THE TWO STONECUTTERS

by Eve. Titus ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 18, 1967

Lines that read themselves aloud, and even help to turn the page, and illustrations that make magic convincing give to a classic tale, here in Japanese variant, a renewed assurance. The Stone is mightier than the Stormcloud which is mightier than the Sun which is mightier than the Wind which is mightier than a Prince who is mightier than a Rich Man--and so Elder Brother uses up the last of his six wishes turning himself into a Stone. But one morning he hears a sound--THE SOUND OF STONE CUTTERS: it is Younger Brother at work. On the third try, his plea reaches Younger Brother, who has saved his single wish; now he will use it to make his brother what he was. ""From that day on Elder Brother (who had wished to be rich and mighty and powerful) was content."" The absolute rightness is a matter of evocative vocabulary and artful phrasing and Just enough rhythm to carry the cumulating incidents. And it impels the eye from the first grove of bamboo incidentally sheltering a badger to the man who is the wind, the sun, the stone. This is one that children will like as much as they should.

Pub Date: Aug. 18, 1967

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1967

Categories: CHILDREN'S