   
Open Sesame! A Look Inside the Arabian Nights
by Judy Rabin
Long, long ago, far, far away — journey to the land of the Arabian Nights! You’ll travel to a place where wit and cleverness save the day and honesty and good-will are rewarded!
Between Two Ends by David Ward is a fast-paced adventure for middle grade readers that is loosely based on the exotic world of the Arabian Nights. Twelve-year old Yeats visits his grandmother’s mysterious old house and discovers a pair of magic bookends that unlock a 30-year-old family secret. Filled with pirates, danger and intrigue, this story within a story will hold everyone’s attention right up to the end.
In the The Shadow Spinner by Susan Fletcher, Shahrazad begins a story every night. And every morning, the Sultan lets her live another day — providing the story is interesting enough to capture his attention. After almost 1,000 nights, Shahrazad is running out of tales. And that is how Marjan’s story begins. she has to learn tales from strangers and bring them back to Shahrazad. Along the way, Marjan becomes the center of a story she never would
have imagined.
Did you know that the anonymous tales known as The Arabian Nights originated from the Indian, Persian, Arab and Chinese merchants who traveled between China and the Middle East? In Genies, Meanies, and Magic Rings: Three Tales From the Arabian Nights retold by Stephen Mitchell, the story of Aladdin and the Magic Lamp is set in China. In this tale, Aladdin is a very brave, intelligent boy, but he was also headstrong and disobedient. Does that sound like anyone you might know? Mitchell cleverly retells three tales from the Arabian Nights in modern, family-friendly language sure to entertain and delight today’s readers. Where else will you find chocolate chip cookies and mocha-chip ice cream at an Arabian feast?
How many grandmothers have told stories of their youth to their grandchildren? Wafa’ Tarnowska is the author of The Arabian Nights, a beautifully illustrated collection of stories. Tarnowska grew up in Lebanon, hearing the stories her grandmother told about courageous heroines and princesses. Her collection features eight tales bound together by Scheherazade, who tells tales to the king in order to live another day. With outstanding color illustrations of ancient lands by Carole Henaff, this book begs to be read and shared aloud.
You’ll love Philip Pullman’s re-telling of Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp, the classic tale of the mischievous boy who becomes heir to a magical lamp. The language is accessible for younger children and the writing provides plenty of magic, fantasy, comedy and drama.
Once upon a time, in The Tale of Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves by Eric A. Kimmel, there were two brothers. One married the daughter of a wealthy merchant and became one of the richest men in the city. The other, a poor woodcutter, lacked any real talent but somehow managed to support his starving family. But, what he did have was a little magic. “Open Sesame,” was all he needed, to change his life forever. Kimmel re-creates a classic tale with excitement and ingenuity that leaves us begging for more.
Events at the Woodbridge Library
Join the fun when the Tanglewood Marionettes present their own original Arabian tale on Sunday, February 5 at 2 p.m. The performance is free and open to the public. It will be held in the Center Building Gym adjacent to the library at 10 Newton Road. Enjoy hand-sculpted marionettes, props, scenery, music and special effects. Help Princess Cassima and Prince Akeem escape the castle! This performance is recommended for families with children ages 5 and older.
Evening Art Workshops for Kids take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. During Storycraft on Tuesdays, ages 5-10 will enjoy themed stories and mixed media crafts. CollageArt on Thursdays is for ages 8-12. Explore the world of collage each week in our art studio! Learn about color, shape, texture and design using a variety of techniques and materials. Registration is not required.
Playing with Polymers is scheduled for Wednesday, February 22 at 2 p.m. Are you a budding scientist? Find out at this special outreach program from the Connecticut Science Center. Learn about polymers, make jelly and more at this hands-on workshop for elementary school children. Registration is required.
The Woodbridge Library is located at 10 Newton Road in Woodbridge. For more information and a complete list of children’s programs, call 203-389-3439.
Judy Rabin is the Head of Children’s Services at the Woodbridge Library.
|
