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Ali and the Magic Stew
Long ago, in a land called Persia, there lived a boy named Ali ibn Ali.
Ali ibn Ali loves his mother and father. But the spoiled and selfish boy has nothing but disdain for others, especially the beggar who sits at the palace gate. Why is the beggar allowed to sit there, Ali wonders. "A true Muslim gives to the poor," says his mother. "As he chooses to bless our gate and accept our food, there he shall remain," says his father.
Then one day Ali's father becomes seriously ill. In his feverish state, he whispers, "shula kalambar," the name of a stew with healing powers. Ali runs from the palace in search of the ingredients to make the stew and trips over the beggar. Anger turns to wonder as the boy discovers how only with the help of the beggar can he save his father's life—and change his own.
Shulamith Levey Oppenheim's original tale, richly illustrated by Winslow Pels, offers a timeless message that speaks to the hearts of readers young and old.
Ali ibn Ali loves his mother and father. But the spoiled and selfish boy has nothing but disdain for others, especially the beggar who sits at the palace gate. Why is the beggar allowed to sit there, Ali wonders. "A true Muslim gives to the poor," says his mother. "As he chooses to bless our gate and accept our food, there he shall remain," says his father.
Then one day Ali's father becomes seriously ill. In his feverish state, he whispers, "shula kalambar," the name of a stew with healing powers. Ali runs from the palace in search of the ingredients to make the stew and trips over the beggar. Anger turns to wonder as the boy discovers how only with the help of the beggar can he save his father's life—and change his own.
Shulamith Levey Oppenheim's original tale, richly illustrated by Winslow Pels, offers a timeless message that speaks to the hearts of readers young and old.
- GenresPicture BooksChildrens
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 1, 2002
2 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Shulamith Levey Oppenheim
19 books2 followersShulamith Levey Oppenheim is a published author of many Children's Books. Some of her writtings are Lily Cupboard, Hundredth Name, I Love You, Bunny Rabbit & Fish Prince and Other Stories: Mermen Folk Tales among many others.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 30, 2007
Summary:
Ali is a very spoiled and snotty boy, but when his father falls ill, he begs on the streets for coins to by the ingredients needed (just as the beggar told him). The stew is made, the father is cured, and the boy learns to be kind to all.
Reflection:
Great story line. The illustrations are perfect for the setting.
Themes:
culture, kindness, family
Ali is a very spoiled and snotty boy, but when his father falls ill, he begs on the streets for coins to by the ingredients needed (just as the beggar told him). The stew is made, the father is cured, and the boy learns to be kind to all.
Reflection:
Great story line. The illustrations are perfect for the setting.
Themes:
culture, kindness, family
May 24, 2011
She didn't like the part where he looked very old.
July 6, 2012
I didn't read this one, but my husband did with the girls and said it was longish--but really good.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews