The Legend of the Persian Carpet - Hardcover

DePaola, Tomie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0399224157 ISBN 13: 9780399224157

Publisher: Putnam Juvenile, 1993

Synopsis

When King Balash's precious diamond is stolen, the grief-stricken king can no longer rule, and the country falls into chaos, until a clever young boy comes up with a scheme to bring the jewel's radiance back into the palace.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Grade 1-2-Although he does not cite a specific source, dePaola presents a picture-book version of a Persian legend. The story follows typical folkloric patterns as it tells of a wise and kindly king whose problems are solved by a poor but resourceful boy. In this case, King Balash's troubles stem from the theft of a large diamond that used to fill his palace with light. Payam, an apprentice weaver, finds the shards that remain where the thief dropped the gem. He persuades the king to rule for one year and a day while he, his fellow apprentices, and the master work together to create a magnificent carpet that will once again bring light and color to his home. The task, of course, is accomplished, and a happy ending is assured. Ewart's glowing illustrations in deep jewel tones are well suited to the text and capture something of the exotic flavor of ancient Persia's craftsmanship. An attractive collaboration that deserves a place in many libraries.
Lisa Dennis, The Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Children who've been told of the diamond's legendary hardness may question the ease with which this one is shattered. A king, accustomed to dwelling in a light-filled room where a large diamond creates a million rainbows, is bereft when it's stolen and smashed, and thereafter takes his only pleasure in staring at the fragments, away from the subjects who need him. An apprentice weaver comes up with the idea of making a magnificent carpet that will lure the king back to his duties. It works. But, unfortunately, neither the words nor the art here convincingly suggests the lure of the diamond's prismatic play or the carpet's intricate patterns. Readers will have to take these on faith. Still, Ewart's illustrations are prettily evocative of old Persia, and perhaps the tale will pique interest in this ancient art form. (Picture book. 4-8) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0399224157
• ISBN 13: 9780399224157
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32