School Library Journal Review
Gr 6 Up--Three Indonesian folktales--"Keong Mas," "Bawang Merah Bawang Putih," and "Timun Mas"--are reimagined in this anthology, which seeks to give power and autonomy to traditionally passive female characters. A selfish older sister, finding herself cursed by her younger sister, must seek to help someone other than herself before her curse can be lifted; a widower turns his anger, rooted in grief, on his daughters, who must stop taking responsibility for their father's happiness in order to find their own; and a happily unpartnered woman finds herself a caregiver of a young girl after she misguidedly agrees to an inadvisable deal and has to use her intellect to escape from it. The stories read quickly, and their wispy, rounded, and paradisaical illustrations are further romanticized in appearance through the use of lush, tropical, and forested settings colored in bejeweled hues of violets, golds, and teals. While some pages make ample use of white space, others use fluid spreads, panel-breaking art, and irregularly shaped, polygonal panels that add interest while leading up to unconventional happily-ever-afters. Characters have various skin tones, ranging from pale to dark, and diverse body types are included, as is blended family representation. The front matter includes a table of contents, while among the back matter is an author's note and a prose version of each of the original folktales. VERDICT A beautiful collection of folktales that succeeds in depicting strengthened female agency while promoting a healthy consideration for others.--Alea Perez
Publisher's Weekly Review
Debut graphic novelist Angkasa retells three Indonesian folktales and reimagines the female protagonists beyond "superficial tropes like the damsel in distress... the wicked and jealous stepmother... the spinster wishing for a child." In "Keong Mas," a fisherwoman's generosity models compassion for a former princess, whose selfishness begot her transformation into a snail. "Bawang Merah Bawang Putih" highlights the relationship between two stepsisters who, devoted to each other, endure their grieving father's physical abuse and must decide whether to approach their future with or without him. The final tale, "Timun Mas," follows green-thumbed Old Mbok Srini and her adopted daughter as they use their horticultural knowledge (and a little bit of magic) to outsmart a giant. This accessible collection's plethora of protagonists, portrayed with varying skin tones, embody traditional folktale gumption in stories with settings and perspectives that realistically mirror the creator's native Indonesia. Innovative paneling offers complexity to the storytelling, and eye-catching patterns add cultural specificity to sometimes formulaic tales. Concludes with texts of the original tales and an author's note wherein Angkasa describes her mother's influence in creating this feminist remix. Ages 8--12. (Oct.)
Horn Book Review
These graphic-format retellings of three Indonesian folktales steer their female protagonists away from traditional "superficial tropes" and render them as empowered, intelligent characters who determine their own fates. A young woman trapped in a snail's shell by her jealous younger sister is finally freed when she seeks to help someone other than herself in "Keong Mas." A newly blended family brings two girls together as sisters in "Bawang Merah Bawang Putih." Though tragedy unexpectedly strikes, the sisters keep their hearts open and forge a path forward together: "because Merah had Putih and Putih had Merah. And that was enough." A medicine woman in "Timun Mas" builds a life for herself despite opposing societal norms and expectations. When a giant knocks on her door demanding that she surrender what she deems most precious, she refuses to accept defeat. The panel illustrations feature deep purples, earthy greens, and rich golden hues. Angkasa's expressive art transports readers through the rolling waves, flowing rivers, and lush forests that make up the over seventeen thousand Indonesian islands. Brief prose retellings of the original stories are provided for reference and comparison; an author's note makes personal connections. Gabi Kim HuescaNovember/December 2023 p.93 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
A graphic reimagining of three classic Indonesian fairy tales that center their female protagonists. Three folktales are told in three chapters, in different color palettes, separated by spot-illustrated title pages. In "Keong Mas (Golden Snail)," an eldest princess is transformed into a snail after manipulating her selection as the prince's bride. She must reflect on her actions and empathize with others to break the curse. In "Bawang Merah Bawang Putih (Shallot Garlic)," two sisters have to seek their own happiness when tragedy strikes their blended family. In "Timun Mas (Golden Cucumber)," a healer and her supernaturally born daughter use their knowledge and talents to outwit a monstrous being. Curving, swirling lines convey movement against the backdrop of Indonesian villages and landscapes, highlighting the characters' connections to sea and land. Backmatter includes a prose version of each story, and the author's note describes Angkasa's motivations for examining women's roles and relationships in fairy tales beyond reductive tropes, as active agents in shaping their own destinies; she aims to empower readers to question perceived self and societal limitations. Illustrations and terminology hold cultural and environmental texture, some broadly Indonesian, some regionally specific, such as details of clothing, furniture, and rice paddies. With dialogue written in clear, modern language, this collection will be broadly accessible. A beautiful, powerful addition to the pantheon of feminist folktale reimaginings. (three "original stories" with illustrations) (Graphic fiction. 8-13) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
Have you ever longed for more? Have you ever scoured between the lines of a fairy tale, searching for fragments to piece together the girls hidden behind their assigned supporting roles? Angkasa's debut graphic novel is a stunning answer to this yearning feeling. This book retells three beloved traditional Indonesian folktales: "Keong Mas," "Bawang Merah Bawang Putih," and "Timun Mas." Angkasa skilfully breathes new life into these narratives, providing a fresh look from the perspective of the female characters. The stories, which appear in an impressive array of panel layouts and spreads, are each adorned with a distinct color palette that exudes rich textures. The book offers feminist retellings of the tales that beautifully intertwine with the essence of Indonesia, celebrating its culture and the resilience of its young women. As the tales unfold, a love letter to the country and the power of storytelling emerges. The only drawback is that this enchanting journey does not last forever, leaving readers eager for more stories. Carrying a song-like rhythm woven between both words and illustrations, this beautiful retelling is akin to Madeline Miller's poetic style, tailored for a younger audience. While the book is targeted at a middle-grade audience, older readers who love folktales will also cherish these old stories presented in fresh, dynamic new ways.
