The female free-divers of Jeju Island, Korea, known as haenyeo, spend their days deep in the ocean, gathering fish, shellfish and seaweed to share with their community. Their bravery is awe-inspiring, as is their dedication in passing their skills down from generation to generation. But their fascinating stories remain unknown to many outside Korea. An endearing tale that spotlights the haenyeo, Hyewon Yum’s A Spoonful of the Sea is a delight to read.
A Spoonful of the Sea begins with a mother in her kitchen presenting miyeok-guk, or seaweed soup, to her 5-year-old daughter—which is NOT what she wants for her birthday. Birthdays are for cake. But when her mother tells her the history of miyeok-guk, the girl’s birthday becomes a celebration of tradition and motherhood. Yum’s declarative narration is understated, but powerful. Subtle alliteration and repetition give readers the feeling of an often-told and beloved tale. The phrases “many mothers ago” and “many daughters later” stand out for the way they underscore the picture book’s message with profundity and love.
Hyewon Yum’s art feels warm and comfortable, safe and familiar. Even as we travel into past generations, Yum’s soft sketches in colored pencil radiate a strong sense of home. While the job of the haenyeo is treacherous—cold water, dangerous sea creatures, no oxygen tanks—Yum conveys confidence and a sense of belonging, purpose and pride. Yum’s characters are drawn simply yet expressively, and their charm invites readers to immerse themselves in the story.
A Spoonful of the Sea brings attention to a cultural marvel and honors the determination of the haenyeo. While written for a young audience, this sweet story can be shared across generations. A Spoonful of the Sea ends with an author’s note that gives a brief peek into haenyeo history and will likely jump-start your own desire to research further. Dive into this oceanic rabbit hole: You will be mesmerized.
