Daniela Weil
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Nasreddine, a jewel of a multicultural book.

3/27/2014

3 Comments

 
I am so excited to share this book with you. Nasreddine, by Odile Weulersse, is truly one of the most beautiful picture books I've ever seen.
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The watercolors by, Rebecca Dautremer...I don't even have words to describe. 
She gives us a lesson on the power of suggestion. Can you tell what this book is about by it's cover? Can you see what the boy is pulling? It's not there, but it is, in the shadow...

There is an aspect of mysticism about the art. Something of a mystery to be solved. We are observers to a journey which is going on inside a boy's head and heart, as he is about to learn a big life lesson.
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The palette of blue-grays, tan-golds, and bright reds, place us right in the quaint alleyways of Morocco. The illustrations have both a graphic simplicity and an incredible and sensitive attention to architectural, geographical, and cultural detail. The air and space in the illustrations give readers breathing room. The point of view makes us feel like we are observing the story from around a corner, behind a door, or through weeds. Like we're spying on the characters, as strangers do, making judgement about how a father and son choose to travel with their donkey.
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It is not every day that we can be transported to the middle east (or north Africa), and have the privilege to hear such a beautifully told ancient tale that is so relevant and relate-able in the western world. 
In this story, judgement is parted on a boy and his father, for never riding the donkey in an acceptable way, If the child let's his dad ride and walks behind, strangers complain about what kind of father allows his son to suffer the walk. If the son rides the donkey instead, the judgement befalls the father for not being a proper master to his family. My daughter Lucy, who is "coming of age" at 7, finds herself struggling with it's very theme on a daily basis. She can do no right at school. Kids get teased for what they like, and what they don't like. For what they do, and don't do. They can do no right, it seems, and are constantly being judged.

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I am conflicted on whether to tell you about the end or not. I did not know exactly where the story was going, and was so pleased with it's conclusion. So spoiler alert, behold the life lesson:
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Welcome to my bookshelf, Nasredine, beautiful brown skinned middle-eastern boy, bringing with him a story from half way around the world, that feels so much like home.
3 Comments
Valerie Milo
4/5/2014 08:27:00 am

This sounds like a lovely book and a wonderful lesson for both children and adults. It's a difficult topic because no matter how much you tell your children to ignore hurtful words, they can still hurt. So how do you really help your child focus on the good stuff and let go or deal with the negative stuff? I really like this "Fill Your Bucket" program/movement my son's preschool and local elementary school are doing now. I'm guessing it may be district-wide? I hope so. Basically they circulate cards daily between children who have said or done kind things. It brings their awareness to how certain words hurt and certain words feel good. Kind words "fill your bucket", unkind words "take out of your bucket" or hurt others feelings. I hear my 4 yr old using this terminology and I think it's helping him grasp the concept. I'm hoping we can also talk about "filling our own buckets" by having a positive inner dialogue. Something I have struggled with my entire life. It pains me to think of my son criticizing himself the way I have. So I hope I can work with him early on on loving and accepting himself. This book sounds like a wonderful addition to our bookshelf! Thanks for sharing and thanks you for your thoughtful analysis.

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Daniela Weil
4/5/2014 08:48:24 am

Thanks so much for your comment Valerie. I'm glad to hear your son's school is tackling this issue early and creatively. When my daughter goes into a loop sometimes with the comments heard, I say, remember Nasreddine? Choose your path, Lucy. Don't listen to others. I will look up the Fill your Bucket program and see if Lucy's teacher knows about it. Thanks for reading my blog, and hope to see you soon at the conference!

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dissertation writing services link
1/17/2020 03:17:48 am

This book is what students need to go and read. I mean, it is a book that teaches people about different cultures around the world. Of course, it is not a cheap book, but believe me, it is definitely worth it. As long as you want to change your views in life, then it is worth it to buy expensive books. I hope that we can share this with everyone for free in the future, it is such a great book.

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    About:

    Spreading the word about diverse, multi-cultural books.

    Revealing what I find most intriguing about each read, as an author, illustrator and mom.

    ​I am inspired by my brown girl reading every day.
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