In Korea in the early 1800s, news from the countryside reached the king by means of signal fires. On one mountaintop after another, a fire was lit when all was well. If the king did not see a fire, that meant trouble, and he would send out his army. Linda Sue Park's first picture book for Clarion is about Sang-hee, son of the village firekeeper. When his father is unable to light the fire one night, young Sang-hee must take his place. Sang-hee knows how important it is for the fire to be lit-but he wishes that he could see soldiers . . . just once. Mountains, firelight and shadow, and Sunhee's struggle with a hard choice are rendered in radiant paintings, which tell their own story of a turning point in a child's life.
Review
"handsome, watercolor-and-pastel double-page pictures personalize the
history...panoramic views...as the boy tends the flame that preserves peace"
BOOKLIST Booklist, ALA
"a tale rooted in...history...watercolor
illustrations glow with vibrancy... especially striking...A lovely telling that
will bring readers back" KIRKUS REVIEWS Kirkus
Reviews
"Suspenseful...Assured, empathetic storytelling involves readers
in Sang-hee's inner conflict...Downing amplifies the tension with dramatically
composed watercolor-and-pastel illustrations ...fascinating" PUBLISHERS WEEKLY,
starred review Publishers Weekly, Starred
"An attractive celebration of
unity, peace, and family heritage, Sang-hee's story also emphasizes...beauty,
power, and responsibility." THE BULLETIN OF THE CENTER FOR CHILDREN'S BOOKS The
Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
"...compelling...Lyrical
prose... Children will be intrigued...caught up in the riveting dilemma, and
satisfied by the resolution." School Library Journal
