Good Fortune in a Wrapping Cloth

By Joan Schoettler, Jessica Lanan
Paperback: $11.95

A heartwarming tale about a loving daughter who diligently learns to sew beautiful Korean wrapping cloths so that she can be reunited with her mother at the royal court.

Description

Ji-su’s mother has been chosen by the Korean king to be a seamstress at the palace and sew bojagi, or wrapping cloths, for the royal household. It is a great honor, but to Ji-su it means saying good-bye to her mother. The only way for them to be reunited, Ji-su realizes, is for her to become an equally talented seamstress and be chosen to serve the king. Through the changing seasons, Ji-su sews, learning the craft from her great-aunt and practicing her stitches tirelessly. One day, she finally has the chance to show her work to the palace Sanguiwon master, who has the power to bring her to her mother or to dash her hopes forever. Is her sewing fine enough for the king?

Joan Schoettler’s warm text brings the landscape and culture of ancient Korea to life. Together with illustrator Jessica Lanan’s breathtaking depictions of Korea through the seasons, Ji-su’s story of longing and determination will capture the hearts of readers of all ages.

About the Creators

Joan Schoettler
Joan Schoettler

Joan Schoettler has surrounded herself with children's literature, sharing it with her sons when they were young, inviting children she taught to step into the world of stories, and teaching children's literature at California State University in Fresno. In addition to spending time with family and friends, she enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling. Joan lives with her husband in central California. Visit her online at joanschoettler.com.

Jessica Lanan

Jessica Lanan is an award-winning author and artist from Longmont, Colorado. She's the illustrator of many children's books including Lee & Low Books's The Story I'll Tell which received two starred reviews. Jessica's first book as an author-illustrator, The Fisherman and the Whale, was awarded the 2020 Bull-Bransom Award for Wildife Art. She lives in Boulder, Colorado, where she enjoys thunderstorms, crunching autumn leaves beneath her feet, and leaving footprints in freshly fallen snow. Visit her online at jessicalanan.com.

Awards

  • Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature Winner

    Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA)

Reviews

  • "Beautifully written, informative, and poetic. Ji-su's hopes and dreams come alive on each page. A gorgeous book for readers of any age."

    - Margarita Engle, Newbery Honor-winning author of The Surrender Tree
  • "A treasure for libraries serving Korean populations."

    - School Library Journal

Paperback

  • ISBN 9781643795904
  • Publication Date May 31, 2011
  • Trim Size 9.875 × 7.75 in
  • Weight 0.3125 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Hardcover

  • ISBN 9781885008404
  • Publication Date May 31, 2011
  • Trim Size 8.5 × 10.25 in
  • Weight 0.75 lbs
  • Page Count 32
  • Interests

  • Audience Children
  • BISAC Category 1 JUV / People & Places / Asia
  • BISAC Category 2 JUV / Social Themes / Self-Esteem & Self-Reliance
  • BISAC Category 3 JUV / Family / Parents
  • Themes Asian / Asian American / AAPI, Conflict resolution, Cultural Diversity, Dreams & Aspirations, Families, Fiction, Holidays / Traditions, Home, Mothers, Optimism / Enthusiasm, Overcoming Obstacles, Persistence / Grit, Pride
  • Reading Levels

  • Age Range Ages 5 - 8
  • Grade Range Grades K - 3
  • Guided Reading S
  • ATOS Book Level 4
  • DRA 40
  • Reading Level Grades 3 - 4
  • Bebop Reading Fluent
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