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Nothing lasts forever. Almost any bad situation could be worse and will eventually get better. When you ask a question, don't correct the person answering until they finish their reply. Watch what you say when little kids are listening. And whatever you do, be specific when you make any request, or you just might find yourself turned into a box of chocolates. Aesop's fables are not the only sources of lessons like these. Jokes can contain them, too, and even the seemingly straightforward conversations of children can hold subtle insights into life's truths. This deceptively simple little book may adjust your perspective about unfavorable situations, cajole you into checking your ego at the door, encourage you to solve problems creatively, or caution you against trying to please everyone you meet. No matter which lesson resonates with you, you will finish this book with a fresh appreciation for time-honored life lessons.
Wei has organized his compilation of 180 instructive stories and jokes into fourteen chapters he calls "themes." These themes include greed, helpfulness, honesty, and effective communication. Hilarity ensues after some, like the story of the genie who turned a man into a box of chocolates after the man failed to specify in which way he wanted the genie to make him irresistible to women. Others are cautionary tales, like the fable of the greedy child who could not withdraw his hand from a jar of nuts after he grasped too large a fistful. The materials already existed, but Wei sets out to convey them in his own words. He ends each entry by stating its moral or "lesson." This is particularly helpful in cases where the moral is not readily obvious. Educators and people who share the author's love of stories and jokes are sure to enjoy this slim volume.