From Publishers Weekly
Really outstanding fairy tales please all ages, especially ones that pop out of magic bottles (or small press publishers) when you least expect them. Whimsical and diabolically clever, this sure-to-be classic follows a humble Persian boy, Abu, as he seeks to win the heart of lonely Princess Alicia, while jealous Grand Vizier Zardak, his rival for her affections, schemes to keep them apart. The evil Zardak convinces Alicia's father that Abu must first seek outrageous tokens (named by a very sleepy Royal Wizard) from the Seven Marvels of the World. Joining Abu on his possibly impossible quest are a cranky, moth-eaten has-been genie, who provides constant comic relief, and Abu's little brother, Mut, who tags along for the ride. Stout brings to stunning visual life the exotic Arabian Nights landscape populated by amazing creatures, in the best tradition of W.W. Denslow's original Oz illustrations as well as some of Arthur Rackham's soft-color work. Matheson (I Am Legend, etc.) imbeds some timeless moral lessons in a tale that never verges on the saccharine. In one Willy Wonka-ish episode, some children escape being transformed into Kandy Kids by the mean Candy Witch, who herself turns to candy: "Her horrid helpers, seeing this, leaped forward, howling, and began to break her into tiny bits. Scuttling away, they devoured the fragments with greedy smackings of their lips." Inspired by a story originally conceived by Matheson and William F. Nolan 40 years ago, this gem should not be missed.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
From the land of genies and their magical feats comes this enchanting twist on the traditional quest tale. Abu, a young peasant, sets off with the most ancient genie in his country's domain in search of the seven marvels of the world in order to prove himself worthy of the hand of a beautiful princess. With cunningly crafted prose, gorgeous illustrations, and unique characters, this novel reveals itself to be no ordinary genie tale. From an unraveling flying carpet and ever-encroaching henchmen to a land made of sweets and a city under the sea, this tale takes readers on a daring journey of true love, bravery, glittering treasure, and intrigue.
