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Maya and the Turtle: A Korean Fairy Tale
This multicultural children's book presents a heartwarming Korean fairy tale about a little girl and a fortunate encounter.
Poverty is all Maya has ever known, but she doesn't allow it to stop her from caring for her father, and others, as best she can. Kind and gentle, she is a lovely young girl who always puts others first. One day, she finds a little turtle and takes him home, raising and loving him, never knowing that he will play an instrumental part in her destiny.
Similar to The Korean Cinderella, Maya and the Turtle, is an original Korean fairy tale by authors John Stickler and Soma Han that teaches children that the road to greatness lies in selflessness and that the loving kindness of a pure heart can awaken great love and power in another. Beautifully illustrated by Han, this book contains fascinating bits of information about Korean culture and is a poignant tale about the rewards of kindness, patience and courage.
Poverty is all Maya has ever known, but she doesn't allow it to stop her from caring for her father, and others, as best she can. Kind and gentle, she is a lovely young girl who always puts others first. One day, she finds a little turtle and takes him home, raising and loving him, never knowing that he will play an instrumental part in her destiny.
Similar to The Korean Cinderella, Maya and the Turtle, is an original Korean fairy tale by authors John Stickler and Soma Han that teaches children that the road to greatness lies in selflessness and that the loving kindness of a pure heart can awaken great love and power in another. Beautifully illustrated by Han, this book contains fascinating bits of information about Korean culture and is a poignant tale about the rewards of kindness, patience and courage.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published September 10, 2012
9 people are currently reading
334 people want to read
About the author
Soma Han
2 books1 followerSoma Han was born in the agricultural southwestern part of the Korean peninsula. She was the ninth child of the village elder, a Tao master and teacher of Buddhism, a descendant of the aristocratic Han family.
Soma Han has a BA in literature and a BFA degree from the California College of the Arts. Her works have been shown in galleries in Arizona, California, New York, Washington, D.C., Mexico, Hong Kong and Korea.
Soma Han has a BA in literature and a BFA degree from the California College of the Arts. Her works have been shown in galleries in Arizona, California, New York, Washington, D.C., Mexico, Hong Kong and Korea.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 14, 2020
When I spotted that this was a Korean children’s fairytale passed down from mother to daughter, I was delighted to pick it up and listen in.
The short ‘picture’ story was tender and had a blend of courage, generosity, adversity, and magic which made for a good fairytale. I didn’t have the illustrations of the picture book before me, but I was able to see brave, sweet Maya in my mind’s eye cling to the promise her mother made before she died and then do everything she could to save her father.
The story left me with a stronger curiosity for more Korean folklore, more interest in Korean history, and the lessons learned from Maya’s actions. I think children will love the whimsy of the magical turtle and villain caterpillar, the struggle of Maya and her reward.
The narrator, Talulah Shadrick, was a first time for me, but she was splendid as a little girl’s voice and the storyteller voice she adopted. The production was superb. The wedding march was an interesting sound affect for later in the story and I wish a Korean wedding piece had been played, but I get that this was translated for English-speaking listeners. I enjoyed the author’s note at the end about the source of this story.
I rec’d this book from Audiobookworm Reviews to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
The short ‘picture’ story was tender and had a blend of courage, generosity, adversity, and magic which made for a good fairytale. I didn’t have the illustrations of the picture book before me, but I was able to see brave, sweet Maya in my mind’s eye cling to the promise her mother made before she died and then do everything she could to save her father.
The story left me with a stronger curiosity for more Korean folklore, more interest in Korean history, and the lessons learned from Maya’s actions. I think children will love the whimsy of the magical turtle and villain caterpillar, the struggle of Maya and her reward.
The narrator, Talulah Shadrick, was a first time for me, but she was splendid as a little girl’s voice and the storyteller voice she adopted. The production was superb. The wedding march was an interesting sound affect for later in the story and I wish a Korean wedding piece had been played, but I get that this was translated for English-speaking listeners. I enjoyed the author’s note at the end about the source of this story.
I rec’d this book from Audiobookworm Reviews to listen to in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2019
Maya's mother died when she was a young girl. Before her death, she told Maya that Maya would one day become a princess and that her mother would always watch over her. Maya and her father were poor and when her father became ill, Maya determined that she would offer herself as a sacrifice to the monstrous centipede that attacked the village on the other side of the mountain. The village paid a large sum to anyone brave enough to face the centipede, so Maya was able to buy her father medicine to preserve his life. I won't spoil the rest of the story, but Maya's courage and compassion brought great results.
The illustrations in this book are really lovely. I also liked that it had small notes on many pages, giving insights into Korean culture.
The illustrations in this book are really lovely. I also liked that it had small notes on many pages, giving insights into Korean culture.
August 30, 2020
I listened to the audio book version of this fairy tale and it was adorable! The narrator, Talulah Shadrick is young so she gave the story the right spin. It wouldn't have had the same effect if an adult woman had told the story, so the choice of the narrator was great.
Maya and the Turtle is a story Soma Han's mother used to tell her and her sister. I liked this bit, because I think fairy tales are what makes us dream despite reality is not glitter and gold. Fairy tales make us believe that there is hope, there is light, there is love.
Maya is a young girl when she loses her mother. In this short story we see how she never gives up despite life is not kind with her, because Maya is a courageous girl who thinks about others before she thinks about herself. This selflessness is repaid at the end, because Maya's future turns brighter than how one may think.
I loved that there were also some background effects in the audio book, because they made the storytelling much fascinating. I really love to hear about these types of stories, and one of the reasons I decided to listen to this one is that it was a Korean story. I would surely love to hear more Korean fairy tales in the future!
Maya and the Turtle is a story Soma Han's mother used to tell her and her sister. I liked this bit, because I think fairy tales are what makes us dream despite reality is not glitter and gold. Fairy tales make us believe that there is hope, there is light, there is love.
Maya is a young girl when she loses her mother. In this short story we see how she never gives up despite life is not kind with her, because Maya is a courageous girl who thinks about others before she thinks about herself. This selflessness is repaid at the end, because Maya's future turns brighter than how one may think.
I loved that there were also some background effects in the audio book, because they made the storytelling much fascinating. I really love to hear about these types of stories, and one of the reasons I decided to listen to this one is that it was a Korean story. I would surely love to hear more Korean fairy tales in the future!
May 2, 2023
This book was a WOW book because of the unique storytelling through the use of traditional Korean elements. The story first begins with the main character Maya, as her mother is talking to her on her deathbed, telling her about a dream, sort of like a prophecy, of Maya becoming a princess. Maya grows and finds a small turtle near her favorite rock after picking a few flowers and vegetables. Maya continues to care for the turtle, yet when her father becomes ill she sacrifices herself to protect a nearby village from the monstrous centipede and receive goods to be able to aid her father back into health. When it was time for her to be in the woods to receive her predetermined fate of the centipede, she is protected by that turtle and is rejoiced by the village and soon the emperor, which ultimately allows Maya to meet the Prince and soon fall in love and marry him, fulfilling her mother’s proposed prophecy. This book is a WOW book due to the significance of cultural elements that were implemented in the writing and the execution of the plot, which bring so much value in a sense, due to being able to learn something new about a specific culture and how certain things can be represented.
One thing to note about the writing craft is that the author mentions a small section under the main text that relates cultural references that were mentioned in the dialogue and describes the significance of it. Maya and the Turtle can be categorized in the genre of Traditional literature since it contains cultural values and insights, as well as gives us some information to learn a little about customary Korean values. It also includes the archetypal character, commonly associated with good versus evil. Another culturally significant finding that was presented in the book was the use of another form of literature, poetry, more specifically the writing craft of using a Haiku. Also the use of symbolic representations such as the turtle, which in Korean culture often is associated with long life, the centipede being an evil force, and Changsung, which are wooden structures that are used to ward off evil spirits.
One thing to note about the writing craft is that the author mentions a small section under the main text that relates cultural references that were mentioned in the dialogue and describes the significance of it. Maya and the Turtle can be categorized in the genre of Traditional literature since it contains cultural values and insights, as well as gives us some information to learn a little about customary Korean values. It also includes the archetypal character, commonly associated with good versus evil. Another culturally significant finding that was presented in the book was the use of another form of literature, poetry, more specifically the writing craft of using a Haiku. Also the use of symbolic representations such as the turtle, which in Korean culture often is associated with long life, the centipede being an evil force, and Changsung, which are wooden structures that are used to ward off evil spirits.
November 29, 2022
Maya and The Turtle: A Korean Fairy Tale is a book that falls under the traditional literature genre. This book is about a girl named Maya who has never had much in life. When she was little her mother was very ill and passed away. Before Maya's mother passed she explained to Maya that when she was pregnant she had a dream that Maya would become a princess one day. In Korea, many women may have what is called a "tamang dream" which is said to be a magical look into their child's future. Throughout this book you watch as Maya grows up and becomes a kind and beautiful young woman who fights to save her father. With Maya's kind actions she gets showered with gifts and wealth and gets her happy ending. This book taught me a lot about the lifestyle of Korean's and their beliefs. This would be a great book to teach children about Korean's and allow them to use their imaginations as well. This book was a WOW book for me because of how informative it was. Throughout the entire book there were texts at the bottom of the page to teach the reader about different aspects of the book that one might not know if they were not from that culture. It was exciting to learn something new on each page especially since I had never been exposed to a book like a Korean fairy tale before. I also really enjoyed that the tone of the illustrations matched the energy or emotions throughout the book. It really allows the reader to feel connected with the characters and their emotions. The author did an amazing job with this book and I really enjoyed the interactive read aloud by Maya from My Storybook.
December 30, 2022
A fairytale is often associated with a happily ever after, but for me, instead of that, the highlight of this story is you reap what you sow. Maya, since a kid, shows kindness to animal. She took care of it eventho she and her father are poor. Then there's this incredible sacrifice she made just to help her father to be healthy again.
October 18, 2016
This is a beautiful story about the value of compassion, bravery and selflessness! I also love that it won a "Morning Calm" Medal which is a Korean student voted award! The story is written in a simplistic, folklore fashion and features beautiful illustrations of the characters and scenery on every page. The illustrator's use of bright colors and sharp, ink angles definitely salute authentic Asian artwork and further engage the reader in Korean culture. The book also uses culturally relevant language and has a glossary in the back for unfamiliar terms and practices. This is a very useful insight to Korean folklore and traditions! I personally liked that in this story the girl was honored for her bravery and selflessness rather than beauty or some external feature.
The story is about a young girl who lives alone with her poor father after her mother dies. As she grows, she becomes more and more beautiful and wise. One day, she is walking and comes across a baby turtle that is sitting on a rock that she doesn't know is magical. She adopts the turtle and it grows bigger and bigger. Eventually her father gets sick and can no longer takes care of them so she looks for ways to support her family. While looking, she discovers a town that is plagued by an enormous centipede. Every year, the town sacrifices a young girl to the centipede in order to keep it away. She volunteers to be sacrificed because the families of the girls who are sacrificed receive a great reward. When she is sacrificed the turtle, who suddenly turns magical and gigantic, saves her from the centipede and she lives happily ever after.
I would definitely use this story when teaching multicultural legends and folklore! Not only is it a story in which a girl is brave and heroic, it also salutes Korean culture and spurs an interest in discovery other Korean works. If I were to use this book, I would first introduce Korea by having the students research Korea on this website:
http://www.oddizzi.com/teachers/explo...
I would only have them study South Korea for now and introduce North Korea later so that the topic of communism doesn't cloud their view of Korea's history. I would then read the story and focus on the glossary in the back of the book. If there are students from Korea or students tat have been there, I may ask them to expand on what we all know about Korean traditions and words like those in the story.
I definitely recommend this book for students of all ages. Very interesting and fun!
The story is about a young girl who lives alone with her poor father after her mother dies. As she grows, she becomes more and more beautiful and wise. One day, she is walking and comes across a baby turtle that is sitting on a rock that she doesn't know is magical. She adopts the turtle and it grows bigger and bigger. Eventually her father gets sick and can no longer takes care of them so she looks for ways to support her family. While looking, she discovers a town that is plagued by an enormous centipede. Every year, the town sacrifices a young girl to the centipede in order to keep it away. She volunteers to be sacrificed because the families of the girls who are sacrificed receive a great reward. When she is sacrificed the turtle, who suddenly turns magical and gigantic, saves her from the centipede and she lives happily ever after.
I would definitely use this story when teaching multicultural legends and folklore! Not only is it a story in which a girl is brave and heroic, it also salutes Korean culture and spurs an interest in discovery other Korean works. If I were to use this book, I would first introduce Korea by having the students research Korea on this website:
http://www.oddizzi.com/teachers/explo...
I would only have them study South Korea for now and introduce North Korea later so that the topic of communism doesn't cloud their view of Korea's history. I would then read the story and focus on the glossary in the back of the book. If there are students from Korea or students tat have been there, I may ask them to expand on what we all know about Korean traditions and words like those in the story.
I definitely recommend this book for students of all ages. Very interesting and fun!
November 22, 2016
Great little tale of a poor girl that cares for others and puts others first. A great story for children.
November 30, 2024
Maya and the Turtle: A Korean Fairytale is a heartwarming story that shows how small acts of kindness can bring about unexpected, magical rewards. Maya, a young girl who lost her mother, often goes to her favorite rock in the field. According to a legend, if you whisper your wishes there, they will come true. One day, she sees a turtle there, and though it seems ordinary, it has magical powers. We later see this when a dangerous centipede begins attacking her village. Maya volunteers to face the creature, hoping to save her father and earn money to help him. Determined to make the sacrifice, she bravely steps forward. Just as the centipede strikes, the magical turtle she met earlier intervenes and sacrifices itself to save her. After the turtle’s heroic act, Maya’s life takes a positive turn, and she lives happily ever after. This heartwarming story highlights the power of courage, kindness, and selflessness, showing how acts of bravery can lead to unexpected awards. With its beautiful illustrations and rich Korean folklore, the book is a captivating tale for readers of all ages.
Major themes in the book are selflessness and bravery. Maya shows this when she bravely faces the centipede to save her father, even though it means putting herself in danger. She makes this sacrifice out of love. The turtle also shows selflessness when it sacrifices itself to protect Maya from the centipede. In real life, acts of selflessness can lead to unexpected outcomes, showing that giving without expecting anything in return can build strong connections and bring rewards in unforeseen ways. Another major theme in the book is courage. Maya shows courage when she faces the centipede to protect her father and the village, knowing the great risk involved. Her willingness to sacrifice herself for others demonstrates true bravery. The story teaches that courage isn’t about being fearless but about the strength to act when it matters, even in the face of danger.
The main genre of this book is traditional literature. Reading this book taught me that bravery is an important human trait because it allows us to face challenges and overcome fear. Maya shows this when facing the centipede to help save her father. It reminds me that courage is putting others before yourself, even in fear or danger. I also learned about the power of selflessness from Maya and the turtle. Both show that helping others can lead to positive change. The turtle’s sacrifice teaches that sometimes the greatest rewards come from acts of kindness.
This book was a WOW book for me because I loved how it emphasizes themes of selflessness and bravery. The turtle’s sacrifice to save Maya was surprising and moving, and it perfectly tied to the themes, making a strong connection between sacrifice and kindness. I was engaged throughout the book, and the story was nicely told. I also liked how the book incorporated Korean folklore with meaningful themes that anyone can relate to.
Two of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were symbolism and foreshadowing. These literary devices enhanced the story by adding meaning and showing how the characters’ fates were connected. One of the key symbols in the book is the turtle, which plays a vital role in saving Maya’s life from the evil centipede. In Korean culture, turtles are a symbol of long life. Before Maya faces danger, she sees a turtle on the rock, its symbol of long life linked to survival. When the turtle saves Maya, it feels like fate, a sign that she and her father will be safe. In the book, foreshadowing is used through Maya’s mother dream, where she predicts that Maya will become a princess. This dream hints at Maya’s future and the journey ahead. Later, when Maya does meet the emperor’s son, and they fall in love, the dream comes true, as if everything was meant to happen.
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it teaches that people should be valued for who they are, not their background or appearance. Maya’s journey shows that even though she starts as an ordinary girl, she is meant for something great. For example, the emperor sees her inner qualities, not her appearance, and rewards her for her bravery. This teaches us that a person’s worth isn’t based on their social status or looks but on their actions and character. Overall, the book encourages us to look past biases and recognize the true value in everyone.
Major themes in the book are selflessness and bravery. Maya shows this when she bravely faces the centipede to save her father, even though it means putting herself in danger. She makes this sacrifice out of love. The turtle also shows selflessness when it sacrifices itself to protect Maya from the centipede. In real life, acts of selflessness can lead to unexpected outcomes, showing that giving without expecting anything in return can build strong connections and bring rewards in unforeseen ways. Another major theme in the book is courage. Maya shows courage when she faces the centipede to protect her father and the village, knowing the great risk involved. Her willingness to sacrifice herself for others demonstrates true bravery. The story teaches that courage isn’t about being fearless but about the strength to act when it matters, even in the face of danger.
The main genre of this book is traditional literature. Reading this book taught me that bravery is an important human trait because it allows us to face challenges and overcome fear. Maya shows this when facing the centipede to help save her father. It reminds me that courage is putting others before yourself, even in fear or danger. I also learned about the power of selflessness from Maya and the turtle. Both show that helping others can lead to positive change. The turtle’s sacrifice teaches that sometimes the greatest rewards come from acts of kindness.
This book was a WOW book for me because I loved how it emphasizes themes of selflessness and bravery. The turtle’s sacrifice to save Maya was surprising and moving, and it perfectly tied to the themes, making a strong connection between sacrifice and kindness. I was engaged throughout the book, and the story was nicely told. I also liked how the book incorporated Korean folklore with meaningful themes that anyone can relate to.
Two of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were symbolism and foreshadowing. These literary devices enhanced the story by adding meaning and showing how the characters’ fates were connected. One of the key symbols in the book is the turtle, which plays a vital role in saving Maya’s life from the evil centipede. In Korean culture, turtles are a symbol of long life. Before Maya faces danger, she sees a turtle on the rock, its symbol of long life linked to survival. When the turtle saves Maya, it feels like fate, a sign that she and her father will be safe. In the book, foreshadowing is used through Maya’s mother dream, where she predicts that Maya will become a princess. This dream hints at Maya’s future and the journey ahead. Later, when Maya does meet the emperor’s son, and they fall in love, the dream comes true, as if everything was meant to happen.
I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because it teaches that people should be valued for who they are, not their background or appearance. Maya’s journey shows that even though she starts as an ordinary girl, she is meant for something great. For example, the emperor sees her inner qualities, not her appearance, and rewards her for her bravery. This teaches us that a person’s worth isn’t based on their social status or looks but on their actions and character. Overall, the book encourages us to look past biases and recognize the true value in everyone.
June 24, 2020
| Review on Reader Fox Blog |
This is perhaps the first time that I've read a children's book and I cannot say that I have a lot of input on the artwork. In fact, all I can honestly say is that the cover is quite beautiful and the few illustrations I saw in the audiobook trailer were lovely. A blend of watercolor depictions, I just love how it all comes together. For Maya and the Turtle: A Korean Fairy Tale by John Stickler and illustrated by Soma Han, I actually just listened to the audiobook. What really intrigued me about making this decision was the fact that the narrator is a young girl. And honestly? She did an absolutely amazing job. Much better than I could have done at her age.
Maya and the Turtle is a story about kindness and self-sacrifice for others. It follows the life of a young girl who takes care of her father after her mother dies. Before her mother dies, she tells Maya of a taemong dream--a sort of prophetic dream--for what she knows will happen later on in her daughter's life. Maya later befriends a turtle whom she takes care of always regardless of how dire she and her father's situation becomes. When her father grows ill, however, Maya soon realizes that she must do what she can to take care of him and offers herself up as a sacrifice to a flying centipede that has been terrorizing a nearby village in exchange for money to buy the medicine her father desperately needs.
Maya and the Turtle very much falls in line with many fairy tales I've read in the past. Overarching elements relating to the message of the story remain very similar and . Selflessness in characters results in good things whereas vileness results in misfortune. In the case of this story, Maya's selfless and general good nature bring her fortune later in her life. But, had she not been the kind and self-sacrificing person that she was it is likely that those events never would have come to pass.
It is a cute, albeit somewhat sad story. I do feel that there was a point in which we don't really see enough of Maya's emotional response to what happens with the turtle toward the end of the story. Events following all seem to get wrapped up quickly and I would have liked a little more time spent there. Also, I have to admit, though I know it is a product of time as this is a story that has been passed down through the generations, it bugs me when the child sacrifice is almost always a young girl.
All in all, though, I really did enjoy this book. The story was a wonderful one with a great message. Illustrations, though I have only seen the cover and the few that were shown in the trailer, are gorgeous. And I absolutely adored the narration.
The narrator, young Talulah pictured holding the very book itself on the left, did an absolutely phenomenal job. Not only was she pleasant to listen to, but I really just enjoyed how she told the story. Now, I don't know a lot about audiobook narrating or how it is editing, but I can admit that it does seem like this one would benefit from a little bit of that as there are several occasions in which I can hear her take a breath. Personally, this doesn't actually bother me, however, I have seen people comment on this as a downside in the past. In truth, I feel that is more something to be addressed in editing. Talulah simply did an amazing job narrating this book.
It's a very cute story with an incredible narrator that I would definitely recommend checking out. The book itself was nominated for (and won) the Morning Calm Medal. And whether you decide to read it via audiobook or to pick up a physical or e-copy for yourself, it is definitely worth spending time on.
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This is perhaps the first time that I've read a children's book and I cannot say that I have a lot of input on the artwork. In fact, all I can honestly say is that the cover is quite beautiful and the few illustrations I saw in the audiobook trailer were lovely. A blend of watercolor depictions, I just love how it all comes together. For Maya and the Turtle: A Korean Fairy Tale by John Stickler and illustrated by Soma Han, I actually just listened to the audiobook. What really intrigued me about making this decision was the fact that the narrator is a young girl. And honestly? She did an absolutely amazing job. Much better than I could have done at her age.
Maya and the Turtle is a story about kindness and self-sacrifice for others. It follows the life of a young girl who takes care of her father after her mother dies. Before her mother dies, she tells Maya of a taemong dream--a sort of prophetic dream--for what she knows will happen later on in her daughter's life. Maya later befriends a turtle whom she takes care of always regardless of how dire she and her father's situation becomes. When her father grows ill, however, Maya soon realizes that she must do what she can to take care of him and offers herself up as a sacrifice to a flying centipede that has been terrorizing a nearby village in exchange for money to buy the medicine her father desperately needs.
Maya and the Turtle very much falls in line with many fairy tales I've read in the past. Overarching elements relating to the message of the story remain very similar and . Selflessness in characters results in good things whereas vileness results in misfortune. In the case of this story, Maya's selfless and general good nature bring her fortune later in her life. But, had she not been the kind and self-sacrificing person that she was it is likely that those events never would have come to pass.
It is a cute, albeit somewhat sad story. I do feel that there was a point in which we don't really see enough of Maya's emotional response to what happens with the turtle toward the end of the story. Events following all seem to get wrapped up quickly and I would have liked a little more time spent there. Also, I have to admit, though I know it is a product of time as this is a story that has been passed down through the generations, it bugs me when the child sacrifice is almost always a young girl.
All in all, though, I really did enjoy this book. The story was a wonderful one with a great message. Illustrations, though I have only seen the cover and the few that were shown in the trailer, are gorgeous. And I absolutely adored the narration.
The narrator, young Talulah pictured holding the very book itself on the left, did an absolutely phenomenal job. Not only was she pleasant to listen to, but I really just enjoyed how she told the story. Now, I don't know a lot about audiobook narrating or how it is editing, but I can admit that it does seem like this one would benefit from a little bit of that as there are several occasions in which I can hear her take a breath. Personally, this doesn't actually bother me, however, I have seen people comment on this as a downside in the past. In truth, I feel that is more something to be addressed in editing. Talulah simply did an amazing job narrating this book.
It's a very cute story with an incredible narrator that I would definitely recommend checking out. The book itself was nominated for (and won) the Morning Calm Medal. And whether you decide to read it via audiobook or to pick up a physical or e-copy for yourself, it is definitely worth spending time on.
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April 7, 2025
Have you ever seen a turtle breathe out fire? Well Maya’s turtle Boke-doongi did to save her life! In this book, Maya is from Korea and her mother passed away when she was younger and so it was just her and her dad. One day she went to a special rock she always goes to and saw a small turtle sitting on it which stands for luck. Then Maya’s dad got really sick in the winter and they didn't have money, so Maya went to the village and offered herself as sacrifice for the evil centipede. She did this because the villagers give a big sum of money to the families of the young girls that sacrifice themselves. Once the evil centipede showed up, Maya’s turtle showed up but was not small anymore, instead her turtle was big and blasted fire out of its breath to the centipede. Maya was safe and was able to go back to her dad, then the emperor of heaven and earth wanted to meet her for the bravery that she had. She then met the emperor’s son the prince and they fell in love at first sight, they got married and she became a princess. The major themes in the book are bravery and kindness. I think that bravery is a major theme because when Maya decided to offer herself as a sacrifice to the evil centipede, it showed how brave she is to do that so she can save her father. I think that kindness is a major theme as well because Maya was kind with the turtle from the beginning and the turtle saved her life and risked his own life because of her kindness. The main genre of this book is traditional literature. Through reading this book, I learned different things about Korean culture. The first was about their sleeping situation. I did not know that they tuck away their mattresses and comforters every morning and then bring it out at night when it is time to sleep. The second was how they eat. It was interesting to learn that they sit on cushions on the floor and eat from a small table. This book was a WOW book for me because I was able to learn certain aspects of Korean culture and enjoy the book at the same time.
Two of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were foreshadowing and imagery. These literary devices added to the quality of the writing in this book by making the plot lead up to something with foreshadowing and using descriptive language to create imagery for different scenes. The author used foreshadowing in the book when in the beginning, Maya’s mom told her about the dream she had that Maya was going to be a princess and then towards the end of the book Maya married the prince and became a princess. The author used imagery for many parts of the book like describing how the scary forest looked like, the winter Maya was in, and the ceremony the village hosted. Together these literary devices made this book super interesting and suspenseful. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because there were affirming descriptions about Korean culture throughout the whole book which let readers learn and understand.
Two of the literary devices the author used in writing this book were foreshadowing and imagery. These literary devices added to the quality of the writing in this book by making the plot lead up to something with foreshadowing and using descriptive language to create imagery for different scenes. The author used foreshadowing in the book when in the beginning, Maya’s mom told her about the dream she had that Maya was going to be a princess and then towards the end of the book Maya married the prince and became a princess. The author used imagery for many parts of the book like describing how the scary forest looked like, the winter Maya was in, and the ceremony the village hosted. Together these literary devices made this book super interesting and suspenseful. I would consider this book to be an anti-bias book because there were affirming descriptions about Korean culture throughout the whole book which let readers learn and understand.
November 28, 2024
Maya and the turtle is a Korean folk tale that tells the story of a good natured person. In the book there is a little girl who loses her mother. Before the mother passes away she tells her that she would become a princess. The girl grows up with her father and finds a turtle. She takes care of the turtle and they grow up together. Eventually Winter comes and her father is sick. However, they are poor and have nothing. She decides to go over to a rich village that promises to give her money if she becomes a sacrifice to an evil centipede. She accepts and nurses her father back to health with the money. She then goes to the forest to accept her fate. The turtle comes back and saves her from the centipede and defeats it. The Emperor of heaven and earth hears of this and rewards the girl with marriage of his son. They fall in love and live happily ever after.
The major themes of this story was courage and kindness. The girl was not afraid of offering herself for her father's health by becoming a sacrifice for the centipede. She also shows kindness by taking care of the turtle and taking care of her father. Because of this she was rewarded. In this traditional literature some lessons can be seen. The first is doing the right thing. In the story she finds a turtle and feeds it and takes care of it. Because of this the turtle fights for her safety later on. Another lesson is taking care of family. When the girl's mother passes away the father does everything he can to make sure she is happy. When he becomes sick she then takes care of him.
This was a WOW book for me because it showed me a piece of folktale I was unaware of from my heritage.
One aspect of writer's craft was the side explanations for words that not all readers may know. It allows the reader to fully understand what phrases and words of significance mean which enhances the story. Another piece of writer's craft is how detailed and lively the words are. For example, "The birds sang and the fields were covered in with bright, new flowers, popping joyously from the ground after the long, cold winter." It allows readers to picture the scene at hand. It also gives the book a sense of life of the environment.
I would consider the book to be an anti-bias book as it respectfully shows a Korean folktale. It gives a window into a kind of story that not all readers may be familiar with.
The major themes of this story was courage and kindness. The girl was not afraid of offering herself for her father's health by becoming a sacrifice for the centipede. She also shows kindness by taking care of the turtle and taking care of her father. Because of this she was rewarded. In this traditional literature some lessons can be seen. The first is doing the right thing. In the story she finds a turtle and feeds it and takes care of it. Because of this the turtle fights for her safety later on. Another lesson is taking care of family. When the girl's mother passes away the father does everything he can to make sure she is happy. When he becomes sick she then takes care of him.
This was a WOW book for me because it showed me a piece of folktale I was unaware of from my heritage.
One aspect of writer's craft was the side explanations for words that not all readers may know. It allows the reader to fully understand what phrases and words of significance mean which enhances the story. Another piece of writer's craft is how detailed and lively the words are. For example, "The birds sang and the fields were covered in with bright, new flowers, popping joyously from the ground after the long, cold winter." It allows readers to picture the scene at hand. It also gives the book a sense of life of the environment.
I would consider the book to be an anti-bias book as it respectfully shows a Korean folktale. It gives a window into a kind of story that not all readers may be familiar with.
November 27, 2023
From Maya and the turtle by Soma Han and John Stickler, is a children's story about a young girl named Maya whose mom passed away telling her that she had a dream that she will become a princess. Then later finds a baby turtle on top of a rock, this turtle (means you’ll live a long life) befriends Maya and follows her around. Maya wants to help her dad with money and in order to get money she has to sacrifice herself to a centipede. The centipede however is met with the turtle who becomes really strong and shoots fire out of its mouth until the centipede is defeated. The story is shared everywhere and eventually reaches the emperor who gives her a new lifestyle and introduces the prince to her which was love at first sight and lead to a prosperous life together. One of the major themes in this book is bravery, because she is willing to sacrifice herself for her poor father to get money. Some other themes in the movie were loyalty and the power of kindness. The main genre of this book was traditional because it talked about a folklore that is from a Korean cultural storytelling tradition. Through reading this book I learned about the importance of courage and selflessness. The story also teaches cultural diversity by introducing children to Korean folklore and traditions.
"Maya and the Turtle" was a WOW book for me because of its cultural storytelling and valuable life lessons. I always love hearing folklore I have never heard about before and to learn something out of it. Last thing that wowed me was the art style, because the centipede looked really cool and creepy. The authors use some literary devices and writing crafts in the storytelling to bring the folklore to life. Imagery and symbolism were used for the powerful turtle and the defeated centipede. The narrative structure and pacing maintain the reader's interest throughout. I believe this author used anti-bias to by affirming descriptions on courage and selflessness and how in the end by being selflessness can lead to more positives. The dialogue felt very authentic, especially in the part where she was sitting with her father during dinner. Chatting a bit before what she thought was her impending doom made the dialogue feel more genuine.
"Maya and the Turtle" was a WOW book for me because of its cultural storytelling and valuable life lessons. I always love hearing folklore I have never heard about before and to learn something out of it. Last thing that wowed me was the art style, because the centipede looked really cool and creepy. The authors use some literary devices and writing crafts in the storytelling to bring the folklore to life. Imagery and symbolism were used for the powerful turtle and the defeated centipede. The narrative structure and pacing maintain the reader's interest throughout. I believe this author used anti-bias to by affirming descriptions on courage and selflessness and how in the end by being selflessness can lead to more positives. The dialogue felt very authentic, especially in the part where she was sitting with her father during dinner. Chatting a bit before what she thought was her impending doom made the dialogue feel more genuine.
December 28, 2021
Maya and the Turtle: A Korean Fairy Tale by John Stickler (goodreads author) Illustrator Soma Han. The book narrates the story of Maya and her father from Korea. Maya’s father is a learned man. He teaches the art of use of herbs for health. These herbs can be sold so that they can survive. Her mother is ill. On her death bed, she calls Maya and informed her that she had dreamt that she will be married to a Prince. She must take care of her father. Kind and gentle, she is a lovely young girl who always puts others first. One day, she visits her favourite stone on a hill and finds a little turtle. She names him Boko-Dongi. She finds that the turtle has missed his family therefore, she takes him home. She raises him and loves him. During winter, her father is seriously ill. Due to heavy snow in the forest, she is unable to visit the forest to collect medicinal herbs. The neighbouring village offers money to young girls who are ready to sacrifice their life before a female demon named Illi. Maya takes the money offered by the village head. She treats her father so that he recovers from illness and now they have sufficient food. On the fateful night, she reaches the village hill where she has to meet the demon. Boko- Dongi the turtle, follows her. When Illi appears, Boko-Dongi fights her. Both Illi and Boko-Dongi die in the fight. Next morning, the villagers come and are happy at the death of Illi. The news of death of Illi spreads round the country. The King comes to know of this incident. He sends gifts to Maya’s house and invites her to his capital. King is happy to meet Maya. After the meeting, he asks her to meet his son the Prince. When Maya meets the Prince, they fall in love with each other on first sight. They marry and lead a happy life. Lesson from this book for children is that “the road to greatness lies in selflessness and that the loving kindness of a pure heart can awaken great love and power in another. Coloured Illustrations are fascinating bits of information about Korean culture and the book is a poignant tale about the rewards of kindness, patience and courage. I have the Hindi translation of this book.
November 28, 2023
Can you imagine befriending a turtle and it helps you in the most dire situation? In this book, the setting is in pre-industrialized Korea where Maya who lost her mother at a young age, befriends a turtle, Boke-doongi, and decides to sacrifice herself to a monstrous centipede to buy medicine for her sick father. This story is based on a traditional Korean folktale and mentions Korean words such as taemong, which is a dream one can have when they or someone they are close to gets pregnant that can predict the child’s future, and boke, which means luck. The major theme in this book was that being kind and brave can allow you to help others in times of need and be rewarded by doing good deeds for others. Children reading this book could learn that some things in life could be great opportunities and rewards if you have the courage and will to do good.
Some of the literary devices the authors used in this book were foreshadowing to allow readers to predict how Maya would end up a princess in the end as well as symbolism by naming the turtle Bokedoongi which directly translates to full of luck, to show how Maya becomes very lucky with the opportunity to help her father by volunteering herself as a sacrifice. A few of the writing craft techniques the authors used that enhanced the quality of the writing in this book were using Korean words to bring some of the Korean culture in as well as with the illustrations showing how Koreans traditionally eat, the types of houses they used to live in, the clothes they wear, and how they viewed the emperor. I would consider this book an anti-bias book because it does not show any harmful stereotypes in Korean culture, the book is illustrated and helped in writing by a Korean person herself and depicts important details of traditional Korean culture.
Some of the literary devices the authors used in this book were foreshadowing to allow readers to predict how Maya would end up a princess in the end as well as symbolism by naming the turtle Bokedoongi which directly translates to full of luck, to show how Maya becomes very lucky with the opportunity to help her father by volunteering herself as a sacrifice. A few of the writing craft techniques the authors used that enhanced the quality of the writing in this book were using Korean words to bring some of the Korean culture in as well as with the illustrations showing how Koreans traditionally eat, the types of houses they used to live in, the clothes they wear, and how they viewed the emperor. I would consider this book an anti-bias book because it does not show any harmful stereotypes in Korean culture, the book is illustrated and helped in writing by a Korean person herself and depicts important details of traditional Korean culture.
November 26, 2022
From this story, I learned a lot from the Korean language and also their culture. Aside from adding words from the Korean language, they also integrated their culture within the illustrations, such as eating on the floor sitting on cushions. I think the illustrator did an amazing job because there were many different settings shown. I would really like to emphasize the asterisks because that is a really good idea for children. It allows the author to include words from their language and by adding the definitions or context, the readers can also enjoy the story and even learn more about the culture and language. The addition of the Korean words made it feel more authentic, which is a nice and warm feeling. This story was a different version of “happily ever after”, which was a nice change. It was not the typical romantic happily ever after, it was a daughter with her dad. It teaches kids to do things out of love and because you want to and good things will come your way. I would consider this a WOW book because it is great for read-aloud, it’s educational, detailed, and has a powerful message. It showed that a young child can be brave and courageous.
This book had details that I thought were unique like the addition of the star asterisks and how on most pages, the text was in its own rectangle separating it from the page. The illustrations captured the tone of the text. For example, when it was mentioning the scary centipede, the illustration was black and white while the “fiery breath” was red (and the only color shown). I would consider this book bias-free because the main heroic character is not the stereotypical boy (or man), it was a little girl and then the turtle that sacrificed itself. It teaches you about their culture, not mock it or make fun of it.
This book had details that I thought were unique like the addition of the star asterisks and how on most pages, the text was in its own rectangle separating it from the page. The illustrations captured the tone of the text. For example, when it was mentioning the scary centipede, the illustration was black and white while the “fiery breath” was red (and the only color shown). I would consider this book bias-free because the main heroic character is not the stereotypical boy (or man), it was a little girl and then the turtle that sacrificed itself. It teaches you about their culture, not mock it or make fun of it.
Want to read
November 28, 2022This traditional folklore story follows a story about a young Korean girl named Maya and she finds a magic rock with a turtle on top of it. Maya and the turtle become friends and see each other everytime Maya goes to the mountain. One day her father falls ill and in order to get help she offers to fight a giant centipede. Maya goes home to give her father the last of the medicine she has and goes off to offer herself to the giant centipede. Maya reaches the village and the ritual begins as she is wrapped in white with a blanket and sent off to the forest as an offering to the giant centipede. Maya is frightened in the forest as everything looks scary and out of nowhere the centipede jumps out, but just before maya is eaten the turtle appears and fights off the centipede and maya is saved. The next morning Maya comes down from the mountain as the village is shocked and celebrates her achievement of defeating the centipede and doing it to save her father. Stories of Maya's bravery spread all over Korea and the Emperor rewarded her with jewels, a house and marrying the emperor's son to become a princess. The content and primary themes or messages of the book is to be brave as bravery is a trait not limited to man or woman and can be taught to adults and children alike.
This book was a WOW book for me because it was such a different folklore story from the ones I read and learned from as a kid and really emphasizes bravery that other folk tales place such an emphasis on such as Hercules and Anansi
This book was a WOW book for me because it was such a different folklore story from the ones I read and learned from as a kid and really emphasizes bravery that other folk tales place such an emphasis on such as Hercules and Anansi
August 28, 2025
I originally bought this book as a gift for my niece, but after flipping through the first few pages, I ended up sitting down and reading the entire thing myself. I was deeply moved. What begins as a simple tale about a poor girl and a turtle evolves into a powerful lesson about love, courage, and selflessness. Maya is one of those characters you don’t easily forget she embodies quiet strength and compassion in a way that feels both inspiring and humbling.
What struck me most is how the book balances the magical with the moral. The turtle could have simply been a whimsical companion, but in this story, he becomes a symbol of how even small acts of kindness ripple outward and return to us in unexpected ways. It’s a profound message that even adults need reminding of.
I read the book aloud to my niece, and she was completely absorbed. She asked me questions throughout “Why does Maya help the turtle even though she’s poor?” and “Do turtles really understand people?” and when we reached the ending, she was silent for a moment before saying, “I want to be like Maya.” That, to me, is priceless.
Beyond the story, the book is also a piece of cultural heritage. The Korean elements woven throughout the art, the tone, the storytelling style made me feel like I had stepped into another world. The illustrations are not just pretty; they are deeply evocative, drawing the reader into the heart of the story. This is more than a children’s book it’s a keepsake, the kind of book that will be cherished for generations.
What struck me most is how the book balances the magical with the moral. The turtle could have simply been a whimsical companion, but in this story, he becomes a symbol of how even small acts of kindness ripple outward and return to us in unexpected ways. It’s a profound message that even adults need reminding of.
I read the book aloud to my niece, and she was completely absorbed. She asked me questions throughout “Why does Maya help the turtle even though she’s poor?” and “Do turtles really understand people?” and when we reached the ending, she was silent for a moment before saying, “I want to be like Maya.” That, to me, is priceless.
Beyond the story, the book is also a piece of cultural heritage. The Korean elements woven throughout the art, the tone, the storytelling style made me feel like I had stepped into another world. The illustrations are not just pretty; they are deeply evocative, drawing the reader into the heart of the story. This is more than a children’s book it’s a keepsake, the kind of book that will be cherished for generations.
August 28, 2025
As someone who collects and studies multicultural children’s books, I have to say that Maya and the Turtle is an absolute gem. It goes beyond being just a fairy tale; it’s a story steeped in Korean culture while still carrying universal values that resonate with all readers. The book winning the International Morning Calm Medal is no surprise it’s that good.
The beauty of this story lies in its layers. On the surface, children enjoy the magical elements: the turtle, the gentle flow of the narrative, and the richly colored illustrations. But for adults, there is a deeper resonance: Maya’s poverty, her selflessness, and the way her love transforms not only her life but also those around her. It’s rare to find a book that works so well on multiple levels.
The illustrations deserve special praise. Soma Han’s work has a traditional Korean aesthetic, with soft yet vibrant tones that complement the text perfectly. Each page could stand alone as a painting. The care taken to represent cultural details from clothing to setting makes the book both authentic and educational.
This is the type of book that should be in every school library and every home where parents want their children to learn about kindness, courage, and cultural diversity. I’ve shared it with my friends who are parents, and all of them have told me their children loved it. To me, this book represents the very best of what children’s literature can achieve: teaching values, celebrating culture, and leaving the reader with a heart full of hope.
The beauty of this story lies in its layers. On the surface, children enjoy the magical elements: the turtle, the gentle flow of the narrative, and the richly colored illustrations. But for adults, there is a deeper resonance: Maya’s poverty, her selflessness, and the way her love transforms not only her life but also those around her. It’s rare to find a book that works so well on multiple levels.
The illustrations deserve special praise. Soma Han’s work has a traditional Korean aesthetic, with soft yet vibrant tones that complement the text perfectly. Each page could stand alone as a painting. The care taken to represent cultural details from clothing to setting makes the book both authentic and educational.
This is the type of book that should be in every school library and every home where parents want their children to learn about kindness, courage, and cultural diversity. I’ve shared it with my friends who are parents, and all of them have told me their children loved it. To me, this book represents the very best of what children’s literature can achieve: teaching values, celebrating culture, and leaving the reader with a heart full of hope.
August 24, 2020
My review is for the audiobook edition that I received for review from one of the authors.
Rating: 3 stars for the story, 2 stars for the audiobook → averaged up to 3 stars
Maya and the Turtle bears a strong resemblance to the traditional Cinderella stories, particularly the Eastern ones with their themes of filial piety, and it is written like a fairy tale.
The premise: Maya is born to a poor but proud family. When Maya is young, her mother dies. On her deathbed, the mother tells Maya to take care of herself and her father. Maya makes a wish at a rock . . . things happen, Maya demonstrates filial piety (fulfilling her mother's deathbed request), and she is rewarded for it.
Audiobook Review
While I enjoyed this Korean fairy tale, there were elements of the audiobook that took away from my enjoyment of the story. The narrator's breathing can be heard. The book also includes sound effects, which was interesting, but mostly distracted me from the reading of the story. Sometimes, the sound effects made it difficult to hear the narrator's voice. At one point, traditional Western wedding music played. Because of my experiences with wedding tunes, I began envisioning a church and Western-style wedding. I haven't read the picture book, so I don't know if the authors intended for there to be a Western-styled wedding in the book.
I love the cover illustration. If I read this book again, I would want to read the picture book instead of listening to the audio.
Rating: 3 stars for the story, 2 stars for the audiobook → averaged up to 3 stars
Maya and the Turtle bears a strong resemblance to the traditional Cinderella stories, particularly the Eastern ones with their themes of filial piety, and it is written like a fairy tale.
The premise: Maya is born to a poor but proud family. When Maya is young, her mother dies. On her deathbed, the mother tells Maya to take care of herself and her father. Maya makes a wish at a rock . . . things happen, Maya demonstrates filial piety (fulfilling her mother's deathbed request), and she is rewarded for it.
Audiobook Review
While I enjoyed this Korean fairy tale, there were elements of the audiobook that took away from my enjoyment of the story. The narrator's breathing can be heard. The book also includes sound effects, which was interesting, but mostly distracted me from the reading of the story. Sometimes, the sound effects made it difficult to hear the narrator's voice. At one point, traditional Western wedding music played. Because of my experiences with wedding tunes, I began envisioning a church and Western-style wedding. I haven't read the picture book, so I don't know if the authors intended for there to be a Western-styled wedding in the book.
I love the cover illustration. If I read this book again, I would want to read the picture book instead of listening to the audio.
November 29, 2022
In this book, a korean woman goes to the forest and makes a wish to a turtle. She feeds the turtle and takes care of animals as she goes down the forest making sure they are all healthy. The theme of this book is friendship, showing that you can become friends with animals and not just people. Children can learn from this book to be respectful to animals and that not all animals cause harm.
This book is a folktale and the author made this book to also be adventurous as well.This book did not seem to show bias in it.
This book is a folktale and the author made this book to also be adventurous as well.This book did not seem to show bias in it.
November 18, 2022
This book teaches the readers the importance of being brave and nice to those around them. The illustrations in the book captured what was described by the author well, which allows readers to understand what was described. I enjoyed how this book also incorporated Korean culture in both the text and illustrations. I would include this book in my classroom as it covers an important topic for younger children, which is that of being nice to yourself and those around you.
January 29, 2023
Beatiful book, it narrates a popular korean story with very colorfoul pictures, so it can be enjoyed at every age
I imagine this book as a good opportunity to instill in children a love of reading, while having a good glimpse to the korean culture. In this regard the footnotes where particularly helpful.
I imagine this book as a good opportunity to instill in children a love of reading, while having a good glimpse to the korean culture. In this regard the footnotes where particularly helpful.
December 28, 2020
I really wanted to like this book, but it was too full of mysticism (prophetic dreams, totems, emperor of heaven, magic) and scary things (child sacrifices, a flying centipede that terrorizes a town). I skipped much of the dialogue due to these issues.
September 23, 2022
The artwork is striking and evocative. The prose (and story) are recognizably fairy-tale style for an American audience. Han includes small sprinklings of vocabulary and notes about cultural practices in Korea.
May 9, 2025
This is a fairytale told in an older, traditional style. The illustrations are beautiful! The ending was bittersweet. I enjoyed the fairytale overall and look forward to reading more fairytales from Korea.
August 29, 2017
The story is quite sad but it does offer a lesson in sacrificing one's own needs for family.
April 23, 2019
It was an interesting tale. I liked the Korean words that were interspersed and explained in the book.
January 14, 2023
5-minute read story. very light to read and full of hope. love to see the footnotes! so insightful and help me get through the story even better.
February 1, 2023
Nice story. It reads like an old fairy tale (the sort of bare bones narration, not a lot of depth), which is fine and fits the story. I liked the art.
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