Three Monks, No Water

Krystyna Higgins is the former book review editor for the Catholic New
Times.

The title of this book refers to an expression the author’s mother
frequently used in her childhood to describe what we might call
“passing the buck” in an effort to avoid doing one’s chores. Later
she discovered that the expression was common, though its genesis was
unknown. This story is her attempt to create an imaginative explanation
for the saying.

A young Buddhist monk who lives alone atop a mountain must haul water
up the mountain each day. One day he is joined by a second monk, and
soon by a third. Each is convinced that the others are responsible for
hauling the water. As a result no one fetches any water, and the monks
and their garden become dangerously parched. When a fire breaks out in
the temple one night, they are forced to cooperate and ultimately agree
to share the responsibility for providing water.

As well as underlining the value and necessity of taking responsibility
for oneself and others, this story will serve to stretch a child’s
imaginative experience through the cross-cultural subject matter and
setting. The details are sufficiently exotic to pique a reader’s
interest, while the feelings expressed by the monks are universal in
their familiarity.

Harvey Chan’s artwork reinforces the exotic flavor of the story
through his use of pastel saffron tones in both figures and background.
He has even incorporated depictions of the saying in Chinese calligraphy
on each page as well as in a specially designed seal inside the back and
front covers.

A minor quibble concerns the ending, which seemed rather abrupt; one
turns the page, expecting more. Nevertheless, this fascinating and
unusual book is highly recommended.