Korean story about 2 froglings who do the opposite of what mom asks.

Summary:
"The Green Frogs" by Yumi Heo is the story of two green frogs that do the opposite of whatever their mother tells them not to do. Will the green frogs ever learn to do what their mother tells them?

Personal Reaction:
At first I thought this was going to be a very cute story about two frogs that don't listen to their mother but they eventually learn to. However, the ending I was unprepared for. I don't want to spoil the ending but I will say that the green frogs do eventually listen to their mother but it doesn't happen the way you would expect.

Extension Ideas:
1.) This would be a good introduction when talking about Korean culture especially since the Korean word for children who do listen to their mother translates to green frogs.
2.) This story also has a lesson about listening to your mother or father especially when it comes to important times and situations. ( )

A wise Korean folktale about two green frogs having difficulties following their mother's requests and advice, learning at the end when their mother died, the importance of listening her words. A story retell generation by generation to encourage children obey their parents explaining the reason why frogs cry when it rains. Pond house like settings, surrounded by nature in very soft hues in oil paint and pencil Children will gain a cultural perspective from this Pourquoi tale, the importance of following the advice of more experience adults in our lives, and the cruel reality, at one point in life, we all die, so is important to love one another in life before departing.

This is a retelling of a well-known and popular Korean folktale, where two rebellious young frogs neglect their mother's concerns. Every time the mother asks them to do something, they do the exact opposite, so she asks them to bury her in the riverbank when she dies, thinking they will do the opposite. To honor her memory, the boys actually listen and the end up having to rebury their mother when it rains. It's a bit depressing, but it is a strong lesson for children. ( )

I enjoyed reading a folktale from another culture, especially when they explain details about that culture. Yumi Heo even had the experience of being told this story as a young girl when she didn’t listen to her mother. This book is great for the primary grades and would be useful for any grade level that is discussing Pourquoi tales. ( )