A Donkey Reads

Adapted from a Turkish Folktale

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Pub Date Feb 10 2011 | Archive Date Sep 01 2012

Description

A lushly illustrated, fanciful adaptation of a Turkish folktale tells the story of a poor villager named Mustafo, who must give a gift of tribute to his tyrannical Mongol ruler. When he presents his old donkey, which is all he has, his ruler is furious and threatens him with death. But Nasreddin Hoca, the wiseman, assures the cruel ruler that this donkey is no ordinary beast, and he will soon teach it to read. Will his clever plan save Mustafo, outwit their ruler, and show the world that this special donkey really can read? A Junior Library Guild Selection.

A lushly illustrated, fanciful adaptation of a Turkish folktale tells the story of a poor villager named Mustafo, who must give a gift of tribute to his tyrannical Mongol ruler. When he presents his...


Advance Praise

Mustafo, a poor Anatolian villager, has to find something to give the new Mongol leader, who demands tribute. A broken-down donkey is all he has, and he knows he'll get beaten for such a pitiful offering. But Nasreddin Hoca, the village wise man, interrupts the leader's tirade: "I believe that I can teach him to read," Nasreddin says. Nasreddin delivers on his promise, too. His donkey-training secret (barley between the pages to get the donkey to turn the pages with his tongue) is revealed to readers, who will thoroughly enjoy watching the Mongol leader get his comeuppance. Portuguese artist Letria paints figures in a naïf, folk-art style nicely suited to this traditional story; their movements are puppetlike, yet their expressions are convincing, even moving. Full-bleed spreads alternate with entertaining spot illustrations of rows of villagers or miniatures of their offerings to the Mongol leaders: "a huge bag of grain, a fat rooster, a basket of apricots." Mandell's (the No-Sweat Science series) retelling is a fine introduction to the dozens of tales about Nasreddin, the legendary 13th-century wise man. Ages 5-8. (May)

Mustafo, a poor Anatolian villager, has to find something to give the new Mongol leader, who demands tribute. A broken-down donkey is all he has, and he knows he'll get beaten for such a pitiful...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781595722553
PRICE 16.95
PAGES 32