(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jon J Muth. A stonecutter transforms himself into a merchant, the sun, wind, etc., to increase his power. Finally he becomes a stone ("stronger than any force, as old as time") but learns that a stonecutter can overpower rock. The spare, deftly told parable from Japan is illustrated with Muth's striking black figures and the white of the page. Handsome book design enhances this sophisticated offering.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth