The Magic Grove: A Persian Folktale

by Libuse Palecek (Retold by), Josef Palacek (Illustrator)

A retelling of a traditional Persian tale in which a kind act is rewarded in a very special way.

Genres: Childrens, Picture Books

42 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1985

Reviews

[Prabhat sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Magic Grove: A Persian Folktale Re-told by Libuse Palesek, Illustrator Josef Palacek- Children’s Illustrated Colour Picture Book- the book narrates a Persian Folktale a farmer and Shepard were friends. Shepard had a daughter named Ubiyana and farmer was a widower. His son Asan helped him. Both shared food. Ubiyana’s father sold sheep milk, cheese and sheep skin in the capital of the Khan. Asin’s father sold agricultural products. In season, it did not rain. Grass did not grow. All Sheep died. In this period of draught, both friends helped one another. Khan’s army arrived and burned the farm. Uibyana’s father helped in farming. When he was ploughing the field, he found a box. When he pulled the box out, he found that it was full of gold coins. Uiyana’s father took the box to Asin’s father and told him the whole story. Asin’s father said that as he has found the gold coins, he has no right to the coins. Ubiyana’s father suggested marriage of Ubiyana and Asin. After marriage, Asin and Ubiyana decided that Asin should take the gold coins to the capital and purchase flowers to be sown on the farm land. When Asin was travelling to the capital, he heard the sad noise of coloured birds who were caged and were being taken to the capital for Khan’s dinner party. Asin spent the whole gold coins on the army men to release the birds. Asin remained home. Birds arrive to thank them. They bring flower shrubs in their beaks. They sow the shrubs. The open a source of water and irrigate the farm. Khans army men arrived at their farm to burn the farm. The angry birds shriek and hit the feet of the horses. The army horses move back. The army returns back. Asin and Ubiyana live in peace. Coloured pictures help the reader to relate to the story. I have read the Hindi language translation of this book.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely well illustrated tale of perseverance and choices.