Forty Fortunes: A Tale of Iran

Ahmed is content with the living he can make with a pick and a shovel, but that isn't good enough for his wife Jamell. On her insistence, he finds himself sitting in the marketplace with the dice and board and robe of a fortuneteller. Imagine his surprise when what he tells his first client comes true!

But soon Ahmed is in real peril, when the king calls upon him to discover the thieves of his royal treasure. On one hand is the king with his threat of prison -- on the other are the forty thieves who fear Ahmed will reveal them. Can anything save him now? Find out in this most popular folktale of the Islamic world.

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 "The Enchanted Storks."

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"Shepard's version is a well-paced combination of humor and action. . . . A lively addition to folklore shelves." -- Grace Oliff, School Library Journal, Aug. 1999

"An exotic cast of characters, humorously depicted in jewel-toned illustrations, keeps readers intently involved. Shepard's talent for language that flows trippingly off the tongue and his appreciation of Middle East humor make this ideal for reading aloud. The action and fun never stop." -- Jan Lieberman, TNT, Spring 2000

"This retelling of a traditional Iranian folktale has charm and wit, plus brilliant jewel-tone illustrations." -- Family Literacy Center

"Tight-paced humor keeps the pages turning, while Dianov's art begs to slow them down. Teachers will appreciate the author's note." -- Tricia Gardella, The Union Democrat, Nov. 26, 1999

"A good folklore book for classroom or family." -- San Diego State University Children's Literature Program Book Review Service

"A charmer. . . . The colorful, humorous illustrations make a perfect match for a tale of false assumptions and surprising twists. The telling is smooth and funny, a delight to read. Notes at the end give sources and some information about Persian social history. Of its genre, this book stands close to the top." -- Elsa Marston, MultiCultural Review, June 2000

"Entertaining as well as educational. . . . Gives the reader an insight into Iranian customs and beliefs." -- Kathy Ketter, Roving Reviewers, Apr. 2001

See above.