Sivu's Six Wishes    by Jude Daly Order:  USA  Can Eerdmans, 2010 (2010) Hardcover     Reviewed by J. A. Kaszuba Locke The story of Sivu the stonemason is cleverly based on an ancient Taoist tale - The Stone Cutter. With a twist, author and illustrator Jude Daly tells of Sivu's Six Wishes, a story with a message for youngsters as well as oldsters. The story opens with clever Sivu carving a large rock into a huge lion. Sivu diligently works with hammer and chisel as people pass by admiring his extraordinary creation. But, alas, Sivu isn't very happy as he does not earn much money. Sivu gows bitter, disappointed, and envious of others. Sivu's initial wish for wealth and power plays in his mind. He feels it would bring him happiness. Mysteriously Sivu's six wishes begin to be fulfilled. The first is to be a rich businessman. With each wish Sivu becomes more entranced with his ability to snap his fingers to gain power. Jude Daly's two-page illustrations add color and action to her storytelling. The author is known internationally for many teach-a-lesson stories, including To Everything There is a Season; The Little Blue Slipper; An Irish Cinderella Story, and Let There Be Peace: Prayers from Around the World (with Jeremy Brooks). The last page, About the Story, defines the meaning of Tao (or Dao) as path or way, as well as a name given to Chinese philosophical and religious traditions. It also gives the meaning of the Three Jewels of the Tao - compassion, moderation, and humility. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews