Folktales have always been a go-to read for me. I enjoy learning about other cultures and seeing how they have been interpreted. Plus, I enjoy comparing them with other cultures’ stories. One true folktale (it even says so in the title) is Sun, Moon, and Star: A Folktale from Korea. The other, while not a pure folktale, I consider her stories to be folktale adjacent. It is a biography of Beatrix Potter, aptly named, Beatrix and Friends.
Nancy So Miller took an established story of Korean folklore and gave it a few twists to not only make it unique to her, but to give it a bit of modern sensibility as well. You might not be familiar with this delightful folktale, but the theme is well known. It is not only about being resourceful, but also about being mindful of your parents (the mother in this case) as they have rules you should follow to help keep you safe. There are several extras added at the end. But it is the images that captured me. They are fanciful and clever, good color and details that are not overwhelming or overly bright or busy. They were readable on their own, but are also a strong supporting character to the text. They are unique and while I was enjoying them, I would not necessarily consider them “frameable,” but they are ones to really look at and take your time with.
Nancy So Miller took on both author and illustrator roles and came away with something that is needed by readers of all ages (but due to some content, know your reader) and is great for adults who collect folktales. It is due in February 2026, so you won’t have to wait too long for it, or find an online reader copy like I did.
And online readers have been the way I am able to read picture books of late, if they are not already out. Beatrix and Her Friends by Anne Lambelet (another author and illustrator combination) is one that is due later May 2026, yet I look forward to promoting it now. It is a slightly romantic biography of the subject (Beatrix Potter), but overall it is lovely and has a flow that works well for fans of Potter. We have a highlight reel of her life from younger child to an older woman. We see the inspirations for her storybook characters.
And how are they folktales? One factor for a folktale (at least for me) are morals to a story. And I think most of Potter’s stories can fit that category. Also, having animals be human-like also is a trait I think of when I think of folk and fairy tales. And while it is not a deal breaker, I enjoy sweet illustrations or illustrations that have some punch to them. Lambelet makes sweet illustrations that are busy and yet, cozy as well. They have character and show the characters. Not really in the style of Potter, they do invoke some of that feeling. It looks classical, but has a modern touch as well. They are images you will feel something fro