Erich Kästner: Fairytale for Happiness

A strange old man who looks like Santa appears on a park bench. He promises the narrator, who resents the world, three wishes so they can stop complaining and become happy. The narrator dismisses him and angrily wastes two wishes. Only one remains: will it finally make him happy? A Fairy Tale for Happiness adapts a 1947 short story by German novelist, poet, and children’s author Erich Kästner, known for Fabian and The Flying Classroom, into a picture book. Hermann Hesse called him “a writer who speaks of his own time, yet speaks to every age.” The story offers unusual insight into happiness and vividly displays Kästner’s humor, satire, and sharp wit. Ulrike Möltgen’s profound illustrations leave room for imagination. The adaptation is a meaningful encounter with Kästner’s work in the year marking 125 years since his birth (2024). Reflecting on the old man’s story may reveal a key to happiness. It gives people worn down by competition and speed time to consider their one life, dreams, attitude, and direction.

Korean title: 행복을 위한 메르헨

Korean author: 에리히 캐스트너

Korean publisher: 여유당

ISBN-13: 9791198339287