The Storyteller of Damascus — Rafik Schami

Kirkus Reviews Best Children's Book 2018

An authentic taste of the old Damascene tradition of storytelling that will inspire children's imagination

An old storyteller roams through the old quarter of Damascus. For only one piaster, he offers to show the children the wonders of the world. The children look through the peepholes of his magic box, which he carries on his back from one neighborhood to the next. There they see and hear the love story of Sami, the shepherd boy, and the beautiful Leyla. But over time, the story changes pictures inside the wonder box become old and start to fade away, replaced by cutouts from recent advertisements.

A stunningly-illustrated children's book filled with love, intrigue, courage, loyalty, and the sounds and smells of old Damascus.