Riding a Donkey Backwards: Wise and Foolish Tales of Mulla Nasruddin

Is he a wise man or a fool? Though Nasruddin has many different names, the trickster about whom these stories are told is known throughout the Muslim world. Taylor (The Snowbear) and the U.K.-based Khayaal Theatre recount each story in a page or two. In the first, after a thief absconds with Nasruddin's worldly goods, Nasruddin trails him all the way home and climbs into his bed. The thief asks him what he's doing--"I thought we were moving to your house," Nasruddin replies. In another, a begging Nasruddin takes big silver coins in preference to smaller gold coins, though they're less valuable: "If I choose the gold coin," he explains, "everyone will stop giving me money." Diorama-like miniature sets by artist Adl (Mabrook! A World of Muslim Weddings) breathe energy and humor into the tales. The marketplace where Nasruddin begs features hand-formed copper pots, miniature bags of grain, and carpets that appear hand-embroidered. The paper cutout figures wear antic expressions and costumes of cut-out fabric. Young listeners will quickly grasp that often, it's Nasruddin's companions who might be the fools. A glossary of terms (Allah, imam) is included. Ages 4-8. (Aug.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3—Humor, trickery, wisdom, and advice—sage and otherwise—infuse this collection of 21 brief tales starring Mulla Nasruddin, a beloved iconic character of Muslim folklore. The simple, clipped narrations are witty and conversational in tone, facilitating successful reading by the target audience and easy-to-comprehend listening (this is a fine readaloud for groups). As is true for many anthologies, the quality of the collection is uneven. Some stories are more fully developed than others; in some selections, punch lines may not be as comprehensible; and morals, where they exist, may seem more obscure. Overall, however, the tales succeed, despite the brevity of some (the two shortest stories comprise a mere three and four sentences, respectively), and humor shines through. The colorful, energetic, and often comical mixed media collages are a draw. Characters' attire, home furnishings and decorations, architectural details, and landscapes suggest a Middle Eastern milieu. Text set against colored background pages heightens visual attractiveness. Additionally, the artwork is notable for inclusiveness, as characters' skin tones are depicted in various shades of brown. A short glossary is included. VERDICT Recommended for schools and public libraries. Students may enact and/or illustrate favorite stories or create original Nasruddin tales. Pair the stories with others about tricksters/wise men/fools from other cultures, e.g., Anansi, the Wise Men of Chelm, etc., and have children compare and contrast.—Carol Goldman, formerly at Queens Library, NY

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

In Adl's illustrations, Nasruddin has a long white cottony beard and wears a turban. Her use of electric-bright colors (orange, green, yellow, blue) exemplifies Nasruddin's eccentricity, while photocollaged textures add further interest...These tales, full of jokes and wisdom, demonstrate why the wise fool is a perennially appealing character.
—Kirkus Reviews 

This charming collection of 21 classic tales introduces children to a much-loved trickster character from Muslim tales, the "wise fool" found in stories from cultures around the world.
—Buffalo News