Everyone knows the story of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves but other stories that make up the Arabian Nights are less well known, though they have so much to offer readers of all ages. There are ten stories in Robert Leeson and Christina Balit’s retelling, a mix of comedy, magic and romance, and they are full of excitement, suspense and the exoticism (not Once upon a time here, but There was, and there was not …) that makes them so special. Leeson gets tone and pace just right and Christina Balit’s glowing full page illustrations make this an edition to treasure. Like King Sharayar, readers will be left eager for another instalment each evening! ~ Andrea Reece
The king of Baghdad trusts no woman. Each night he takes a new bride, only to execute her in the morning. Brave Shahrazad offers herself as his bride, and captures the king's heart by telling stories. For these ten masterly retellings, entrancing and gloriously funny by turns, Robert Leeson has selected a feast of tales that give a rich flavour of the Thousand and One Nights.
The collection ranges from well-loved tales of treasure, magical power and quick wits (Aladdin, The Fisherman and the Jinni, Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves) to hilarious romps (The Woman with Five Suitors, The Story of the Hunchback, The Sleeper and the Waker); it includes a magical romance (The Ebony Horse), and also a scattering of spiced sweetmeats (The Dream, The Donkey). Christina Balit's splendidly decorative illustrations together with a glossary and sources, create a classic that will enthral readers young and old.
ROBERT LEESON (1928-2013) started a career in journalism aged 16. In 1946 he began two years' army service in the Middle East and developed a keen interest in Arabic culture. Since the early 1970s he wrote history books and over 70 children's books, and contributed to literary journals. His book Grange Hill Rules OK? inspired the highly successful BBC series Grange Hill. A powerful force in the world of children's books, he visited over 600 schools and libraries encouraging children in reading and creative writing. In 1985 he won the Eleanor Farjeon Award for Services to Children and Literature. CHRISTINA BALIT was born in Manchester but grew up in the Middle East. She studied at Chelsea School of Art and the Royal College of Art, and also attended Morley Theatre School and Questors Theatre School. She has exhibited widely and is also a playwright. Her books have won several nominations, commendations and a shortlist place for the Kate Greenway Medal. Kingdom of the Sun (written by Jaqueline Mitton), won the 2002 English Association Award for non-fiction.
