Summary: When a bridge in a town collapse, a kind and generous family offers to rebuild the bridge so the town can cross to the other side. While the bridge is being built, an old woman tells the mayor that only the happiest person in town can be the one to cross the bridge first otherwise the whole town would be cursed. The mayor looks and looks, but can’t find the happiest person in town to cross the bridge. Everyone has something that makes them unhappy. By the end of the story, no person is found to cross the bridge. It isn’t until the bridge is finished being built that they realize that the builders who are very happy have already crossed the bridge.
Critique: This fantasy book talks of a curse that will fall upon the town if the happiest person isn’t found, making this story unrealistic. The emotions, actions, and feelings of people are realistic reactions of humans in life. The plot in this story is fully developed, containing a conflict, action, and a resolution. The setting develops the plot and is necessary for the storyline.
Teacher Use: A teacher could use this book in a classroom to teach children about happiness and that happiness doesn’t necessarily come from a job, but from the people you are with and the ones you love the most. The teacher could then have the class write their own story or paragraph on what makes them happy.
Media: Oil Paints ( )