Sneak Peek: NASREDDINE

Nasreddine, the young hero of the eponymous picture book first published in hardcover in 2013 by Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, is making its comeback in paperback. This outstanding book has been wonderfully received by readers of all ages. Among other awards, the book earned an Aesop Accolade from the American Folklore Association, and it was named an IBBY Honor Book for Translation. We wanted to share this sneak peek with you. Enjoy!

“Nasreddine captures the age-old struggle to understand where wisdom lies, a process leavened here by Rebecca Dautremer’s distinctive and textured comic illustration. . . . Delivered with humor and warmth, it is a lesson that not only children will appreciate.” —The Wall Street Journal

Odile Weulersse
Rébecca Dautremer
Ages 4 – 9
PAPERBACK; Coming Soon: 7/6/2021

It’s time to go to market, so Nasreddine loads up the donkey and sets off with his father. But when onlookers criticize his father for riding while Nasreddine walks, the boy is ashamed. The following week, Nasreddine persuades his father to walk, and let him ride — but then people criticize the boy for making his father walk! No matter what Nasreddine tries, it seems that someone always finds something to disapprove of.

Nasreddine is a legendary character popular in stories told throughout the Middle East, and this clever story will bring him to a new audience. Accompanied by stunning artwork, this tale offers a gentle reminder to readers that it isn’t always necessary to listen to the world’s criticisms.

One morning, Nasreddine was sitting on a carpet in the
shade of a palm, drinking camel’s milk with cinnamon,
when his father Mustafa called him: “Nasreddine, bring the
donkey from the stables. We are going to the market.”

“As you wish, Father,” the young boy replied, putting on
his hat and Turkish slippers.

Near the city gate, Nasreddine and his father met a vizier on a beautiful Arabian horse. When he saw Mustafa,
the vizier exclaimed to his followers: “Look what we have here! A lazy man who lounges and makes his son slosh through the mud!”

Mustafa calmly answered: “Your words, sir, are hurting my ears.”
But Nasreddine turned red. His heart was full of shame that these people would dare to make fun of them.
“I’m going home,” he declared. “I’m tired.”

“Already?” said M
ustafa.

“Yes, then no one will make fun of us anymore.”

His father laughed and said, “As you wish, my son.”

Reviews

“Features the kind of cleverness and complex characters that make children’s literature so worthwhile.”
—Young Children

“Dautremer’s evocative spreads of Middle Eastern marketplace life lend a meditative air to French author Weulersse’s version of an ancient tale.” —Publishers Weekly

“Once in a while a book comes along that still manages to share a valuable lesson. Nasreddine is such a one.”
—Montreal Gazette

“An entertaining variant on a familiar tale.” —The Horn Book Magazine

“A fine addition for most children’s collections.” —School Library Journal

“Nasreddine’s adventures are likely to spark some thoughtful discussion among kids.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books