Common Sense Media Review
By Susan Faust
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moving tale of Korean family that shelters war refugees.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 5+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE HOUSE BEFORE FALLING INTO THE SEA, the Tak family in South Korea takes in refugees fleeing from the north. Explains one such refugee, "With enemies at our backs, yours is the house before falling into the sea." At age 7, Kyung Tak must learn to share her house with a growing number of refugees, and she does, befriending the displaced and distraught Sunhee, whose father later expresses deep gratitude to the Tak family. "Being here with you, safe, is a gift Sunhee and I will never forget," he promises. At the back of the book, readers will find author and illustrator notes, a glossary of Korean words and cultural references, a list of Korean names, and some questions to consider.
Is It Any Good?
Poignant and pensive, this beautiful picture book shows the life-changing impact of courage and compassion during a time of war. In The House Before Falling into the Sea, impressionistic, multimedia paintings detail the setting, thus allowing the spare text to attend mostly to the quiet, unfolding drama. Kids are unlikely to know much about the Korean War, but they are likely to hear on the news about ongoing hostilities in the region. This book can be an opening to talk about this region's history. Drawing on the author's own family history, the book projects an affecting authenticity. With a narrow focus on two families, one from the North and one from the South, this timely book deals gently with one big consequence of war: the eruption of a refugee crisis. This book about the past has emotional resonance in the present and is worth sharing with young readers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
After reading The House Before Falling into the Sea, families can talk about war and refugees. How would you feel about having to leave your home and seek refuge in a new place?
Why do people face danger themselves to care for strangers? Where do they get the courage and compassion to stand up for others?
Have you ever had the chance to show kindness to a friend or family member? Did you take a risk to do so? What happened?
The illustrations tell a lot about the setting in Busan, South Korea, and the seaside. What do you notice? How do they make you feel?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Hanna Cha
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Gratitude , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dial Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : March 12, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 4 - 8
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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