Donatella Young

Four Friends Donatella Young

About the Book: A little boy who is the son of a poor gardener works on the palace grounds of an unhappyking. This very rich king is unkind as well as uncaring about the lives of his servants and subjects. One day,while walking on the palace grounds, he meets the little boy. The king, due to his selfishness, has never beforenoticed the boy. He does observe, though, that the boy is poorly dressed but is smiling. He wonders what canmake this boy happy enough to smile. The king insists that the boy tell him what makes him happy. The boyfinds the courage to lead the unhappy king deep into the forest, where they will meet four friends. The fourfriends, a bird, an elephant, a monkey, and a rabbit, will share with the king in a colorful way the wisdom thatbrings happiness."The Buddhist Jataka stories are ancient, dating at least from the time of the Buddha, 2,600 years ago. Reminiscentof Aesop's fables in their characterization of animals, the Jataka tales gently teach vivid moral lessons. Theseelegant stories are appropriate for children and adults alike. Donatella Cardillo-Young's fresh retelling of theseancient tales communicates to a modern audience and retains the clear imagery and the simple truths of thisliterature. In so doing, she has provided a valuable addition to a body of literature that has withstood the test oftime and continues to offer entertainment and meaning to impressionable young minds."-Frank Howard, Director, Amitabha Foundation"When a king who has everything is unhappy, what does it take to make him happy? The Four Friends isDonatella Cardillo-Young's retelling of a lovely folk tale from Nepal, with gentle advice for all of us."-Vivian Vande Velde, author, Tales from the Brothers Grimm and the Sisters Weird, an ALA Best Book for YoungAdults."A magical tale of ancient wisdom to guide and inspire us all. In our digital age of instant gratification, we arereminded to slow down and take time to listen to the way of the winds, the way of peace."-Rev. Sa