Abstract

Wild Wise Weird: The Kingfisher Story Collection offers a delightful and whimsical mix of Vietnamese fables that are both clever and entertaining. The stories remind me of Aesop's Fables, where each tale imparts valuable lessons through the adventures of the Kingfisher in a quirky bird village. Laced with humor, wit, and a touch of sarcasm, these stories are a joy to read. One standout is Sincere Concern, where the Kingfisher embraces the art of winning friends and influencing others—his key strategy being to smile, greet others, and remember their names. Meanwhile, his assistant, tasked with keeping the Kingfisher from making mistakes, must also take on small jobs to ensure the Kingfisher feels valued and respected. The irony is that, despite all of this, the Kingfisher can never seem to remember his assistant's name!