What does it mean to be rich? In this Japanese folktale, a family struggles with poverty. They hope for riches, and they plan to leave their poor god behind to seek their deserved fortune. The poor god has a plan of his own. He begins weaving beautiful sandals, and children and adults come from all around to get a pair. Soon, the family begins to see a difference in their luck, and they are happy with all of the wonderful things the poor god's efforts have brought them. However, when the New Year comes around, they hear about the arrival of their rich god. The family is so happy though, they don't want the rich god to replace the, now, artist. The family realizes what that being happy and being together is all the fortune they need. ( )

Jennifer