Hyechong Cheung, photographed by Prodeepta Das,
K is for Korea
Frances Lincoln, 2008.

Ages 4-8

K is for Korea, a title in Frances Lincoln’s acclaimed World Alphabet series, takes kids on a journey through different aspects of a country most western kids know little or nothing about.

The author’s note, which works as an introduction, gives readers a quick overview of this vast and diverse country, but it is Das’s color photographs and Choung’s simple text that, combined, really introduce children to the land, focusing on city and country life and the indisputable things shared by the “the democratic South and the communist North.” Das (I is for India, P is for Pakistan) brings the vibrancy of Korea alive through his photography, and Choung, as a teacher, and a Korean herself, is adept at conveying cultural details to her young readership.

From Arirang (folk songs) to Ggachi (the national bird) and Hanbok (the traditional Korean dress) to Zing (a type of gong used in traditional Buddhist ceremonies), this alphabet will help children learn about many of Korea’s riches. It is perhaps surprising that Kimchi is only mentioned in the author’s note, but the letter K, as it turns out, is given to an even more prominent word: Korea itself.

While the romanization of the Korean words featured does not make for an introduction to the language, K is for Korea succeeds in introducing the culture in an attractive and straightforward way. The book connects the country’s name to its language, places, objects and traditions, and makes for a great addition to the home or classroom library of those interested in raising globally literate children, who will find this an accessible introductory exploration of Korea and its culture.

Aline Pereira
April 2009