Sir Whong and the Golden Pig

This tale of wisdom and foolishness, generosity and greed unfolds against the lush landscape of Korea. When Sir Whong, the village sage, lends a stranger a large amount of money, accepting a golden pig as collateral, he soon realizes his mistake. He has been tricked, and must devise a cunning plan to win back his money and his honor. Adapted from a traditional Korean tale, this retelling is somewhat lacking in humor. While the explication of Korean culture proves absorbing, clarity is occasionally sacrificed: the essential plot twist, in particular, may need explaining to young audiences. In contrast, Han's atmosphere-laden watercolors capture both the bustle of village life and the serenity of an ancient country. With a vibrant palette, ornate borders and scrupulous attention to indigenous details (elaborately carved furnishings, unique domestic paraphernalia), this debut illustrator masterfully brings to life an exotic locale. An artistic--and uncommon--addition to the multicultural bookshelf. Ages 4-8. (Mar.)