Thursday, April 5, 2012

The Seven Voyages of Sindbad for Children - From the Tales of the Thousand and One Nights

Of the 1,001 stories Shahrazad told King Shahriyar to save her own life, the tales of Sindbad the Sailor are probably the best known.  Ludmila Zeman does an amazing job of adapting the stories for children and turning them into beautiful picture books that beg to be read aloud.  Click on any of the books to find out more about it!


This book covers two of Sindbad's seven voyages. Children who like exciting adventure stories will be thrilled by Sindbad's visit to the mysterious island that turns out be a gigantic whale, his ride on the talons of the great Roc, and his escape from the pit of vipers with pockets full of precious diamonds. The beautiful illustrations are bordered with motifs from Persian rugs, capturing the Arabian flavor of Shahrazad's tale.


Of Ludmila Zeman's three beautiful picture books covering Sindbad's seven voyages, this one is the most likely to upset younger or sensitive children. As captivating as the first, with stunning illustrations in the same style, this book is great for children who enjoy death-defying adventure and don't mind an element of horror. First Sindbad's ship is taken over by hordes of vicious monkeys, and the escapees are immediately captured by a bloodthirsty giant who proceeds to roast the captain over an open flame. Sindbad gets away, only to have his companion swallowed whole by a giant snake. The book is beautiful and the story gripping. Highly recommended for children who can handle the somewhat gruesome content.


The third of Ludmila Zeman's gorgeous tales of Sindbad the Sailor is as impressive as the first two. Shipwrecked by sea monsters, attacked by a hairy island creature, and enslaved by elephant hunters, poor Sindbad continues to have it rough. But in this book, we finally get the happy ending - Sindbad risks his own life to save the beautiful Fatima from being burned alive, and takes her home with him to live happily ever after with their children and the riches he acquired on his voyages. The book ends by reminding readers that wealth is earned, and nothing is more valuable than love.

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