DownloadThe Portobello Bookshop Gift Guide 2024

Riding a Donkey Backwards

Wise and Foolish Tales of the Mulla Nasruddin

Sean Taylor author Khayaal Theatre author Shirin Adl illustrator

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Otter-Barry Books Ltd

Published:23rd Jan '20

Should be back in stock very soon

Riding a Donkey Backwards cover

Why does Mulla Nasruddin spoon yoghurt into the river? What is the reason he rides his donkey backwards? Why does he paint a picture that is blank? And is he crazy to move into the house of the man who's just burgled him?

Find out all about the amazing antics of Nasruddin in these twenty-one hilarious stories and riddles, famous throughout the Middle East for their jokes, riddles and wisdom.

"Written in a lively, fresh and accessible style, bridging the east and west, the old & new. The book’s backstory is also inspiring..."

* Muslim Vibe *

"Muslim culture is portrayed in its richness without the text feeling like a cultural studies project, and the sheer warmth and playfulness of each little vignette gives an insight into the common ground in all cultures that humour breaks. Children and adults will find themselves laughing out loud at the Mulla’s antics. Highly recommended."

* INIS *

"Sumptuous...It's a collection of 21 tales and riddles about a trickster known across Muslim culture. The text feels modern, but the illustrations feel traditional. They are bright and welcoming, playful and intelligent."

* Minerva Reads *

"Full of brilliant humour and amazing papercut illustrations, it's a real treat!"

* Read It, Daddy *

"Jokes, riddles and wisdom in a riotous collection of classic tales starring a popular character from the Islamic world. Khayall Theatre is an award-winning company dedicated to the exploration of Muslim literature for stage, radio and screen."

* The Bookseller *

"They’re just right for classroom use across a wide age range as well as great to share as a family. The tellings are enormous fun and Shirin Adl’s humorous collage illustrations an absolute delight; don’t miss the splendid Islamic tessellation style endpapers."

* Red Reading H

ISBN: 9781913074944

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

48 pages