Status
Available
Call number
Genres
Collection
Publication
Clarion Books (1995), Edition: Library Binding, 30 pages
Description
The Calif of Baghdad is turned into a stork by an evil sorcerer, the only one who knows the magic word that will restore the Calif to his human form.
User reviews
LibraryThing member AbigailAdams26
When the beloved Caliph of Bagdad, and his wise Vizier, Ali ben Manzar, are offered a beautiful snuff-box by an old peddler in the marketplace, the two men think nothing of it, only to discover that the snuff inside can transform them into storks. Ignoring his Vizier's warning, the Caliph insists
This was an enjoyable tale, with many of the themes - enchanted people in animal form, designs on the throne by unscrupulous royal siblings - that will be familiar to readers with an interest in folklore. The accompanying illustrations by Russian artist Alisher Dianov are lovely: colorful, rich, and full of detail. I was fascinated to discover, in Aaron Shepard's brief afterword, that although this is a tale widely told in the Middle East, it first saw print in German fabulist Wilhelm Hauff's writing. All in all, definitely one I could recommend to young fairy and folk-tale lovers!
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that they sample the snuff, only to discover that the magical word - meant to reverse the spell - that is included, does not work. With the the Caliph's power-hungry brother, Omar, moving into the palace, and no way to communicate their plight, the two enchanted storks take to the distant forest. Will they ever regain their human form...?This was an enjoyable tale, with many of the themes - enchanted people in animal form, designs on the throne by unscrupulous royal siblings - that will be familiar to readers with an interest in folklore. The accompanying illustrations by Russian artist Alisher Dianov are lovely: colorful, rich, and full of detail. I was fascinated to discover, in Aaron Shepard's brief afterword, that although this is a tale widely told in the Middle East, it first saw print in German fabulist Wilhelm Hauff's writing. All in all, definitely one I could recommend to young fairy and folk-tale lovers!
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Language
Original language
English
Physical description
11.25 inches
ISBN
0395653770 / 9780395653777
Local notes
A middle eastern folktale in which a Calif and his Vizier get tricked by a sorcerer and turned in to storks, all because the Calif's brother, Omar, wants to take his place.