A poor young boy leaves behind his loving parents in order to earn something extra for the family, in this Lithuanian folktale, agreeing to work as the shepherd for a prosperous farmer. But when his summer and fall of labor are done, and he is paid - a bag of beans, a bundle of flax, and three pennies - he finds that the three beggar-men he meets on the road home are in even greater need than he, and he gives everything he has away. The last of the beggars gives him a sack, a stick and a fiddle - gifts that his parents initially scorn, but whose magical qualities change all their lives for the better...

The Magic Sack is an example of a fairly common tale-type - one in which the hero or heroine is generous with their scanty resources, and is rewarded with magical items that change their fortune for the better - but it is the first example I have seen from the Lithuanian tradition. Of course, I haven't read much Lithuanian folklore - one of the reasons I was so excited to happen upon this book, as well as Marguerita Rudolph's I Am Your Misfortune: A Lithuanian Folk Tale - so I can't say whether it is common, in the folklore of that country. Still, this is an engaging story, one which is paired with appealing engraving-style illustrations by Ralph Pinto, and would make a good selection for young folklore enthusiasts! ( )

The Magic Sack is about a young poor boy who goes to be a shepherd to earn a bag of bean, a bundle of flax and three pennies to provide for his mom and dad. On his journey home the boy passes three beggars even poorer than himself he gives each one of them one of his earnings. The last beggar in return gives him an empty sack, a stick and a fiddle.The beggar tells the boy to order anyone he does not like into the sack and to rap them with the stick. The boy takes these items and returns home with nothing to provide to his parents. The boy sets off into the world to earn some money for his family. During his journey he meets people who treat others harshly and he orders them into the sack and makes them promise to do the right thing before he lets them out. This is a journey about the gifts of generosity, empathy and sympathy.

I wish everyone could be as kind hearted as this little boy. An amazing tell of sharing even if it is all you can spare.

This tale could be used to teach children the gift of sharing and how rewarding giving to those less fortunate than yourself can be. The gift of giving always comes back ten fold.