Riding a Donkey Backwards retold by Sean Taylor & the Khayaal Theatre - ESSENTIAL

Riding a Donkey Backwards : Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin retold by Sean Taylor & the Khayaal Theatre, illustrated by Shirin Adl PICTURE BOOK Candlewick, 2019. $19. 9781536205077

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Mulla Nasruddin is a wise old Muslim trickster who has the funniest experiences, many of them retold in this collection of 21 different stories. What does he do when he catches a robber in his house? How does he aid a weary traveller? When he gets poor service in a bath house, how does he ensure great treatment the next visit? 

Short, 2 page spreads for each story, Shirin's delightful mixed media illustrations are the perfect accompaniment to the well-written text. Although I was not familiar with Mulla, I feel like I've known him (or wise men like him) all my life. I'm sure this will be favorite anytime storybook at my house, getting another copy for the library.

Lisa Librarian