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Gr 4 7 Tarnowska provides the first English children's translation of Haft Paykar, or Seven Beauties. Seven princesses leave their homelands upon the invitation of Shah Bahram of Persia and come to live in his palace, each one in a different colored pavilion. The Shah visits a different woman on the day ruled by the appropriate planet and each of the princesses relates a tale that entertains as well as instructs listeners. The stories illustrate the ideals of sovereignty truth, patience, perseverance, forgiveness, humility, wisdom, and love. Often there is a tale within a tale, and it all becomes a bit convoluted and tedious. The virtues, symbolism, and sensibilities are adult and have little to say to young readers. The length and similarity of the selections are also turnoffs. The gouache illustrations are plentiful and brightly colored. They incorporate some of the motifs of Persian miniatures, but are largely cartoonish in style. A lengthy author's note delineates the symbolism found in the stories. This masterpiece by the 12th century Sufi poet Nizami may supplement representation of the Middle East in library collections, but it will have difficulty finding an audience on its own. Kim Donius, Alfred Almond Central School, Almond, NY
ISBN: 1841480223
Author: Wafa Tarnowska, Nilesh Mistry (Illustrator), Nizami Ganjavi
Category: Children
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