Margaret Harmon

 

 The talented "Mr. Helpless" realizes he's actually powerful--by designing his own life.  Readers discover his real name and explore with him the joys of independence, from tying shoes to finishing homework to choosing our own favorite books, music, technology, and art.

 

Eccentric and endearing illustrations help us share his adventures. 

 

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The Genie Who Had Wishes of His Own: 21st-Century Fables

Twenty-two brand new heroes, villains, and earnest strivers go after health, love, and fulfillment.

* Idealistic architect Zoe creates a building so green it might save the Earth--if she can protect it from the people living in it.

* Health food expert Myrna tries to rescue her husband from a nutritional wasteland. But Stanley's a big man who likes ice cream.

* Roger makes himself a multibillionaire by exploiting workers, squeezing expenses, and stretching loopholes--until he accidentally explodes his world.

* Nina, who knows exactly what she wants, finds a genuine genie, who discovers what he wants.

Endearing and determined, these trapeze artists, juggler, caterpillar, song sparrow, ballerina, and the rest are exactly who we want them to be: us. Our favorites walk beside us, protecting and inspiring.

 

"Fantastic!" --Ray Bradbury

 

"There is something hedonistic and luxurious inherent in these fables. . . . Look around for this book. You'll find it useful in countless social and literary ways." --Carolyn See

 

"Very clever." --Barnaby Conrad

"The Toad Who Knew It All" from The Man Who Learned to Walk In Shoes That Pinch was told by storyteller Marilyn McPhie to Ukrainian IT professionals--in English--in the Ukraine!  They discussed its usual meaning:  we have to keep learning, to survive.  And then, in a war zone, they pondered what they WOULD risk their lives to hang onto.