Stephanie Plunkett

Kongi and Potgi is one of the traditional cinderella stories but from Korean culture. Kongi had an evil stepmother along with and evil stepsister. Kongi had lost her mother and her dad was lonely so she was all for her dad finding a new wife. Kongi's dad soon moved his new wife and stepdaughter into the house and they soon took over, demanding Kongi to do all the chores and cooking. The prince in the village welcomed all the ladies to a ball in the village so that he could find a bride. The stepmother gave Kongi ridiculous chores to keep her busy as her and her stepdaughter went to the ball. The animals in the village helped Kongi with every chore she had and as she gazed into the sky she saw her mothers spirit along with others. Kongi was transformed into a beautiful young lady. She was later carried to the ball and was frightened by the stares upon arrival. Kongi ran leaving a slipper behind. The prince set out to every village where soon found Kongi. They later married and were respected throughout the villages. Kongi learned to be patient, humble and kind.… (plus d'informations)

The book begins with “Some Facts About Korean Culture”. It explains the landscape, houses, dishes, marketplaces, and folktales as well as some vocabulary.

The story plays out much like the traditional Cinderella story until Kongi needs help working in the stony field. At this point an ox speaks to her and helps her to plow. Next a toad helps her to fill a water jar with a hole in the bottom.

When the Prince invites all eligible young ladies to a party in order to find a bride, Kongi is told she may not attend until the rice jar is full. She must take the bundles of grain from the bin, put the grain to dry, and remove each kernel brace from its hard outer shell. Sparrows come to help her.

Radiant angels come from a rainbow and dress her and provide a sedan chair to bring her to the party. There is no stroke of midnight. Kongi, flustered by the prince’s attention, leaves and loses her jewellike slipper.
In the end, Kongi forgives her stepfamily who, learning from her good example, eventually change to help others and do good deeds.

The colorful illustrations show much about Korean culture, food, and dress.

This is an interesting version of the Cinderella story.… (plus d'informations)

The classic fairy tale story of Cinderella but from Korea instead. Kongi may have been a slave in her step mother and sisters eyes, but she is a patient and caring person. Her innocent and hard working personality was able to win the Prince's heart and become his wife. The illustrations are very detailed and colorful. It was able to capture the Korean culture and landscape. Teachers can use this book by showing their students a different view of Cinderella coming from another country and culture. It gives a chance for students to learn a bit of the Korean culture but see the use of the classical story line of Cinderella. I love really how there is a Korean version of Cinderella, but it is told their point of view. It's nice to see a different view of a classical story that has been going on for many decades now.… (plus d'informations)

This book resembles the classic Cinderella story, but not entirely. There are differences due to the fact that it is retold in a Korean perspective. The book gives readers a chance to learn about the Korean culture and gain a better understanding of what Korea was like. Even just the pictures help students learn about the culture. This would be a great book to use as a compare/contrast lesson with the classic Cinderella story that students are familiar with and the Kongi and Potgi Cinderella story.… (plus d'informations)