Sion’s Misfortune

by Chen Jiafei and illustrated by Wang Ran

“Sion’s Misfortune” by Chen Jiafei and illustrated by Wang Ran. Published by Karadi Tales. A profound folk tale from China about how misfortune can be a blessing in disguise sometimes.

The story takes place in ancient China. Sion lived in a kingdom along the Great Wall of China. He was a wise man and an excellent fortune teller. Everyone in the town went to him for advice and to know what their future had in store for them. His predictions turned out to be right always.

One day, his horse unknowingly galloped across the border to the neighbouring kingdom. There had been enmity and war between the two kingdoms for a long time. So there was no way anyone from his town could go and get the horse back. As all his friends and family lamented about the horse, Sion coolly said that the incident had happened for good maybe. Everyone was astonished by his reaction. A series of unlucky events started happening with him and he kept reacting as though everything was for good. People started wondering if he was in for some trouble. His reputation was at stake.

Had Sion begun to lose his wits? Were the people right in thinking so? How could misfortune be a blessing in disguise? What good could possibly come out of the misfortunes that were happening in his life? Would his reputation be restored to its former status? The story explains all of these. The beautiful illustrations complement the story so well. We also get a peek into the lives of people in a town from ancient China.

My seven year old loved the book. It made him think backwards and realise why Sion had felt so in the beginning. The book helps in realising that troubles or unlucky things might not be so bad after all. They happen for some reason and might eventually lead to something good or better. We just have to retain our faith and patiently hope for better times to keep going.

Recommended Age

The book is apt for children aged 7+.

Where to buy from?

An independent indie bookstore, Funky Rainbow, from where I buy many of my books.