The Storytellers

by Ted Lewin

It is early morning, and the haunting cry of the muezzin drifts in the air above the city of Fez, Morocco. Abdul and his grandfather are walking to work-past souk after souk of carpet sellers and weavers, leatherworkers and metalsmiths, then out through the ancient gate. Spreading a carpet on the ground, they wait for a crowd to gather. And then, at least, Grandfather begins: "This happened, or maybe it did not..."

Genres: Picture Books, Juvenile, Africa, Cultural

40 pages, Hardcover

First published April 27, 1998

Reviews

[Rani · Rating 4 out of 5]

The #best #job in the whole world is that of a #Storyteller. Follow Abdul in Fez #Morocco with his #Grandpa #YoungReaders #PictureBook #BookReview #ChildrensBooks #amreading

[Josiah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plot: B
Writing: B
Vocabulary: B
Illustrations: A+
Level: Easy
Rating: G
Worldview: There are many wonders in our everyday life.

[Oznasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful book from my local library. This picture book is written and illustrated with beautiful water-colours by Ted Lewin.

Abdul and his grandfather are on their way to work. As we follow them, they take us on a tour of the busy streets of Morocco. They pass different workers and the work of each is compared to their work. The wool dyers work is hard. ‘Not like ours.’

The falconer comments on the beautiful sky for his falcon, ‘and for your work as well.’

The coppersmiths’ work is noisy. ‘Not like ours.’

Each page gives us a glimpse of the workers of the Moroccan community. And each is illustrated with another of Lewin’s exquisite water-colours. Lewin is not only a master of water-colour but each page is carefully designed to allow an appropriate space for the text.

Were it not for the title of the book the text would have us guessing just what it is that Abdul and his grandfather do for a living. But of course we know. Eventually, after they pass the leather tanners, the date sellers and the carpet weavers they set up in a sunny spot, a crowd gathers and the stories begin.

A school that is expecting a visit from a storyteller might introduce this book to their students and have them compare the style of storytelling of Abdul and his grandfather with that of the school’s visitor.

The Storytellers by Ted Lewin published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books

This review first appeared in the John Storytelling website, © copyright John Shield 2003

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was waiting for a meeting with a teacher in her classroom and noticed a group of books she’d labeled “stories” and found this beautiful book. It is set in the ancient city of Fez in Morocco, where there are still old markets something like those long ago. A young boy, Abdul, helps his grandfather set up their rug and equipment in the morning, for the grandfather is a storyteller, not a wool-dyer who must work very hard to twist the wool from the dye dipping or those who pound metal into huge bowls, too noisy. Their spot is just outside the gate to the city. Thee they lay the rug, and Abdul releases a white dove, which flies up to land on the storyteller’s head. When enough of an audience arrives, Abdul throws the dove up into the air, and when it returns, the grandfather says it has brought a story. He announces, “Kan ya ma kan”, or “This happened, or maybe it did not. The time is long past, and most is forgot.” All day Abdul helps while Grandfather tells stories. Part of a story is given also. The illustrations are filled with details of the market, and of Abdul. It’s a wonderful book, one that may help with launching a story-telling unit, but definitely also gives a great look at markets in other countries.

[CanadianReader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lewin's picture book powerfully evokes the sights, sounds, and smells of a Moroccan souk (covered market). Abdul and his grandfather wander through the market--noting the employment of many different people along the way-- and congratulate themselves on how lucky they are to do the peaceful, wonderful work they do. Lewin leaves it to the end to disclose what grandfather's work actually is. (I will leave it to you to discover what that work is.) While the older man's vocation may certainly be wonderful, the rather undeveloped sorry sample of it that is provided is disappointing rather than captivating. Aside from this, though, THE STORYTELLERS is a lovely picture book which shines a light on North African daily life and culture.

[Charlotte Osborn-bensaada · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Moroccan marketplace is portrayed through the eyes of a young boy. The various roles and jobs in each part of the marketplace are compared to his Grandfather's job as a storyteller. As one can imagine, that is the best job according to the little boy. This is a useful book for kids to compare how different societies organize goods they buy but also communicate tradition.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marvelously told and illustrated, so well you are utterly transported to the beauty of Morocco.