Fatima und der Traumdieb

by Els Cools und Oliver Streich: Schami, Rafik, Els Cools (Illustrator), Oliver Streich (Illustrator)

Fatima nimmt die Herausforderung an, für den gemeinen Burgherrn zu arbeiten, der jedem die Träume stiehlt, der wütend auf ihn wird.

English description: Fatima accepts the challenge to work for the mean-tempered lord of the castle who steals the dreams of anyone who becomes angry with him.

Genres: Picture Books

36 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Haley]

The illustrations are lovely, but I just thought the story itself was a bit odd. Just not my favorite out of children's stories that I've read.

[Lea]

eine der prägendsten Geschichten aus meiner frühen Kindheit

[Kelli Ryne]

What fascinates me most about this story is the author's intent in his story telling. He has been noted as saying that storytelling is an escape from reality, but allows the reader to come back to reality, better equipped. I believe this is exemplified in Fatima and the Dream Thief. Students have the opportunity to see differences in socio-economic status and what different demands this places on children, though keeping the story lighthearted in a whimsical way. Students may discuss the metaphor of the dream thief who has stolen the voice and dreams of the old woman who is doomed to work for him, and the pluck and dreams of the young girl who saves her. It can directly speak to each person's responsibility in society, lest we become "dream thieves" to one another.

[Cheryl]

Lovely children's story by a Syrian writer. The story brings children into the Arab culturs. The illustrations are fun and engaging.