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Tigers, Frogs, and Rice Cakes
By Selected and translated by Daniel D. Holt |
ORDER -- Item #3314, Price $15.95
Here, twenty proverbs are presented in lucid yet articulate grammar which lead the reader into many of the alluring and unique facets of Korean culture. Known as Sok-dam, or "folk-sayings," each proverb depicts a belief system or symbol representative of the Korean people, where character and cooperation are highly revered.
Ornately designed watercolor paintings bring the book's text to life by conveying the truths of the Korean tradition with ethereal yet expressive illustrations. All the colors of Korean "folk" life are tenderly juxtaposed with each other to clearly express the simplicity - and sometimes complexity - of Korean proverbs.
O-neun cheong-i i-sseo-ya ka-neun cheong-i it-tta.
Cheong, in this proverb is translated as "love," not of the romantic type, but as the heartfelt bond one senses with another person. Koreans deeply cherish their concept of cheong, better understood as the "heart" in the empathetic expression, "My heart goes out to you." Koreans might say that you have cheong when you exhibit compassion - your response to recognizing another person's needs and feelings.
Soma Han Stickler was born in Korea, living there until she moved to the U.S. in 1976. She studied art at the California College of Arts and Crafts. Her art now holds permanence in the archives of both the National Museum of Women in the Arts and Very Special Arts Gallery in Washington, DC. She currently lives in Watsonville, CA with her husband, John.
Book Description From the Front Cover Flap
If we wish to taste a sweet, juicy watermelon, we should not spend all our time "licking the outside." We must delve into its core and
experience for ourselves all the flavor it has to offer.
Excerpts From the Book
Love must be given before it can be received.
Excerpt From the Author's Note
Korean proberbs represent a storehouse of useful information. By reminding us of basic truths, they help develop our capacity to live with compassion, perseverance, and responsibility. With humor and metaphor, they provide subtle, indirect ways to teach young people important lessons about personal integrity and cooperation. In addition, they provide a window on Korean culture and language. The simple elegance of proverbs helps us learn much about Korea by reading and understanding only a few words. By comparing proverbs across cultures, we can identify some of the similarities and differences that help us appreciate the diversity that characterizes the world.
About the Author and Illustrator
Daniel D. Holt earned his bachelors degree in education at The Ohio State University, and his masters in bilingual education at Standford University. He spent seven years living in Korea, which further enhanced his love for Korean culture, while helping him become a master of Korean language. Mr. Holt currently lives in Sacramento, CA, where he is an educational consultant for innovative school projects.
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Copyright © 2005 by AACP, Inc.
Most recent revision October 28, 2005