WOW Review: Volume XVII, Issue 3 • Page 7 of 12 • Worlds of Words

The Legend of Tiger and Tail-Flower
Written and illustrated by Lee Gee Eun
Translated by Aerin Park
Levine Querido, 2024, 72 pp (unpaged)
ISBN: 978-1646144594

This book draws from the rich tradition of Korean folktales, where the tiger is a symbolic figure often associated with power and fear. In many classic tales, the tiger is feared but easily tricked, reflecting cultural values that celebrate humility, kindness, and cleverness. This story reimagines that tradition through a heartwarming and humorous tale of transformation. The book begins with an elderly woman sitting among dandelions, narrating, “Many, many moons ago, there lived a grumpy tiger,” evoking the atmosphere of an old folktale. At the same time, the comic-style format and expressive illustrations in warm colors lend a playful, contemporary tone, blending the familiarity of oral tradition with a modern visual storytelling style that deepens the emotional resonance.

In this story translated from Korean, the tiger is portrayed as gruff and intimidating when he frightens the forest animals by yelling with a fearsome face, “Give me something yummy, or I’ll eat you up!” As a result, all the animals flee in fear. The tiger wonders why no one wants to share food with him and why no one likes him. One day, a cheerful dandelion named Tail-Flower falls from the sky and permanently attaches itself to the tiger’s tail. When the tiger repeats his usual demand, “Give me something yummy,” Tail-Flower gently adds, “and I would appreciate it!” This small but powerful shift in tone changes everything. The spirit of appreciation and kindness begins to draw the forest animals back, transforming their relationships.

Tail-Flower often takes the lead in helping other animals, for example, using the tiger’s tail to build a bridge so animals can cross the river. The tiger, observing these acts of care, slowly begins to understand the value of compassion. As the two grow old together, their bond deepens. When they face a final challenge, it is their enduring friendship that sustains them. After the tiger loses his beloved friend Tail-Flower, the forest animals gather around to comfort him and keep him company in his grief.

The illustrations, rendered in warm colors, create an emotionally rich atmosphere that reflects the close relationship between the tiger, Tail-Flower, and the forest animals. The expressiveness of Tail-Flower’s face and the detailed rendering of the tiger’s fur and Tail-Flower’s delicate hairs stand out to readers. Their appearances change and age throughout the seasons, visually reflecting the growth of their relationship. One particularly hilarious moment is the double-page spread when the tiger tries desperately to get rid of Tail-Flower. Her facial expressions, along with the movement conveyed through her leaves, petals, and the playful text, all contribute to the scene’s dynamic action and humor.

Given its themes of kindness, compassion, and friendship, this book pairs well with several picturebooks that explore similar values. I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët (2018) is a powerful visual narrative that illustrates how a single act of kindness can spark a ripple effect and strengthen relationships. Another strong pairing is The Day You Begin, written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by Rafael López (2018). This story beautifully explores kindness and courage in the face of difference and uncertainty that can come from language, food, experiences, and family circumstances. Each Kindness, also written by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by E. B. Lewis (2012), invites readers to reflect on the lasting impact of our choices, emphasizing that kindness also means choosing not to stay silent or look away.

Lee Gee Eun is an author and illustrator from South Korea. She studied design and illustration in South Korea and the United Kingdom. Lee Gee Eun has received numerous international honors, including the Bologna Ragazzi Award and the Korean Young Illustrator Award. In 2025, The Legend of Tiger and Tail-Flower was selected for the Outstanding International Books List by USBBY (The United States Board on Books for Young People). She is also the author and illustrator of The Red Fruit (2023), a delightful story of a baby bear’s adventure of curiosity and discovery, and My Grandmom (2022), a heartfelt story based on her childhood experiences with her Halmoni (grandmother).

Aerin Park, born and raised in South Korea, resides in Minnesota, where she enjoys reading Korean history with her children. She is a translator, Korean language teacher, interpreter and cultural consultant for theatrical productions. In 2024, she served as the Korean language and cultural consultant for a stage adaption of The Name Jar, a picturebook written and illustrated by Yangsook Choi (2003). The story is about a Korean girl as she begins her journey in a new American school, ultimately embracing her Korean name. Aerin also translated Okchundang Candy, a graphic memoir by Jung-soon Go (2025) that explores grief, loss, and the enduring power of family bonds and love. Her work can be explored on her website.

Junko Sakoi, Tucson Unified School District

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