The Rose's Smile: Farizad of the Arabian Nights

Although I am well-versed in Greek mythology and to a lesser extent Norse, Korean and Hebrew mythology, Persian and Arabian mythology has always eluded me. This story, however, has just sparked an interest. Joseph Campbell postulated years ago that Iran/Iraq was the starting point for much of Western (and some Eastern) mythology and culture. This story has elements of the stories of Cupid and Psyche, Perseus and Medusa, Moses and celestial/divine sun and moon twins. It also has enough "What?!?" moments to intrigue- but not confuse- the young reader (not to give anything away, but remember puppies and mice as you read). It also isn't morally perfect- although there is a neat happy ending, the reader is left wondering whether all of the characters in the story were treated justly. Again, not enough to inspire indignation, but perhaps enough to ask "Why?" The book is richly illustrated on backgrounds of muted colors interlaid with lush depictions of characters and places. The style it reminded me the most of was exaggerated late Medieval art, but of course also Persian and even some Indian art (both of which I am much less familiar with). My five-year-old and I loved this story, and my more jaded ten-year-old was transfixed by it as well. Anyone of any age interested in world mythology or plain old great storytelling should take a look.