A boy's mother tells him he is "good for nothing," then sends him to out to find work. When potential employers ask what he can do, he replies "I'm good for nothing." Not surprisingly, he has little success acquiring a job. At the end of each unsuccessful job hunt the boy does something kind for another creature. One of those creatures repays him in an unexpected way. Note from the author connecting the story with Danish and Russian tales. Colorful illustrations. ( )