The Three-Year Tumble
Based on a Korean Folktale
Based on the traditional Korean folktale “Samnyeongogae” (“Three-Year Mountain Pass”), this picture book parable by Korean-German artist Dayeon Auh features a fateful mountain, a superstitious grandfather, and a granddaughter with a clever perspective on life.
Legend says that anyone who falls down Misfortune Mountain has three years left to live. Grandfather must travel over the treacherous mountain to get to the market, but one day catastrophe happens and he tumbles down! The doctor says he is perfectly healthy, but Grandfather feels the end is near . . . until his granddaughter comes to visit and makes a different calculation about his fate.
From then on, the legend of the mountain takes on a new meaning and everyone finds themselves eager to tumble down it. A fable that demonstrates how a change in one’s mindset can make a positive impact.
Auh retells a Korean folktale about curses and cleverness with exuberant illustrations that are both incredibly skillful and endearingly childlike. Young readers are certain to be drawn in by each colorful page and by the relatably worried-looking grandfather with spiky dark hair, not to mention the story itself, with its unexpected hero and delightful (mathematical!) conclusion. Auh’s bio says she hopes to “spread joy and inspiration” with her art, and these illustrations do just that. They seem to speak the same visual language as pictures drawn by children, showing young artists that their own handiwork is just as worthy as anyone else’s.
Tracey Baptiste, The New York Times
Auh’s energetic and richly colored illustrations dovetail perfectly with this tale, capturing the many emotions of each character while engaging young readers... The simple and easy to follow plot helps young readers explore themes of resilience and positive mindset with humor and grace.
⭐ Youth Services Book Review, Starred Review
Dayeon Auh’s joyfully unique paintings bring warmth and color to every page of this Korean folktale retelling, and the clever conclusion will leave young readers giggling.
Caroline Carlson, Literary Hub
A bright and lively addition to any folktale shelf.
Kirkus Reviews
Inspired by the Korean folktale 'Samnyeongogae,' this playfully philosophical retelling highlights the power of perspective in facing life’s tumbles.
Booklist
I love a clever folktale. I particularly like a clever folktale that I’ve never heard before AND that surprises me with its twist ending. [. . .] It’s wild and wacky and would certainly make for a fun readaloud!
Betsy Bird, Fuse #8 Production, School Library Journal
Auh’s debut picture book, featuring traditional mixed media spreads, offers an exuberant and whimsical reading experience.
The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Misfortune is transformed into good luck in this picture book… As an authentic cultural tale, this book will be an excellent diverse addition to any collection.
Children's Literature
- A New York Times/New York Public Library Best Illustrated Book, 2025
- CSMCL Best Books of 2025
- Smithsonian, Ten Best Children's Books of 2025
- Let's Talk Picture Books, Favorite Picture Books of 2025
