Review
This anthology would make an excellent addition to any classroom collection of traditional tales from around the world. Entertainingly told, Nimr's Palestinian stories interweave the familiar ingredients of rich imagery, patterned language and repeated action, all against a backdrop of Arabian land, culture and folklore. In a monocultural classroom, this collection would broaden horizons and challenge assumptions; in a multicultural one, it could stimulate the sharing, comparing and valuing of folktales from a whole host of different peoples and lands. Read, re-tell and enjoy! (
www.writeaway.org.uk )
Sonia Nimir's collection is a must in any self-respecting school libraries shelves. (
School Librarian )
With the beautiful illustrations, this book is a must read. (
Bookfest Ireland - Recommended Reading Guide )
This is just one example of a number of similar, slim, illustrated paperbacks of folk tales of specific countries or regions. There are nine tales in this book, some are familiar from One Thousand and One Nights collections, some are closely related to folk tales from elsewhere, but that is the gregarious nature of the form. A collection such as this helps to get closer to the cultures of a different race but also demonstrates inherent common features too. An introduction by Ghada Karmi draws attention to the enormous strength of oral tradition among Arabic peoples. (
Guardian Best New Children's Books Supplement )
Product Description
Why do snakes eat frogs? What makes a man-eating ghoul turn vegetarian? And how can a woman make a bored prince smile? The answers to these and many other questions can be found in this delicious anthology of Palestinian folk tales collected and retold by Sonia Nimr. A wry sense of humour runs through the characterful women, genial tricksters and mischievous animals who make an appearance. Sonia's upbeat storytelling, bubbling with wit and humour, will delight readers discovering for the first time the rich tradition of Palestinian storytelling.