Nasreddine

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. (Mar.)

Gr 1-3--One day, Nasreddine and his father, Mustafa, a wise and patient man, load a basket of dates on their donkey's back to take to market. Mustafa rides, and the boy walks behind. A powerful vizier sees them and criticizes Mustafa as "a lazy man who lounges and makes his son slosh through the mud!" Nasreddine is embarrassed so a few weeks later he feigns a twisted ankle so that he can ride on the donkey while they take wool to the weavers. However, several women see him on the donkey and his father walking behind. "Fathers don't have any authority at all....No one respects older folks anymore," they say. Next time, they both ride on the donkey, along with a rooster and hens in a cage. Now they are criticized for being cruel to the animals. When Nasreddine decides that the only way to end the criticism is to carry the donkey to market, Mustafa gently explains his mistake. "People can always find a way to criticize you if they want to....It's up to you to decide if what you're hearing is wise or if it's only a silly and hurtful remark." This story, illustrated in ink and earth-toned watercolors, is based on traditional stories told throughout the Middle East. The writing style, with its subtle humor, repetition, and lesson, follows the familiar folktale format. A fine addition for most children's collections.--Roxanne Burg, Orange County Public Library, CA

"Nasreddine's adventures are likely to spark some thoughtful discussion among kids." — The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books