The House Before Falling Into the Sea by Ann Suk Wang is a picturebook that tells a story from Korean history that is seldom found in children’s books. In 1950, the Korean War broke out. North and South Korea were at war for 3 years. People fled southward to escape from the war. Korea is geographically a peninsula, with Busan located at the southern tip of the peninsula. Beyond Busan, there is no further land to which people could flee; it was the last refuge on the peninsula.
In the story, Kyung’s family has long resided near Busan, next to the sea. Her family has owned a cozy house shielded from the war which, fortunately, had not reached that far. However, Kyung’s parents opened their home to the refugees fleeing from the war. Kyung’s home is not intended to be a shelter, yet it became a sanctuary for the refugees. Kyung’s family welcomed them with open arms and shared their intimate space.
The nobility of the Kyung family’s humanitarian act extended beyond merely providing shelter. They treated the refugees with great hospitality, viewing them not just as people in need, but as their guests. To them, these individuals were not “stones to toss aside, but were to be treated with love and respect.” Kyung listened carefully to one of the young refugees, Sunhee, as she tells her story. Kyung related deeply with her sorrow. Sunhee and Kyung became friends. Kyung’s parents’ hospitality blurred the lines of power between guest and host. They share what they have. Kyung even shares her sleeping mat. There is no restriction on accessing the rice container, which is an essential supply. Kyung makes a quiet space for quiet prayers for Pastor Park. The refugees are guests, who should be able to keep being what they had been before the war.
The illustrations by Hanna Cha vividly capture the context and emotions of the story and showcase Korean landscapes, culture, and the beauty of traditional houses and costumes. Bold strokes and mixed materials powerfully present the urgency of the situation and the emotions of the characters.
The endnotes are effective to use as teaching materials. The author and illustrator provide additional historical insights into the Korean War. Their description of the war can serve as a primer to explore the complicated but sometimes ignored historical background around the Korean War and its lingering impact on Korean society.
The book’s glossary is an excellent resource for understanding Korean culture, illustrating how language encapsulates culture and thought. Respect for elders, which is a core aspect of Korean culture, can be effectively introduced through terms like eonni, oppa, noona and hyung. Bowing is another authentic gesture of greeting and showing respect. The explanation of the meaning of names can also be a good introduction to Korean names.
The author, Ann Suk Wang, was born in Korea. She is a former U.S. journalist. She based this story on her grandparents’ act of humanity and hospitality to refugees during the Korean War. The House Before Falling Into the Sea is her debut picturebook.
Hanna Cha is a Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator for the book, The Truth About Dragons and has authored several other books. Born in the U.S., she has lived in between the two countries, enriching her perspectives on both cultures. -Recommended by HeeYoung Kim, West Texas A&M University
Title: The House Before Falling into the Sea
Author: Ann Suk Wang
Illustrator: Hanna Cha
ISBN: 978-0593530153
Pub. Date: March 12, 2024
Publisher: Dial Books
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- Themes: Ann Suk Wang, Hanna Cha, HeeYoung Kim, House Before Falling Into The Sea
- Descriptors: WOW Recommends
Thank you so much Ms. Kim. What a thoughtful and deeper look into our picture book, written for children, but really, for all of us. I appreciate your perspective of “guests” and so much more. It was a pleasure for me to have found your words.