character, cooperation and accomplishment, and eating. By reading and understanidng only a few words, the simple elegance of proverbs helps us learn much about Korean culture and langauge.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-4Each of these 20 folk sayings or adages is given in English and Korean, and includes a phonetic pronunciation or romanization. Some of the proverbs are clear and straightforward, such as Love must be given before it can be received. Others, such as Seven falls, eight rises and Licking the outside of a watermelon, are more obscure and difficult to understand. However, an informative appendix explains the proverbs in further detail and groups them into categories: Character, Cooperation and Accomplishment, and Eating. The flat, static watercolor illustrations occasionally add clarification and insight. The layout is clear, with attractive borders surrounding each proverb and illustration. An additional purchase.DeAnn Tabuchi, San Anselmo Public Library, CA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Language Notes

Text: English, Korean

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Shens Books; 1st edition (March 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1885008104
• ISBN-13: 978-1885008107
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,795,539 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This beautiful book opens many doors, April 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tigers, Frogs and Rice Cakes: A Book of Korean Proverbs (Hardcover)

I thought Tigers would be great to use for a presentation as a lesson in an English language development (ESL) class. And it also would be a good interdisciplinary assignment--write it in English class and illustrate it in Art class. It would also be a good writing-across-the-curriculum activity for the art class. I showed it to my high school class today and we had a great discussion about proverbs and sayings in various cultures. A Punjabi girl who recently enrolled in my class shared one with us and it was the first time she had spoken up in class so I was pleased. It is interesting to see how many of the same ideas transcend language and culture and this beautiful book opens the door to have that conversation. Susan Davis, English teacher, Modesto, CA

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tigers, Frogs, and Rice Cakes arrived by UPS one morning., February 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tigers, Frogs and Rice Cakes: A Book of Korean Proverbs (Hardcover)

I read it during my lunch time, enjoying it thoroughly. Not only is it a work of art, but a work of wisdom as well. A key to the proverbs at the back of the book was helpful in articulating these Korean pearls of wisdom.

I think my favorite on "character" is "It is dark at the base of the lamp." On "cooperation," I especially liked, "An empty push cart makes more noise." On "eating," I loved," Licking the outside of the watermelon." These proverbs help me see and understand human frailty, while suggesting something greater to strive for. They are whimsical, correcting me gently for my oversights. A great book for anyone under the age of 112.

Barry Zeve English teacher San Francisco, C

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars More than a bit thin..., July 20, 2008

By 

Karl Randall (Gainesville, Florida USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tigers, Frogs and Rice Cakes: A Book of Korean Proverbs (Hardcover)

Tigers, Frogs and Rice Cakes is certainly a book of Korean Proverbs - 20 proverbs to be exact.

Perhaps I am biased in that I was hoping for both something more comprehensive as well as academic. There were several proverbs that I am personally familiar with that were not included. Additionally, while there IS an explanatory section at the back of the book (the only 3 pages of the entire work that I personally found useful), there is little in the history or evolution the proverbs.

As a children's book for use in an ESL or culture class it would be an excellent choice. For someone (myself, in this case) looking for a more or less comprehensive listing of proverbs with attached histories and evolution it is a waste of money.