In a Nutshell: A cute picture book based on a Korean folktale. Enjoyed the plot. The illustrations were unusual, I’ll give you that. A good story overall with a nice message.

Plot Preview:
Grandfather lives in a nice cottage in a small village. Whenever he needs to go to the market, he has to cross the nearby mountain. Unfortunately, “Misfortune Mountain”, as it is known locally, comes with a dreadful myth: anyone who falls while hiking over it has only 3 years left to live. One day, when Grandfather sets off for the market, he begins climbing the mountain carefully. However, a sudden noise startles him and he ends up losing his balance. He knows that his destiny is sealed: he will die after three years. After the time passes by with the old man just waiting for his death, someone pops in with a possible solution.

This book was originally published in German in 2024 under the title “Ein Berg, ein Sturz, ein langes Leben”. This English edition, translated by Tim Mohr, is to be published in March 2025.
The story is based on a Korean folktale named “Samnyeongogae” (Three-Year Mountain Pass), supposedly a well-known story in East Asia and read often in Korea in kindergartens and primary schools. Even if the blurb hadn’t attracted me enough to give this book a go, the fact that it is from a Korean folktale would have convinced me. Folktales contain so much wisdom, and this story proves why folktales still need to be a part of children’s fiction.
I was initially worried when I saw the tale begin with a superstition connected to death: not something found often in picture books. But the turnaround and the end made the whole story worth the while.
I loved how the story depicts the mentality of the main character. When Grandfather falls sick at the end of his three-year term, we cant even guess if the illness is actual or psychosomatic. He just takes for granted that his end is near. But after the “solution”, the change in his thinking is equally quick.
The life lessons that come out from this folktale are quite relevant to everyone, kids and adults alike. It helps to remember that looking at the same thing with a different, more positive perspective is much more beneficial in life. It also raises great discussion points about a fatalistic attitude and believing in unfounded superstitions. For a picture book, these two morals are more than worthy.
The story is written in simple text, using a conversational storytelling format to enhance the folktale feels. Absolutely no complaints about the textual content – the vocabulary, the tone, the emotions, the conversations: all were spot on. I never felt like I was reading a translation.
The illustrations are quite atypical. The bright colours and the abundance of nature-based elements in the background go well with the tone of the story. However, the art style itself is too avant-garde for my taste. Some of the graphics are stunning, but some are too surreal. The pages also feel a bit too cluttered at times, not because of the text but because of the overload of elements. Either way, the artwork is quirky. Hopefully, it will attract youngsters more than it clicked for me.
All in all, I loved the story. It would make an entertaining tale for little ones aged 4-8 years, and can work as a bedtime read as well as a resource for classroom discussions on right perspectives and culturally inclusive storybooks.
4 stars, mostly for the plot.
My thanks to North South Books for providing the DRC of “The Three-Year Tumble” via NetGalley. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This beautiful book is based on a Korean Folktale about superstition and a positive attitude. In this story an old man literally falls for a superstition that a tripping and falling on the mountain means that one has only three years left to live. Because of his belief, three years after a mishap he becomes ill. However his granddaughter thinks outside the box and turns the belief upside down, changing everyone's view. Dayeon Auh has illustrated this folktale with fanciful style and vivid colors. Tim Mohr has translated her words into English for us to enjoy. The publishers have also released a Spanish language edition of this fantastic tale,Un tropezón de tres años (Spanish Edition): Basado en un cuento popular coreano.

I LOVED this charming tale about a grandfather who's been conned by a local superstition into believing that his life span has been shortened by a tumble down a mountain. Luckily, his granddaughter convinces him to see his mishap in a whole new light.

This would make a fun read-aloud at story time.

I was NOT a fan of the illustrations.

NThank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. The opinions written are completely honest and my own.

Cute and interesting folktale from Korea. Reading folktales from different places and cultures is an interesting way to learn and appreciate them.

The Three-Year-Tumble story takes a fun turn when his granddaughter comes to visit and offers a great solution to his problem.
The illustrations incorporate various media, such as watercolor, markers, and pencils, and the vibrant colors really make the pages come alive.
You fall from the first page, right into the other!

"The Three-Year Tumble" is inspired by a Korean folktale that illustrates the power of a positive mindset. The original tale is inspirational but the text and illustrations could be more engaging. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. Pub Date: January 24, 2025.

#TheThreeYearTumble

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this book. This picture book would be well suited in a classroom lesson about having a positive mindset. It's a little on the "rustic" side when it comes to artwork but overall a satisfactory story.

I really enjoyed this book! I found the illustrations to be quite charming! There was a lot of color and emotion captured and my daughter enjoyed it as I read it to her. It was however, a bit difficult to read the words due to the font type and size. Overall I would highly recommend this book especially for those who are interested in translated children's books! It is so wonderful to have another lovely story to read.

Grandfather believes an old Korean folktale, but it takes the critical thinking of his granddaughter to overcome what he believes to be a curse.
Translated from German into English by Tim Mohr
The illustrations by the author are simple, imaginative, colorful, fun!
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age including ESL, and a great gift for everyone including a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-Galley on Adobe Digital Editions from NorthSouth Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Mar 25 2025
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3.5 Stars

This was a compelling read, with a wonderful message, leading to a great children’s book that you can then discuss with the little ones in your life. The art style was unique, and although I personally loved it, I think it may not be the style all kids love. That being said, I think it’s worth a read and a discussion about what it means to live your life to the fullest!

“‘How beautiful life is.’ thought the grandfather.”

So true! What a lovely little picture book! The art style was super unique, and the folktale retelling would be such a lovely early exposure to the concept of mindset shifting. The happy ending and the joyous art of the final pages were also so cute. If you're looking for a charming, uplifting book that will expose your kids to a different culture's perspective on problem-solving, I highly recommend this!

This was a beautifully whimiscal tale. I think the style of illustrations was a perfect complement to the story. My only critique is that I wish the granddaughter had been present sooner, especially since she plays such a pivotal role.

What a fun take on a folktale! Reimagining a cultural parable is enjoyable enough, but adding the adorable illustrations only elevated it.

This picture book, inspired by the traditional Korean folktale Samnyeongogae, takes this classic story and shares it with English speaking children. While the concept and message shine—emphasizing the power of positivity and the impact of mindset—the execution might have left a bit to be desired.

The illustrations are bright and colorful, which will appeal to younger readers, but they felt somewhat rudimentary and lacked the refinement often seen in modern picture books. This may not deter children, but adults might find the artwork less engaging. Additionally, the translation from Korean to English seemed like it might have lost some of the original charm or cultural nuance, because the narrative felt slightly forced in places.

That said, the book's ending is delightful. The granddaughter’s clever reinterpretation of the mountain’s legend not only redefines her grandfather’s outlook but also shifts the entire community’s perspective in an uplifting and thought-provoking way. It’s a great reminder of how a simple change in thinking can transform our lives.

Overall, this is a decent read for children and families, especially those looking to explore folktales with a meaningful moral. While it isn’t one of my favorite reads, its positive theme makes it worth a read. I think families will enjoy having this Korean folktale in their collections.

Review will be live on the blog in March 2025

Based on a traditional Korean folk story, this little tale illustrates how attitude is everything, and nothing is really pre-determined.

It takes the unexpected viewpoint of an intelligent granddaughter to change the mindset of her obstinate grandfather, and bring new hope into a fraught situation.

This is a charming take on an old story, delightfully told. It gets 3.5 stars.

Die aus Südkorea stammende Autorin und Illustratorin Dayeon Auh greift in „Ein Berg, ein Sturz, ein langes Leben“ ein traditionelles südkoreanisches Volksmärchen auf. „Samnyeongogae“ (Three Year Mountain Path) ist das Märchen vom verhängnisvollen Berg, auf dem man nicht stürzen darf, da man sonst nur mehr drei Jahre zu leben hat.

Auh nimmt eine Umdeutung der Angst vor. Nachdem der Großvater am Berg stürzt lebt er voll Angst, da er noch so vieles in seinem Leben erleben wollte. Doch nun verbleiben ihm nur noch drei Jahre.

Die drei Jahre vergehen und der Großvater wartet von nun an auf den Tod. Geschwächt von seiner Angst geht er zur Ärztin und erhofft sich eine Hilfe mit seinem Leid, doch auch die beste Ärztin weit und breit weiß keinen Rat. Denn sie kann keinen Grund für seine Krankheit finden.

Es ist die Enkelin, die die Lösung findet. Ein Sturz bedeutet, dass 3 Jahre zu leben bleiben. 2 Stürze müssen daher 6 Jahre bedeuten. 3 Stürze 9 Jahre….

„Wie schön doch das Leben ist.“, stellt der Großvater fest.

Das Buch greift das Thema Tod auf und nimmt die Endlichkeit und Angst ernst. Dabei fokussiert es auf die Zeit die bleibt und den positiven Ausblick darauf, was man alles (noch) erleben kann so lange man lebt.


Dayeon Auh arbeitet mit wunderschönen analogen Collagen.


Auf Deutsch erschien das Buch bereits 2024 bei NordSüd.

I thought that this story was great and really enjoyable.

I love this kind of book where traditional folk tales are told to a new audience. My daughter is also a fan of these books (probably as she tales after me) and this was a story that she really enjoyed.

The Three Year Tumble is a really lovely children's book that is based on a Korean folktale. I thought that the story was well written, it was a fun read and it was easy to follow and I loved the underlying messaging in the story too.

The illustrations in the book are lovely, they really help to bring the story to life.

It is 4.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 5 stars for Goodreads and Amazon - highly recommended!

This is a beautiful book all about perspective. It so true that perspective really helps our mindset on how we deal with the world and sometimes the tough things that we are facing. I think this is a beautiful lesson that kids need to hear. There are always two different ways to look at a situation.
Thank you so much to North South Books Inc and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title.

This folktale was told with a nice rhythm and cadance to instill a positive mindset and shows the power of our thoughts. Illustrations we on point and lively too! Excellent!

Thank you NetGalley and NorthSouth Books for this e ARC of " The Three-Year Tumble" by Dayeon Auh, coming out March 25, 2025!

I'm not familiar with the Korean Folktake that this is based on but I really enjoyed this story. The illustrations are great and the colors are beautiful. This would be a great book to add to a classroom library!