The Enchanted Storks: A Tale of the Middle East

The Calif and his trusted Vizier love to disguise themselves as merchants and wander through their beloved city of Bagdad. One day a peddler in the marketplace sells them a jewelled snuffbox with a magic spell tucked inside. They're delighted when the spell changes them into storks -- until they find they can't change back!

A wicked brother, an evil sorcerer, and a lovely princess -- all are part of this classic fairy tale, created in 19th-century Germany yet now told by storytellers of the Middle East.

TEACHERS AND LIBRARIANS -- A READER'S THEATER SCRIPT OF THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE IN AARON'S BOOK "FOLKTALES ON STAGE," OR FREE ON AARON'S WEB SITE.

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Aaron Shepard is the award-winning author of "The Baker's Dozen," "The Sea King's Daughter," "The Adventures of Mouse Deer," and many more children's books. His stories have appeared often in Cricket magazine, while his Web site is known internationally as a prime resource for folktales, storytelling, and reader's theater.

Alisher Dianov began illustrating professionally at the age of 15 in his native Russia and now lives in the United States. He is also illustrator of Aaron's "Forty Fortunes."

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"Well-paced and judiciously seasoned with Middle Eastern flavor, the story is both accessible and exotic. Dianov, a Russian watercolorist making his American publishing debut, adds striking, ornate depictions. The overall effect is splendid." -- Publishers Weekly, Apr. 17, 1995

"An original 19th-century German creation with an 'Ali Baba' air, this fairy tale has been assimilated into Muslim culture and deserves an audience here. . . . Perhaps this gorgeous panoply will balance the demonizing of Bagdad in current events." -- Patricia Lothrop Green, School Library Journal, Apr. 1995.

"The tales of Wilhelm Hauff -- almost unknown in the U.S. -- belong on every child's shelf. Shepard retells 'The Caliph Stork,' a stylized imitation of the Arabian Nights that has become a part of Middle Eastern folklore. . . . Dianov displays his sensitivity to the oriental charms of the tale, paying as much attention to the details of costume and architecture as to the characters themselves." -- Kirkus Reviews, Mar. 15, 1995

"Makes good use of its Islamic setting in both story and art. A detailed author's note adds to the book's usefulness. A worthy addition to folklore collections, and one that should fill a niche." -- Ilene Cooper, Booklist, June 1, 1995

"Written with a storyteller's touch." -- Jane Kurtz, Knight-Ridder News Service, Apr. 2, 1995

"Aaron's prose, as always, is storyteller-friendly, and his source notes are excellent." -- Katy Rydell, Stories, Spring 1995

"A story that can be told to young and old alike. . . . The book is a delight to read and to look at. This is truly a gem." -- Michael R. Medley, Guild Gazette (South Coast Storyteller's Guild), Spring 1995

"This tale of magic, intrigue, and romance will appeal to parents as well as children." -- Sarah Sue Goldsmith, Sunday Advocate Magazine, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, June 11, 1995

"A satisfying and beautifully illustrated story that young listeners will want to hear again and again." -- Yellow Brick Road, May-June 1996

"Magical and very tellable." -- Marilyn McPhie, The Story Bag, Oct.-Nov. 1996

See above.