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You are now entering the world of my thoughts.

This blog is my diary of works in progress. The only way a writer can improve upon her skill is to practice, practice and practice some more. Here, in this place of quiet peace, I pen to paper my thoughts and creativity. Welcome to my world.

Copyright © 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 SN Taylor, All Rights Reserved

Monday, April 9, 2012

A-Z Challenge: H is for Hosni the Dreamer


Title: Hosni the Dreamer: An Arabian Tale

Author: Ehud Ben-Ezer

Illustrator: Uri Shulevitz

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR), September 30, 1997
Ages: 4 – 8

Themes/Topics: Multicultural Folktale, Desert, Shepherd, Dreams, Arabia

Summary:
Hosni is a shepherd who has always wanted to see the city across the desert. One day the sheik he works for asks Hosni to make the journey with him and other shepherds to sell his camels. Each shepherd is given one gold dinar, and Hosni spends his on a piece of wisdom. Everyone laughs at Hosni for squandering his small fortune, but his purchase soon saves his life--and changes it forever.

Resources:
1) A class discussion on times when someone had given us advice and we did not take it.
2) Partner up and make up our own fortunes
3) Have students research the Arabian Peninsula. Find pictures of deserts, camels and nomad and make a collage.
3) Coloring Pages: Camel, Caravan, Camel in desert 

Why I like the book:
 Here is another folktale that comes from the Arabian Peninsula. While this type of story has been done before, quite a lot actually, the lone dreamer, the wise fool who outsmarts everyone else, Ben-Ezer does a great job making this tale unique and fresh. The illustrator does a wonderful job creating the arid dry desert scenes and vibrant desert marketplace. 

4 comments:

Joanna said...

Another lovely multicultural folk tale for us, Saba. I reminds me strongly of Paolo Coehlo's The Alchemist.

Susanna Leonard Hill said...

This sounds like a great story, Saba. I love folk tales! I see you wrote your review in PPB format. If I remember, I'll add it to the list :)

Ms Saba (aka Teacher007.5) said...

Cool Susanna. I really like the format so I decided to stick with it even for the April challenge. :) I have even adopted the format for my other blog!

Julie Hedlund said...

I love these unique books that you share - ones that many of us would probably never know of otherwise. Thank you for spreading the word about them.


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