Sophion, Uncle Humph and The Fifth Box of Joy

Sophion(TM), Uncle Humph(TM) and The Fifth Box of Joy(TM)What happens when a child begins asking why the world cannot be more like the beautiful place he knows it could become?Young Jesse the Chief Steward(TM) of the Mysteries of Community is growing up.Melody teaches him songs. Joe the Builder(TM) teaches him tools. Great-Grandma Sally(TM) teaches him sandwiches. Anna teaches him stories. And Simeon the Ancient One(TM) teaches him blessings-and warnings.Because children are listening. ALWAYS.Then, while visiting Dave's House(TM) at the curious age of twelve, Jesse begins asking some very large questions.Why are some tables so short?Why do some creatures eat alone?Why do some little creatures cry themselves to sleep?And why can't the places where creatures live together become more like the Ancient Place Beyond the Logomere-where tables stretch forever, tears are temporary, there is always enough to go around, and nobody is forgotten?Jesse dreams of a Castle on the Cloud. But not as somewhere to escape.As somewhere to practice becoming.The Fifth Box of Joy(TM) is a hopeful tale about growing up, asking difficult questions, dreaming of a better world-and learning that even the biggest dreams must sometimes wait while we finish our homework, help our neighbors, honor our families, and do the work immediately before us.Because communities are built slowly.Dreams need dignity.And castles are built one table at a time.Like every book in The Mabuhay Stories(TM), this tale invites readers to read aloud, illuminate their own lifelong edition, share the story together-and, if they wish, sing along with the 45-second Melody of Grace and Mercy and Peace, Mercy Has No End.Because perhaps the greatest dream is not escaping TO the Castle on the Cloud.Perhaps it is learning together how to-BRING THE CASTLE DOWN HERETO US ALL.Right on the Streets Where We Live.Mabuhay!