The Magic Amber: A Korean Legend

Legends of the World

by Charles Reasoner

A generous and kind old couple triumphs over their greedy landlord in this enchanting story of a magical stone that makes rice.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1993

About the author

Charles Reasoner is a published author, illustrator, and a translator of children's books. Some of his published credits include 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Inside Santa's Toy Shop, Inside Jolly Roger's Pirate Ship, and Inside Old McDonald's Barn.

Reviews

[Bridgette Hossbach · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book: The Magic Amber
Retold/ Illustrated: Charles Reasoner
Pages: 32

This story is a retelling of the legend of the Magic Amber stone. The poor couple gives up the last of their food to feed a hungry traveler and in return the traveler rewards them with the Magic Amber stone. The old couple realizes later that the stone possesses the ability to make rice. They share their blessings with the others in the area and in return the neighbors bring their own foods to them too. One day the landlord came to visit the old couple. The landlord was jealous and stole the magic amber to use selfishly. The landlord falls over in a boat and in result loses the Magic Amber in the river. Long after the old couple is given a catfish from their neighbors that they shared their rice with and inside they find that the fish had eaten the Magic Amber.
This story is heavy in morality and is a cautionary tale of what happens to people who are selfish. Karma will vary depending on how you treat others. I loved the illustrations and they cleared up that the amber stone was found when it was a little unclear just from the words alone. The colors were very saturated and brought to life the korean culture.

[kate. · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is one of the books i definitely remember reading when i was little :)

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story of generosity and greed in a Korean folk tradition.

[Alycia Angel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book as a child and loved it! Such a good story and lesson behind the story!

[Sarah Hannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Reflection - I thought this was a good tale of how greed will not get you far. I had an interesting personal connection because I am Korean, so this allowed me to consider a folktale from my culture.

Use in the classroom
-Read-aloud for enjoyment or learning about Korean culture or folk literature.
-This book can be used to explore a different culture as a class or if each student studies a culture, this could be the book the student who chooses Korea could use.
-This book teaches the idea that greed will not get you far in life.
-This book could be used during folktales and traditional literature to discuss the use of the element of magic.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about a poor couple whose generosity is continually repaid to them - first, when they get a magic amber that fills their ricepot and second, when the villagers they've helped keep paying them back even after the couple loses the amber.

Bit long, though.

[Jess · Rating 2 out of 5]

An old couple shares the last of their rice with a mysterious wanderer who in turn shares a magic amber that fills and refills their pot with rice. Lon Po, the landlord, is jealous and plotting.


Interesting story but one that is too long and slightly awkward to read aloud.

[Jasmeetphatada · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book was really cool it showed me that good things happen to good people it was really nice.