Playful illustrations lend a carefree feeling to this classic Afghani and Jewish tale of a Muslim shah who, both curious and respectful, initiates a sequence of challenges to a poor Jewish shoemaker who conquers each challenge through faith and cleverness.

One night, the Shah decides to go out disguised as a servant to check on the state of his subjects. Wandering around Kabul he come upon the household of a poor cobbler and his wife celebrating Shabbat with a modest meal. When the Shah asks the poor tradesman why he and his wife are so content, the response he discovers is that it’s the man’s faith that God will always provide. “If one path is blocked, God leads me to another, and everything turns out just as it should,” replies the Jew. Impressed by his faith, but curious about its strength, the Shah decides to test the shoemaker.

In the author’s note Stampler says that she chose this Jewish Afghani version of the folktale to adapt because of the respect that the two central character have for each other despite their different religions and stations in life. The benevolent smiles that Liddiment expresses in her cheerful illustrations harmonize beautifully with the author’s sentiment. ( )

This is an inspiring folklore which emphasizes faith, and never giving up. Similar to the story of Aladdin, we get to see the royal Shah escape out of curiosity. ( )

The theme of this book is kindness, respect, religion, different point of views/perspectives.

This story talks about a good man that no matter what he was always happy. The Sha of the town noticed it and wanted to test his faith, and believes. The Sha gave him several obstacles that the good man without knowing passed them all. The Sha really liked his attitude so he brought him to the castle so he could serve him as his main adviser. ( )