Under the Cherry Blossom Tree

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the concept of fairness or when you want to use humor to discuss how greed and selfishness affect others. This classic Japanese folktale tells the story of a grumpy, miserly landlord who accidentally swallows a cherry pit, only to have a tree sprout directly out of the top of his head. While he views this as a nuisance, the village children see it as a source of joy. The story uses absurdist humor to show that those who try to keep everything for themselves often end up losing it all, while the community finds ways to thrive despite them. It is a whimsical, visually stunning exploration of karma and the resilience of a community. Appropriate for ages 4-8, it serves as a lighthearted but profound entry point into discussions about character and consequences.