Absolutely gorgeously illustrated. ( )

This masterfully retold version of Cinderella presents real Korean customs and includes dramatic, brightly colored illustrations

This book is one version of the many different Cinderella tales from Korea. It incorporates many traditions from Korean storytelling, like Tokgabis, goblins that either help or hinder humans. The Cinderella tale will be familiar for young students, as it remains quite similar to the Anglo fairytale. The style of writing was somewhat bland. The illustrations, however were colorful and culturally significant. In the back of the book, the Illustrator's Note was and interesting guide to her choices and the symbolism hidden in the illustrations. ( )

In this Cinderella retelling, Pear Blossom's mother dies. Her father remarries a woman who prefers her own daughter to Pear Blossom and uses Pear Blossom as a servant, expecting her to complete unreasonable tasks. Pear Blossom is helped by nature, but still the stepmother treats her horribly. One day she loses her sandal in a stream, but not before the magistrate spots her. A marriage is arranged. The story deviates from the traditional story in several places and probably works best in the Korean cultural setting. ( )

Pear Blossom's father remarries a woman with a daughter, whose name is Peony. Pear Blossom father falls ill and Pear blossom is mistreated by her stepfamily. Pear Blossom must perform impossible tasks for her stepmother, such as filling a leaky water jar and polishing grains of rice. She succeeds with the help of a frog and birds by which she is punished severely by her stepmother. Pear Blossom is able to attend the village festival and loses her sandal in a stream. A magistrate who notices her on the road traces her to her house using her sandal.