Pigling: A Cinderella Story

Graphic Myths and Legends

by Dan Jolley, Anne Timmons (Illustrator)

Dan Jolley

Genres: Graphic Novels, Cinderella, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Fantasy, Fiction, Comics

48 pages, Library Binding

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

With their 2008 graphic novel retelling of a Korean Cinderella folktale, with Pigling: A Cinderella Story Dan Jolley (author or rather reteller) and Anne Timmons (illustrator) present the story of Pear Blossom, with text and accompanying artwork for Pigling: A Cinderella Story engagingly and descriptively showing a young girl doted on by her elderly parents, well, that is until Pear Blossom's mother dies and her grieving father decides to marry a woman with a daughter of her own.

However (but of course rather typical of Cinderella stories worldwide) Pear Blossom's stepmother and stepsister are both majorly and absolutely mean-spirited, jointly and gleefully conspire to make Pear Blossom’s life as difficult and as miserable as possible, inventing wearisome tasks, constantly being insulting, giving Pear Blossom the cruel nickname of Pigling (and with Pear Blossom's father and equally akin to Cinderella tales in general both too weak to protect his daughter from his new wife's and his stepdaughter's nastiness and also as is pretty clearly shown in particular by Timmons' cartoons for Pigling: A Cinderella Story too dissipated and too disinterested to consider helping). Yet albeit many of Pear Blossom’s tasks seem to be impossible (like filling a leaky water jug, hulling a large pile of rice, weeding the family's neglected and overgrown rice paddies), a magical frog, a flock of birds and a large bull come to Pear Blossom's aid, and Pigling: A Cinderella Story ending with the Korean Cinderella marrying a high ranking magistrate who has fallen in love with her at a village festival. And yes, I do indeed find it both interesting and of folkloric importance just how many parts of Pigling: A Cinderella Story are in fact quite similar to both the Brothers Grimm's Aschenputtel and to Charles Perreault's Cendrillon and that the magical bull of Pigling: A Cinderella Story equally appears in many Irish, Scottish and Breton Cinderella stories, so that for me, so that in my humble opinion, all of this should really be presented by Dan Jolley as a detailed author's note, and that while I certainly appreciate the inclusion of a glossary and a bibliography for Pigling: A Cinderella Story, the absence of specific information showing how Pigling: A Cinderella Story compares to global Cinderella folklore is certainly just a wee bit disappointing (not so much for my inner child of course but definitely rather massively for my interested in comparative folklore older adult reading self).

Now and finally, although Dan Jolley’s text for Pigling: A Cinderella Story relies rather heavily on narration, his decision to primarily tell rather than to show definitely serves a good and useful purpose, allowing readers access to an engaging and interesting folktale while at the same time also teaching and featuring many details regarding Korean culture, and with Anne Timmons’ colourfully appealing artwork using the aesthetic conventions of American/European comics to tell a Korean Cinderella story in a naturalistic, realistic and visually evocative fashion, with text and images for Pigling: A Cinderella Story working very nicely together to provide a delightful both verbal and illustrative story (not OwnVoices, but respectfully rendered, and yes, that the only reason why my rating for Pigling: A Cinderella Story and for Jolley's words and Timmons' artwork is not yet five stars being the above mentioned lack of folkloric Cinderella information).

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

To create this version of the classic Cinderella story, author Dan Jolley notes in the book that he consulted many different versions of the tale, which has been told in Korea for centuries. While the storyline maintains numerous Korean elements, with few exceptions Jolley does not use Korean vocabulary and the narrative and dialogue are simple and casual. For the illustrations, Jolley describes conferring with Professor Minsook Kim from University of California, Berkeley and illustrator Anne Timmons consulted various historical sources. This attention to detail is apparent on each page, from the architecture to traditional dress, and it enables readers to obtain an introduction to what daily rural Korean culture was like in the past. Timmon’s vibrant pencil and ink illustrations incorporate a lush and remote landscape and are successful at presenting a range of characters with features that are more Korean than Western. The book concludes with a short glossary and ideas for exploring Korean culture and other versions of the Korean Cinderella story through books and websites.

[Shiloah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Korean Cinderella story in graphic novel format.

[Shannon Burgess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the illustrations and costumery shown in this graphic novel. It was interesting to see the similarities and differences between this and the western world's Cinderella.

[Jeni Fister · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pigling: a Cinderella Story is a graphic novel which tells a Korean version of the Cinderella story. This is the first graphic novel I have read and I was pleasantly surprised. I expected this to be more of a summary of a story simply because it was a graphic novel, but the author and illustrator did an excellent job of conveying all parts of the story through the descriptions as well as the beautiful images.

In the classroom a teacher could use this book for independent reading in a 3rd or 4th grade classroom. One unit idea would be to have the students read this book along with other fairy tales from different cultures. Students could learn about oral story telling and how and when the stories were finally written down. This could be tied to social studies by talking about how different cultures communicated their stories. Students can hypothesize how cultures had similar stories and discuss how along with stories cultures shared good and languages too.

[Handan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every culture, it seems, has some variant of the Cinderella story, whether the protagonist is male or female. Which means there is likely at least one book relating said story, sometimes it seems simply to ensure no culture gets left out.

Here's what I really enjoyed about this particular one:

-The format. Cinderella as a comic book? Oh HECK YES.
Seriously, though. The artwork is enjoyable and both writer and illustrator have clearly done their homework. Which is brilliant.

-The background work that went into this book.
I know next to nothing about Asiatic cultures, so reading the notes and seeing how there's been emphasis on why this is a Korean story in origin (and not made up from the present day mind) was really enjoyable and fresh for me.

-That we see the original family (mom, dad, Cinderella prototype).
Typically, we get a few sentences about how there once was a lovely family but then the mom died and dad, for one reason or another, remarried and it was the WORST THING EVAH. Here, there's a bit more complexity to the family dynamic. Props for that.

This is one I think I will be recommending, come panto time. I'm compelled to do so from my first two points alone (comic book and historical accuracy aims). But it also was just really fun to read. And as this was the penultimate story I read, that's saying something.

[Michelle Albrecht · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Cinderella told with the background of the Korean culture. Pear Blossoms mother passes away leaving her father very worried about who will take care of her. Her father decides to go the local match maker in town to help him find another wife that will be a good mother for Pear Blossom. The match maker sets up the father with a widow who has a daughter of her own. From the start of the marriage the mother and daughter treat Pear Blossom extremely unfairly, asking her to do impossible tasks. Until one day while walking in the forest she meets a prince. She and the prince soon fall in love and get married.
This graphic novel was read on a Kindle. One aspect of reading this particular graphic novel on my Kindle was that if you double tapped the screen the book went box by box making it easier to follow and read. A great aspect for anyone who has trouble following along in the familiar comic book style of writing. The large pictures and limited text help readers to stay engaged because it becomes a quick read. However the language is not simplified just because it is limited text. The author still included Korean words and phrases, with a glossary in the back.

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is based on "Cinderella", but takes place in korea. It's about a girl named Pear Blossom, who lives with her father but her mother died, leaving her with her evil stepmother and stepsister who treated Pear Blossom badly. Mysterious, magical creatures come and help Pear Blossom's work and one day, she also meets a magistrate, who changes her life forever.

What I liked about this book was the plot because it was familiar, but different because it was set in korea. The graphic presentation in the novel made understanding the characters and the background of the story easier. Plus, I also liked how the characters' feelings express the story; it really sets the mood about the story.

This novel of "Pigling" was easy and quick to read, and a story I would recommend to young female readers.

[Dylan Bixler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice graphic novel telling the Korean version of the Cinderella story. I was unaware that a Korean version existed, and this one is much more magical and mysterious than the Cinderella I'm familiar with. This would be a great way to initiate discussion on the similarities and differences between fairy-tales from different regions of the world, and I would really like to see other fairy-tales adapted into a comic book format. Another nice addition in the book is the glossary that gives definitions for certain Korean and other unfamiliar terms. There is a lot of potential discussion that can be drawn from this graphic novel, and I would recommend it to parents and teachers.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-done graphic novel version of Cinderella. The text doesn't have much of a Korean flavor and could really be words for almost any version of Cinderella. The illustrations, however, are very well done and give the story an authentic Korean feel. The notes at the back of the book state that Anne Timmons researched Korean texts and and consulted experts. Recommended for elementary school collections. This title is a great addition to Cinderella collections, though it is a bit advanced to use as an introduction to graphic novels for elementary students.

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

on another satisfying journey through amazon I came across Pigling. I decided it would be a cute book to buy to read to my little cousin who loves princesses. She LOVED this book she was really curious as to why this Cinderella looked so different and really liked the idea of a foreign princess. She and I both enjoyed the beautiful detail to each picture in the book. I will defiantly be buying more stories in comic form.

If your little girl, niece, or granddaughter loves fairy tales then this is a great idea as a birthday or Christmas gift.

[Christyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presented in comic-book/graphic novel style Pigling is the story of Pear Blossom, the Korean Cinderella. It was a fun, simple retelling of an familiar tale done from a different culture's version of the story. There are differences in this story from the Cinderella most people are familiar with, some minor and some very different. It presents a surprisingly full look into Pear Blossom's life and story despite it's short length. I also enjoyed the attention to detail (particularly with the illustrations). It was a quick and enjoyable read, acceptable for all ages.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had checked out a different Korean Cinderella story that I had to return before reading (obv. my fault) and so while shelving decided to check out various Cinderella versions we had on the shelf. My youngest informed me the next morning that she'd read them all. we are now going through them with me reading them to her.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Korean Cinderella story in graphic novel format. Very fun! I will add it to my Cinderella collection!

[Allanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nicely-done retelling of Cinderella.

[Jessie Myrriah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice artwork, good storytelling. Apparently the team did their research! (Yay!) I'm always a sucker for fairy tales and this did not disappoint. Additionally it's great for younger readers too!

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clearly intended for use in an educational setting, and for younger elementary students, but still an enjoyable read with lovely illustrations. Boy-o-boy talk about insta-love though!

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really need to get off this Cinderella kick I've been on. Anyway, the book had beautiful imagery a bit of a toss up on the fairy godmother aspect. I would say the spirit of the dead mother, but I didn't really see that, but randomly a frog (which i've never heard of) some birds (which i have) and a bull (see before but not in Cinderella Not a long read, something quick and easy.
Recommended? Sure
Buy/Borrow? Either or.

[Amanda Inkenbrandt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very cute illustrated fairy tale. While this book does not appear to be an own voices title, the author and illustrator did work with a professor to create cultural accuracy. The illustrations were lovely, and I can see this title being a great way to interest reluctant readers. The glossary in the back is helpful for this reason as well.

[Mellanie C]

I really enjoyed this story, even though the magistrate's reasons for wanting to marry Pear Blossom were superficial.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book a multitude of times and really enjoyed it ever time. Absolute recommend.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

Slightly different from the version my mother shared with me when I was little. Story was okay, but not enough details of the prince and his love for Pear Blossom.

[Lizzie & Koala Skywalker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this graphic novel. I liked how Pigling is the Korean version of the Cinderella story. It was very different from the original fairytale. ~ Lizzie 😀🎮

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always fascinating how similar yet separate different fairy tales are from country to country. Works well for a fractured fairy tale unit (This is Cinderella).

Grades 6 and up.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was pretty good.

[Himanshu Rane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Its great, just like Cinderella

I'm the new towncrier

[StrictlySequential · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I can't choose between the two:
Anne Timmons is the best female artist of this series of 27 and Thomas Yeates the best male and most prolific!

[Grace DuBois · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great story. . .

[Jim Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful telling of a folk tale and beautiful illustrations as well

[Holly Letson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was wonderful getting to see the differences between how Korea and America tell the story of Cinderella. This version is delightful with all the magical animals helping Pear Blossom overcome the harshness of her stepmother to win the love of the man of her dreams.