The Legend of Ban-Dal

Written by Jessica Yoon · Illustrated by Seo Kim

A village's greed leads to empty nets. Can a young girl and a mysterious bear restore balance?

4.7 Goodreads · 90 ratings

40 pages· ~520L

$19.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

In a tranquil village, a mysterious visitor's promise of luxury leads to overfishing and empty streams. A brave girl sets out to lift the curse, encountering Ban-Dal, a formidable bear. Is he an enemy or an ally in her quest to restore harmony? As she navigates the forest's secrets, the stakes rise: can she save her village from the consequences of their greed and reconnect with nature's delicate balance? Discover the truth behind the bear's patch and the village's fate in this modern Korean folktale.

From the publisher

This modern Korean folktale about how the Asian black bear got its characteristic patch is a timely story about the delicate balance humans have with nature and about the trappings of greed and overconsumption. In a small mountainside village, people live in harmony with nature, only taking as much as they need. But one day, a mysterious visitor tempts the villagers with a luxurious life of leisure, if only they catch more fish from their streams. The visitor’s suggestion brings the villagers wealth and relaxation, until suddenly their nets come up empty. The villagers fear that a terrible beast has put a curse on their waters, so a brave young girl journeys to confront the creature. Along her way, she meets Ban-Dal, a towering bear protecting the mountain forest. Is Ban-Dal her foe? Or a kindred spirit who will help her break the curse and restore harmony between nature and her people?

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