Reference
Cinderella type stories are common to every culture. Korea boasts several versions of this type of story. The Korean Cinderella by Shirley Climo explores one version of this fairy tale. This retelling begins in a way familiar to western readers. Parents longing for a child celebrate the birth of a daughter. Over time the mother passes and the father remarries. With the help of many magical creatures “Pigling” or Pear Blossom completes each difficult task given to her by her step mother. She then is able to attend a festival where a lost shoe leads her to happiness.
Readers of any nationality and age will be able to relate to the standard Cinderella format of parental loss, followed by suffering at the hands of the wicked step mother and eventual rescue by the price when good triumphs. Though the story is familiar in its organization, Korean cultural references and language infuse the story. References to Korean words such as Omani or mother are explained throughout the book. This makes it easy for readers unfamiliar with the language, to follow along. The story also refers to distinctive Eastern Cultural customs such as the father going to a matchmaker after Pear Blossom’s mother passes, Pear Blossom’s filial piety or devotion to family and the reference to the Tokgabi or goblin later in the book.
The colorful illustrations help to accent the story while lending themselves to the cultural references in the book. Characters are dressed in traditional hanbok and Pear Blossom’s sandal, unlike the traditional glass slipper we are accustomed to in the west, is made of straw. The illustrations help the reader to imagine Pear Blossoms life and understand the culture and setting of the story.
Though the content is appropriate for any age, the length and difficult vocabulary in this retelling of the standard Cinderella tale is more suited to moderate level readers. However the story is engaging enough that young readers enjoy it as a read aloud.
