Fran Thatcher

Summary:
This version of the classic Aladdin, follows a young, poor, Chinese boy, who lived with his mother. One day Aladdin is stopped by an evil magician, who convinces Aladdin to help him uncover a magic lamp in a cave. The evil magician gives Aladdin a magic ring that houses a genie to protect him as he ventures into the cave. Aladdin ends up getting stuck in the cave with both the magic ring and the magic lamp; using the genie of the ring, he wishes himself back home. Aladdin uses the genie of the lamp to make him and his mother rich, so that he can get the approval of the sultan to marry the Princess. The sultan agrees to the marriage, and Aladdin and the Princess, move into a palace next to the sultans. Furious that Aladdin still has the lamp, and has used it to make himself rich, the evil magician develops a plan to kidnap the Princess and the lamp. Aladdin ventures out to save the princess from the evil magician, and eventually after he finds her, Aladdin and the Princess poison the magician, and live happily ever after.

Personal Reaction:
I was given a culture shock while reading this version of Aladdin. I felt that the tone of the story, was much darker than any version I had ever read. The story references the genies as being “slaves of the lamp/ring”. In addition, when the Princess goes missing, Aladdin vows that if he does not find her in 41 days, that the sultan may cut off his head. This version is true to its origin, which is in China and not the Middle East like many believe it to be. As I read the story, I found myself looking at the reactions my kids were having during the darker texts. I think it is important to read children books from all walks of life, but equally, certain content isn’t suitable for younger children. The illustrations throughout this book, are hand drawn and give the story a classic and older feel to it.

Extension Ideas:
This would be a great story to read during a cultural study, as the children would have fun learning about the similarities and differences of China. During a culture study, I would provide the children with a variety of Chinese traditions (foods, music, clothes etc), and they can better understand the origins of Aladdin. Another fun craft and creative writing idea, would be to have the children create their own genies using paints, markers, or crayons, and then have them write out wishes that they would ask the genie for. Then together we would explore what everyone listed for their wishes.… (más)