Charlotte Guillain's retelling of 'The Unhappy Stonecutter' is a charming and accessible introduction to a classic Japanese folk tale. The story follows a simple stonecutter who, discontent with his humble life, wishes to become more powerful. His wishes are granted, transforming him into a prince, then the sun, a cloud, and eventually a mountain. Each transformation, however, reveals a new, more powerful entity that he then desires to become, leading him in a cyclical pursuit of ultimate power. The emotional arc begins with the stonecutter's initial dissatisfaction and a sense of longing, progresses through a series of temporary highs and subsequent disappointments, and culminates in a profound realization of contentment and gratitude for his original state. The book handles the sensitive topic of avarice and discontentment in a gentle, metaphorical way, making it easy for young readers to grasp the moral without feeling preached to. This book is specifically for children who might be struggling with feelings of envy, constantly wanting new things, or comparing themselves to others. A parent might reach for this when their child expresses frustration over not having something a friend has, or when they seem generally unhappy with their circumstances despite having much to be grateful for. For younger children (4-6), it's a wonderful read-aloud that opens conversations about what makes us truly happy. Older children (7-11) can read it independently and delve deeper into the themes of self-worth and the nature of desire. Parents should preview the concept of wishing for more and the cyclical nature of the stonecutter's desires, emphasizing that the journey leads to a positive outcome. What makes this book different from others on gratitude is its clear, magical narrative structure that visually demonstrates the futility of endless desire, making the lesson particularly impactful and memorable.
