Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1070643 in Books
• Published on: 2006-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 32 pages

From School Library Journal
Kindergarten-Grade 3-This Afghani folktale has been recast in a modern Western setting, though Santiago's brilliantly hued, naive paintings give it a timeless quality. In a quaint village with well-cultivated gardens, everyone is courteous except for one man. He babbles "blah, blah, blah" in response to others' greetings, and in the night, bangs cans loudly. Everyone is happy when he leaves to visit friends in another village. A clever boy points out, though, that their problems aren't over yet, since the man will return. He has an idea that may make the rude fellow change his ways. This ingenious plan, carried out with the villagers' full cooperation, results in a happy ending for one and all. The tale's mild didacticism is leavened by Shah's gentle retelling and Santiago's artfully lighthearted illustrations. The artist has created a whimsically idyllic village of chunky houses surrounded by sunflowers and small gardens. Her delightfully childlike figures, with their comically exaggerated expressions, are perfectly cast to carry out this story's message of peaceful conflict resolution.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
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From AudioFile
Afghan writer Shah tells of a badly behaved man who refuses to greet people properly, instead saying "blah blah blah" and "blee blee blee." He also bangs loudly on tin cans at night, so the villagers decide to teach the rude fellow a lesson. Narrator Michael Ashcraft has a great deal of fun with the sound effects--his BLEEs and BLAHs are hearty, and his BANG BANG BANGS are appropriately loud and irritating. Young children will enjoy following along and will especially be pleased by the bright illustrations that complement Ashcraft's lively narration. Although this story is from another culture, its themes (the value of manners in helping people get along) are universal. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Customer Reviews

A young boy decides to reform an ill-mannered neighbor
Rose Mary Santiago illustrates this first Hoopoe Books title by Idries Shah to be set in the West, for kids 3-8. A young boy decides to reform an ill-mannered neighbor and finds in himself a newfound skill for resolving conflicts in this warm, inviting story of resolution.