Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth
Joan Schoettler, Author
Jessica Lana, Illustrator
Shen’s Books, Historical Fiction, 2011
Suitable for: Ages 5 and up
Awards: National Council for the Social Studies in association with the Children’s Books Council as a Notable Social Studies Trade Book of 2012; and ForeWord Magazine 2011 Book of the Year Finalist.
Themes: Korean wrapping cloths, Sewing, Mother and daughter relationship, 18th Century
Opening/Synopsis: “Eomma, listen. Horses.” Ji-su pressed closer to her mother. Stay. Don’t go to King Yongjo’s court.” Eomma told her again, “It is an honor for me, and our family, to sew bojagi for the royal household. The Sanguiwon master searches for the finest seamstresses. He saw one of my bojagi at the market and chose me. I must go to Hanyang.” Ji’su begs to go with her Eomma (mother) to the King’s palace, but she is too young. As her mother leaves, she hands Ji-su a gift. She unfolds bojagi (wrapping cover) and finds Eomma’s box containing a needle, thread, a thimble, a ruler, a pair of scissors, a small iron called an indoo, and an irons with a bowl to hold charcoals called a darimi. Ji-su knows what she’s to do and asks her old aunt to teach her how to sew bojagi. This is the only way she’ll see her mother again. She begins to work on her stitches. Seasons pass as Ji-su perfects her bojagi. One day the Sanguiwon master visits her village. She eagerly shows him her work. He sees her potential and tells her that if she can make more bojagi before the Dano Festival, he will look at her work again when he passes through. Nothing matters to Ji-su but perfecting her stitching. Will her stitching be good enough for the royal family and reunite her with her mother?
Why I like this book: Joan Schoettler has written a beautiful love story about a mother and daughter. Ji-su is very determined and courageous girl, who works through many seasons to perfect her artistry with the hopes of being reunited with her mother. The story is filled with Korean words and there is glossary at the end. Jessica Lanan has captured the beautiful culture and landscape of ancient Korea in her soft illustrations. They are simply stunning. Schoettler viewed a collection of bojagi wrapping cloths at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco. She met a Korean-born fiber artist known internationally for her bojagi, and was inspired to write this book. The Korean wrapping cloths called bojagi that were sewn from Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897.) The wrapping cloths were used for everything and believed to be good luck for the person receiving a bojagi.
Shen’s Books is a publisher of multicultural children’s literature that emphasizes cultural diversity and tolerance, with a focus on introducing children to the cultures of Asia ranging from China, Japan, Korea, the Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
This looks amazing, Pat! I really want to read it. I know so little about Korean culture. Did you read Snow Flower And The Secret Fan? This kind of reminds me of that because she was at the mercy of others too.
Thanks Susanna. I was going to use this as a PPB, but couldn’t find an activity. Loved this story.
I know a little about korean culture but this is fascinating Pat.
Catherine, I am learning more about the Korean culture. Loved this book.
This looks beautifully authentic, Pat. I hadn’t heard of the bojagi and love its significance. What an incredibly long dynasty, too! Love the source of the story idea.
Joanna, is beautiful. I loved the story about the dynasty and an art form. And, my daughter’s boyfriend was deployed to Korea for a year and I’m learning more about the culture. Also have friends with children from Korea.
I would love to see this exhibit as well. The book sounds fascinating!
Cathy, I’d love to see the exhibit. Excuse the typos, but realized to late and couldn’t correct until now. My iPad wouldn’t let me.
How very interesting — what a lovely way to learn about another culture and to celebrate the bond between mother and daughter. Thanks for sharing this, Pat!
Thanks Beth. It was a lovely book. I enjoyed the bond between the mother and daughter. Very special story.
This does look so very beautiful I love books like this. I am sharing this! I hope, also that we can post this to our review page.
Thanks Niamh, I appreciate it. It is a beautiful story about an ancient culture and artwork.
This looks like a cool book! I wonder if Ji-su gets her wish! I love books about different cultures and traditions!
Erik, what do you think?? She works very hard. Lovely book!
Tae Dan Hee Kamsa Hamnida! (Thank you so much) for introducing this book. I lived in Korea for two years and taught Korean at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey for four years. I’m looking forward to getting a copy of this book to have in our shop… something special for our Korean customers.
Craig, it really is a beautiful book about an ancient culture and artwork. I just loved reading the story. You’ll like it.
I hope I can find this one. The illustrations sound lovely.
Stacy, this is a beautiful story about a mother and daughter set in an ancient Korean dynasty. The needlework is beautiful.
Sounds like a sweet story. I’m making a run to the library today for PBs. Think I’ll put in a request for this one while I’m there.
Thank you Ruth. I hope you enjoy the book. It is lovely.
You always find such lovely books to share. I look forward to checking this one out too.
Thanks Jodie. It was a beautiful book. I liked learned about an ancient artform and culture. Know so little about Korea.
This sounds like a great story! I like when authors incorporate the language from the culture they’re writing about. I recently read a YA book about a girl who moves to the US from Mexico and the author did such a great job integrating Spanish words and phrases into the writing.
Amanda, I’m happy you enjoyed the story. Would be interested in knowing the book you read, interesting it is a YA book. I particularly liked this book since it is about Korea and I don’t know a lot about the culture and the art.
The book I read was called Under the Mesquite by Guadalupe Garcia McCall, and it’s written is free verse.
Don’t know how I mist this post. I love the story and its one I would have picked up in the library had I seen it. It’s right up my alley, as I also have a few Korean customers come into my work place. Lovely book and review.
Diane you would love this book. I have found myself drawn to books for kids about Korea. We know so little. I didn’t make it a PPB because I couldn’t come up with an activity on an ancient art form. I should have asked Vivian or Donna!