A delightful retelling of a Yiddish folktale. A man, unhappy with his poverty and his crowded home, asks his Rabbi for advice. The Rabbi calmly tells him to begin bringing animals from the stable into the house. The man obeys, and after suffering through this worsened situation again appraoches the Rabbi for advice. The Rabbi advises him the same. The patterns repeats a few times, until finally the Rabbi tells the man to return all as it was to start with. The man goes away content and happy with his life, having experienced what would be worse.

Retold in a simple, rhythmic style with understated humor. The illustrations are dynamic and similarly humorous.

B-Day Present for Mx. He enjoys this book about being thankful for what you have (or don't have). To date Ms, hasn't been around when we've read it,

Great book to teach how to love and be grateful for what you have, no matter the condition "it could always be worse". ( )

IT COULD ALWAYS BE WORSE is a witty Jewish tale and a Caldecott Honor book. The book tells of a man who is unhappy in his crowded home with his family. He consults with his Rabbi. After several visits, the Rabbi cleverly teaches the man to appreciate what he has. In the end, his conditions are the same as they were in the beginning of the story, but the man finds himself much happier. The illustrations in the book are very detailed and nicely done. ( )

I think the author of this book is successful in making the language of the book lively. She begins the book with a problem and adds to the problem little by little, making the problem even more ridiculous and hilarious as the story goes on. With the resolution of the problem also comes an important lesson brought to the reader. I illustrations were hilarious and I really enjoyed the book. ( )