I Bite the Bad Guys

A Tale of the Korean Tiger

Children - Picture Book
40 Pages
Reviewed on 05/09/2025
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Author Biography

The authors’ connection to Korea began almost 40 years ago when Debbi Kent and Joan Suwalsky became adoptive mothers of Korean-born children. Taking a keen interest in their children’s heritage, they became ardent students and then teachers of Korean culture, traveling to Korea once or twice a year and developing a deep affection for the country and its people. As part of their goal to share their love of Korea with English-speaking audiences around the world they authored the comprehensive, beautifully illustrated book, “100 Thimbles in a Box: The Spirit and Beauty of Korean Handicrafts” in 2014. That was followed by a collection of children’s picture books called the Ginkgo Tree Tales. “I Bite the Bad Guys: A Tale of the Korean Tiger,” the first book in the collection, was published in 2019, followed by “The Rooftop Revelers: A Tale of Korean Japsang” in 2024. Co-authored by MaryJo Glover and Yuleui Lee, the stories feature some of the most beloved symbolic characters in Korean art and folklore brought to life in colorful detail in the illustrations by well-known Korean artists.

MARYJO P. GLOVER, a retired speech language pathologist, lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Rt. 19 Writers Group and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

DEBBI KENT, from Great Falls, Virginia, has had a varied career as a writer, editor, public speaker, designer and photographer.

JOAN SUWALSKY, a retired child development research scientist and aspiring potter, lives in Frederick, Maryland.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

I Bite the Bad Guys: A Tale of the Korean Tiger by MaryJo P. Glover, Debbi Kent, and Joan Suwalsky, with illustrations by Lee Woong Ki, is a culturally rich picture book that introduces young readers to the legendary Korean tiger, Horangi. Drawing from Korean folktales and traditional symbolism, the story follows Horangi as he attempts to take a well-earned break from guarding his village, only to find that his instincts keep telling him something suspicious is happening. Horangi, a vigilant and slightly overprotective tiger, is persuaded by his talkative friend Kkachi, a magpie known for bringing good news, to take the afternoon off. Their lively and humorous dialogue captures the dynamics of two very different personalities on an adventure. Despite assurances that all is quiet in the village, Horangi’s twitching nose and bristling beard signal his unease. Throughout the journey, the two encounter various characters from Korean folklore, including Santokki the mountain rabbit and the mischievous Dokkaebi brothers, reinforcing the cultural setting with charm and authenticity.

MaryJo P. Glover, Debbi Kent, and Joan Suwalsky's narrative is matched by illustrations painted on traditional Korean hanji paper, using Korean watercolors and brushes. These artistic choices add depth and texture to each page. The story is framed with educational elements such as pronunciation guides, Korean Hangul, and cultural explanations, inviting young readers to learn about Korean traditions engagingly. Ideal for children and families, I Bite the Bad Guys blends folklore, humor, and cultural education. Through Horangi’s journey, readers are reminded that even fierce protectors deserve moments of joy, and that sometimes, the surprise is good news. Adults should use discretion to ensure some illustrations won't upset youngsters.