Nasreddine
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- $20.99
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- $20.99
Publisher Description
It's time to go to market, so Nasreddine loads up the donkey and sets off with his father. But when onlookers criticize his father for riding while Nasreddine walks, the boy is ashamed. The following week, Nasreddine persuades his father to walk, and let him ride — but then people criticize the boy for making his father walk! No matter what Nasreddine tries, it seems that someone always finds something to disapprove of.
Nasreddine is a legendary character popular in stories told throughout the Middle East, and this clever story will bring him to a new audience. Accompanied by stunning artwork, this tale offers a gentle reminder to readers that it isn't always necessary to listen to the world's criticisms.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Dautremer's (The Secret Lives of Princesses) evocative spreads of Middle Eastern marketplace life lend a meditative air to French author Weulersse's version of an ancient tale, which casts the legendary wise man as a boy. No matter how Nasreddine and his father, Mustafa, make the trip to market father on donkey, son on foot; son on donkey, father on foot; both on donkey; neither on donkey idling onlookers find fault in their choice. "A lazy man who lounges and makes his son slosh through the mud!" clucks a vizier. "Your words, sir, are hurting my ears," Mustafa always replies, unruffled. He watches with sweet acceptance as Nasreddine dreams up new ways to get to market that he thinks will avoid criticism. Dautremer's scenes contrast the narrow, shadowed alleyways of the market and its gossips with the inviting, grassy fields beyond. The effect is of a slow, philosophical working-out of the wisdom: "It's up to you to decide if what you're hearing is wise, or if it's only a silly and hurtful remark." The portrait of a father's gentle acceptance of his son's insecurity is a welcome gift, too. Ages 4 9.
