Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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

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

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.

The book has great illustration and the proverbs are right, but it doesn't explain the meanings of the proverbs. You can look them up on the inet though.

I like the illustration of the book and I enjoy reading korean proverbs because it brings all the good memories from korea. Although, it is very difficult to understand korean proverbs if you are not a korean. I try to explain some of the proverbs to non koreans and they just have no clue. At the end of the book it explains each proverbs but it doesn't describe the origin of the proverbs and doesn't explain what that proverbs really means to people.