The shah decides to test a poor Jewish shoemaker who is rich in faith. First he outlaws shoe repair, then prohibits water peddling (the resourceful man's second employ), and finally forces him to act as palace executioner. The shah gains wise council from the man, whose faith and ingenuity remain steadfast. Rich-hued paintings highlight the characters' goodheartedness while incorporating culture-specific details. Source note appended.

One night when the shah can't sleep, he disguises himself as a servant and takes to the streets of old Kabul. He comes upon a Jewish shoemaker and his wife celebrating the Sabbath. The shoemaker invites the shah in to share the family meal. Though the shoemaker makes barely enough money to survive, he's rich in faith: "If one path is blocked, God leads me to another, and everything turns out just as it should." The shah decides to test the man's belief. First he outlaws shoe repair, then he prohibits water peddling (the resourceful man's second employ), and finally he forces him to act as palace executioner. Because we're told from the start that the ruler is a "good shah" and that he "would let no harm befall the poor man," readers can be fairly certain that, even as the stakes escalate, no one's head will roll. (Stampler's author's note discusses versions in which the power-wielding figure is less benevolent.) Liddiment's rich-hued paintings highlight the characters' goodheartedness while carefully incorporating many culture-specific details and motifs; the vibrant patterns and lush costumes play well against the desert backdrop. At the end of the story, everything has turned out "just as it should" for the shah, who gains wise council from the man, and for the former shoemaker himself, whose faith and ingenuity remain steadfast. elissa gershowitz

An old Jewish folktale set in Afghanistan tests the faith and character of both a wealthy shah and a poor man. In old Kabul, the good shah leaves his lavish home disguised as a servant to discover whether the people of his country are "sad or happy, rich or poor, foolish or wise." In the poorest part of town, he encounters a young Jewish couple happily welcoming the Sabbath. Impressed with their attitude despite their humble circumstances, the shah questions the man's livelihood and decides to secretly challenge his never-failing faith by creating a series of decrees that will hamper the man's ability to earn "puli," or money. Each time, though, the former shoemaker succeeds in finding new work as a water carrier, woodcutter and royal guard. When, as a guard, the young Jew is made royal executioner and must cut off the head of a thief, both faith and wit save the day, and the shah finally understands the Jew's true ability to wisely carve out his path in life. Detailed, gently humorous paintings reflect the colorful richness of the Afghani traditional rugs, robes and turbans set against sandy mountainous backdrops. This tale of perseverance and confidence is told with well-researched authenticity and offers a positive view of this war-torn nation. (author's note) (Folktale. 5-8)

Stampler has taken an age-old story about an Afghan ruler and created an uplifting treasure about understanding other religions. A Muslim shah of Kabul happened upon a poor Jewish shoemaker's household and, after being surprised how the couple could be so happy, the ruler decides to test the shoemaker's faith. After being tested three times, the shoemaker resorts to prayer. The text has strong messages about risk and opportunity, how honest hard work pays off, and how ingenuity, wit, and quick thinking inspire results. This tale also illustrates the power of reflection. This book would make a fine addition to any multicultural collection. An author's note gives the provenance of the folktale. Although this title would benefit from a glossary, the lack does not detract. Laura Dooley-Taylor, School Library Media Specialist, Cumberland Elementary School, Des Plaines, Illinois. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

K-Gr 2-A shah decides to test a Jewish shoemaker's faith in God by outlawing each of the jobs he assumes, from shoemaker to water seller to woodcutter. The poor man eventually becomes a member of the royal guard, but can afford only a wooden sword. However, when he is told to behead a thief, he finds an ingenious way out of his predicament. The Afghani setting is reflected through the warm, earth tones and through the intricate patterns on rugs, clothing, and wall hangings in the background of the richly painted spreads. Despite the man's hardships, the simple yet elegant prose reinforces his optimistic refrain that "everything turns out just as it should." The lush, detailed backgrounds of the spreads bring to life the various settings, such as the marketplace where the man mends shoes and the shah's palace. Religious devotion is a theme throughout the story, but readers will be most drawn to the protagonist's cleverness rather than his piety. As a comprehensive author's note explains, the clothing and cultural traditions of the characters are historically accurate. Ideal for those looking to add ethnic diversity to their folktale collections.-Mahnaz Dar, formerly at Convent of the Sacred Heart, New York City (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.