Title: East Asian Folktales Myths and Legends

Written by: Eva Wong-Nava

Illustrated by: Jocelyn Kao

Published by: Scholastic

In this compilation there are eighteen fantastic retellings of East Asian folktales, myths and legends that have been handed down by word of mouth through the generations. There is an important introduction explaining what countries are included as part of East Asia and why, including what beliefs have influenced them. This gave an overview of East Asian traditions and anthropological insights. The Author’s Note goes on to explain the differences in names across the region and the reasons behind their pronunciations.

These eighteen stories have been divided into five distinct chapters: Origin and Discovery Tales, Festival Stories, Animal Tales, Tales of the Good Wise and Brave, and lastly Ancient Love Stories. Within each chapter each story has its own introduction and useful explanation of the story origins. For me the addition of the source of the story enriched the reading experience and makes this book a useful educational resource for schools and libraries. Each story heading is accompanied by beautiful black and white illustrations by the talented Jocelyn Kao.

Eva Wong-Nava kept me hooked until the very last page. She touched on the virtues and vices of human nature and captured the essence of these enchanting traditional stories, making them totally accessible to children today. I enjoyed her sensational, lyrical writing style ideal for the 8+reader and the subtle cultural details within each story. These stories give an insight into people’s way of life past and present and I was personally able to compare and contrast with my knowledge of Cypriot folktales from my own culture with their Turkish, Greek and Lebanese influences.

Many highlighted societal beliefs and traditions such as the Korean tale, Mr Mole Find a Husband for his Daughter, which vividly displays the quest of a father to find a suitable husband for his daughter, conveying the significance of arranged marriages still prevalent in many cultures today. Others have a lesson attached in the style of Aesop’s Fables such as the Mongolian story, The Not-So-Very-Clever Wolf.

East Asian Folktales Myths and Legends truly is a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of East Asia. This brilliant collection of diverse tales will not only entertain but make you think. A great read.

You can buy copies of Asian Folktales Myths and Legends by Eva Wong-Nava and Jocelyn Kao from your local bookshop, or online at uk.bookshop.org which supports local, independent bookshops.