Song of the Old City
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
This lyrical, whimsical picture book, set in the old city of Istanbul, celebrates kindness and generosity of spirit.
Follow one little girl on her busy day through the old city of Istanbul--from the Galata bridge to the Grand Bazaar--as the city opens its arms to her. All along the way, the generous people she meets share many gifts with her: sesame rounds, hot tea, a boat ride, rose candy, pomegranate juice, even a scrub in a Turkish bath! But she doesn't just keep the gifts for herself. At every turn, she finds a way to share what has been given to her and pass it on so others can enjoy it too.
With poetic text and radiant artwork, author Anna Pellicioli and Turkish illustrator Merve Atilgan bring us this heartwarming tale of kindness and generosity in the city known as the crossroads of the world.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
A child absorbs the sights and sounds of "a very old city filled with boats, people, prayers, and hot tea." Lyrical second-person prose by Pellicioli (Where You End) opens at the oceanside, as the pale child throws a "gasping," just-caught fish back into the water: "You're afraid the fisherman/ will be angry," but he's not. He pats the child on the head and introduces a woman who sells simit sesame rounds. Via a loose, linked narrative, a boat ride, pomegranate juice, a trip through the spice bazaar, and a trip to the public bath follow. In digital spreads, Turkish artist Atilgan gives the characters upbeat, animation-style friendliness, while picking out the city's patterns and visual rhythms in a palette of warm red, rich brown, and robin's egg blue. Everywhere, people greet the wandering child, offering sweets and kindnesses. This string of experiences lulls like a dream in this hymn to a city and its experiential offerings. Ages 3 7.
