Lessons about greed can always prove useful. When a selfish old lady refuses to share her food with an old beggar, she finds herself transforming into different animals.

"I'm a tiger when I'm famished.
So begone, old beggar, vanish!"

The old woman and the beggar speak in simple rhymes which was entertaining as a reader and would stretch listeners ears. As the selfish lady continues to snack and transform, watercolor illustrations keep the eye busy with light changes and dynamic animal forms. She is a tiger, an ox, a bird, and an elephant. The list goes on, but the story revolves around pleasing repetition and whatever form she unwittingly wished herself into wreaks amusing havoc on the town.

By the time the story ends she has learned more generous ways and become a self proclaimed believer in kindness. It would be a nice book to introduce the Golden Rule with an audience unfamiliar with the story. While many young listeners may have considered the benefits of being good to others, the magic and amusement in this story will enjoyably illustrate amiable qualities such as sharing, fairness, and generosity. ( )

This is an okay example of a legend. It deals with historical times combined with supernatural powers. It is fictional and incorporates a moral theme. I don't think, however, that it includes a historical truth, which legends typically include.
The theme of this story, I'm pretty sure, is to help other people when they're in need. It wasn't really repeated, but the consequences of the selfish woman's actions perpetuated the idea that she should have helped the man who was hungry. I think the theme was fairly well-developed in the story, but not perfectly.
Age Appropriateness: Primary, Intermediate
Media: Watercolor