Early Reader Review: The Three-Year Tumble: Based on a Korean Folktale by Dayeon Auh

Source: From the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Three-Year Tumble: Based on a Korean Folktale by Dayeon Auh 

Publisher: NorthSouth Books
Publication Date:  March 25, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Based on the traditional Korean folktale “Samnyeongogae” (“Three-Year Mountain Pass"), this picture book parable by Korean-German artist Dayeon Auh features a fateful mountain, a superstitious grandfather, and a granddaughter with a clever perspective on life.

Legend says that anyone who falls down Misfortune Mountain has three years left to live. Grandfather must travel over the treacherous mountain to get to the market, but one day catastrophe happens and he tumbles down! The doctor says he is perfectly healthy, but Grandfather feels the end is near . . . until his granddaughter comes to visit and makes a different calculation about his fate.

From then on, the legend of the mountain takes on a new meaning and everyone finds themselves eager to tumble down it. A fable that demonstrates how a change in one’s mindset can make a positive impact.

Review: 

This picture book, inspired by the traditional Korean folktale Samnyeongogae, takes this classic story and shares it with English speaking children. While the concept and message shine—emphasizing the power of positivity and the impact of mindset—the execution might have left a bit to be desired.

The illustrations are bright and colorful, which will appeal to younger readers, but they felt somewhat rudimentary and lacked the refinement often seen in modern picture books. This may not deter children, but adults might find the artwork less engaging. Additionally, the translation from Korean to English seemed like it might have lost some of the original charm or cultural nuance, because the narrative felt slightly forced in places.

That said, the book's ending is delightful. The granddaughter’s clever reinterpretation of the mountain’s legend not only redefines her grandfather’s outlook but also shifts the entire community’s perspective in an uplifting and thought-provoking way. It’s a great reminder of how a simple change in thinking can transform our lives.

Overall, this is a decent read for children and families, especially those looking to explore folktales with a meaningful moral. While it isn’t one of my favorite reads, its positive theme makes it worth a read. I think families will enjoy having this Korean folktale in their collections.