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Sun, Moon, and Star

A Folktale from Korea

Illustrated by Nancy So Miller
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Hardcover
$18.99 US
8.28"W x 10.29"H x 0.34"D   | 13 oz | 36 per carton
On sale Feb 24, 2026 | 32 Pages | 9780823459407
Age 4-8 years | Preschool - 3

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Three sisters must outsmart a hungry tiger in this fresh retelling of a beloved Korean folktale.

When Eomma goes to market she has only one rule for her three daughters, don’t open the door until her return. There are creatures that roam the nearby mountains.

But as the hours pass, the sisters grow anxious. Surely, Eomma will be home soon. And when there’s a knock at the door, the girls jump to let Eomma in. Except, it is not their mother at the door.

Debut Nancy So Miller updates this centuries-old story with her gorgeous cutpaper art, for which she carefully constructed and photographed each scene. From the fiery orange of the tiger to the soothing shades of a lilac sky, this is a visually lush retelling. Perfect for fans of the original as well as fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood.

Back matter includes a bibliography and more information about the original story and Korean history and culture.
Miller’s original retelling of the Korean folktale, “The Three Little Girls,” captures exquisite elements of traditional Korean architecture and folk art through photographed handmade paper dioramas, adorned with moss and miniature wood-and-clay furniture.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

This traditional story is elevated by unique illustrations. . . . Vividly realized, this story presents a fresh take on a traditional form and will be appreciated by young audiences. An excellent choice for storytime.
—Booklist

Miller’s distinctive hand-crafted illustrations, using paper, wood, clay, wire, watercolor inks, and moss, add depth and appeal. . . . A lively yet respectful retelling, this is an excellent introduction to traditional Korean culture, with an empowering message for modern readers.
—School Library Journal
Nancy So Miller is an illustrator and art teacher. She received her MFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2022. For the past 11 years, she has worked as an art educator (K-12). She is the SCBWI Southern Breeze Local Liaison for Savannah and currently teaches art (K-8) to some of the sweetest students! When Nancy is not making art, she is cooking with her family and sharing her love of Korean cuisine. She lives with her husband, son, and two guinea pigs in Savannah, Georgia.

Classroom Activities for Sun, Moon, and Star

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)

Photos

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About

Three sisters must outsmart a hungry tiger in this fresh retelling of a beloved Korean folktale.

When Eomma goes to market she has only one rule for her three daughters, don’t open the door until her return. There are creatures that roam the nearby mountains.

But as the hours pass, the sisters grow anxious. Surely, Eomma will be home soon. And when there’s a knock at the door, the girls jump to let Eomma in. Except, it is not their mother at the door.

Debut Nancy So Miller updates this centuries-old story with her gorgeous cutpaper art, for which she carefully constructed and photographed each scene. From the fiery orange of the tiger to the soothing shades of a lilac sky, this is a visually lush retelling. Perfect for fans of the original as well as fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood.

Back matter includes a bibliography and more information about the original story and Korean history and culture.

Praise

Miller’s original retelling of the Korean folktale, “The Three Little Girls,” captures exquisite elements of traditional Korean architecture and folk art through photographed handmade paper dioramas, adorned with moss and miniature wood-and-clay furniture.
—Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)

This traditional story is elevated by unique illustrations. . . . Vividly realized, this story presents a fresh take on a traditional form and will be appreciated by young audiences. An excellent choice for storytime.
—Booklist

Miller’s distinctive hand-crafted illustrations, using paper, wood, clay, wire, watercolor inks, and moss, add depth and appeal. . . . A lively yet respectful retelling, this is an excellent introduction to traditional Korean culture, with an empowering message for modern readers.
—School Library Journal

Author

Nancy So Miller is an illustrator and art teacher. She received her MFA in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2022. For the past 11 years, she has worked as an art educator (K-12). She is the SCBWI Southern Breeze Local Liaison for Savannah and currently teaches art (K-8) to some of the sweetest students! When Nancy is not making art, she is cooking with her family and sharing her love of Korean cuisine. She lives with her husband, son, and two guinea pigs in Savannah, Georgia.

Additional Materials

Classroom Activities for Sun, Moon, and Star

Classroom activities supplement discussion and traditional lessons with group projects and creative tasks. Can be used in pre-existing units and lessons, or as stand-alone.

(Please note: the guide displayed here is the most recently uploaded version; while unlikely, any page citation discrepancies between the guide and book is likely due to pagination differences between a book’s different formats.)