Lady Hahn and Her Seven Friends

K-Gr 2—Lady Hahn is a tailor who relies on her seven personified sewing tools—Mrs. Ruler, Newlywed Scissors, Young Bride Needle, Young Bride Red Thread, Old Lady Thimble, and Young Lady Flatiron—to get her work done. One day the tools get into a boasting match, with each one claiming to be the most important. Lady Hahn overhears them and becomes angry since they would all by useless without her hands. Their feelings are hurt and they hide. Without them, Lady Hahn is unable to accomplish anything. After she begs them to return and acknowledges that they are all equally important, harmony is returned. The story, based on a late 19th-century classical Korean essay, is rather pedantic, and even children who are familiar with sewing won't recognize all the tools portrayed. However, the flat storytelling is counteracted by accomplished illustrations. Heo's clear oil and pencil art is appealing, with skillful use of color to balance the compositions and engage viewers. Traditional Koran shapes and patterns are woven throughout each spread without becoming overwhelming or busy. Larger libraries with robust multicultural collections or those serving Korean populations should consider this title, but for most it will be an additional purchase.—Anna Haase Krueger, Antigo Public Library, WI