The Tale of Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

by Eric A. Kimmel (Retold by), Ju-Hong Chen (Illustrator)

Retold from the Arabian Nights. Aladdin overcomes an evil sorcerer with a genie's help.

Genres: Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published September 1, 1992

About the author

Eric A. Kimmel is an American author of more than 150 children's books. His works include Caldecott Honor Book Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins (illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman), Sydney Taylor Book Award winners The Chanukkah Guest and Gershon's Monster, and Simon and the Bear: A Hanukkah Tale.
Kimmel was born in Brooklyn, New York and earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from Lafayette College in 1967, a master's degree from New York University, and a PhD in Education from the University of Illinois in 1973. He taught at Indiana University at South Bend, and at Portland State University, where he is Professor Emeritus of Education.
Kimmel lives with his wife, Doris, in Portland, Oregon.

Reviews

[Shiloah · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’ve read several versions of Aladdin’s tales, but this one has to be the best! The picture are “okay,” but the excellent story makes it worth the read.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're unwilling or unable to talk to your children about uncomfortable historical issues, you may want to skip this one as it includes mention of slaves. If it's not in your library, it's probably not worth seeking out. If it is available and your family has not yet read a quality adaptation of the story, I do recommend this.

Everyone should read the author's note, though. Turns out that it's possible that this was made up by Antoine Galland circa 1704. Still, it's a great story, regardless of the provenance, regardless of how simplified the telling.

Edit: did some research, found Pook Press:

"What is the true story of Aladdin?
The original story of 'Aladdin' is, maybe surprisingly, set in China. In the earliest versions of the story, Aladdin is Chinese. He's also not an orphaned street urchin but a lazy boy living at home with his mother. All the characters in the tale are also Chinese apart from the wicked magician who is from North Africa."

But then I found that in 2015 our knowledge of the Syrian informant to Galland, Ḥannā Diyāb greatly increased. So, maybe just do your own research.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Better than Disney!

[Amber Berry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I borrowed this because I had read a book illustrated by Chen Ju-Hong and wanted to see some of his other art. This isn't a book that I'd buy as I wasn't fond of the art itself, only appreciated the way it became more colorful as Aladdin's prospects grew. The writing by Eric A. Kimmel is better than that of many writers of children's illustrated tales, however, and I'd borrow it again for the story.

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't like the illustrations much, and I thought that Aladdin was lazy, foolish, and too quick to fall in love. I bet he only wanted the princess because of her beauty.

[Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The #popular #tale of #Aladdin is retold in this book.