Aladdin and His Magic Lamp

Translator: Denys Johnson-Davies

Grade Level: 3-6

Subject: Legend

Rating: 4.5 stars

    “Aladdin and the lamp” retold by Denys Johnson-Davies is an exciting story from the “Thousand and One Nights.” This story is about an evil sorcerer who travels far and wide to find a boy that looks exactly like Aladdin. Aladdin is the only one who can get the magic lamp. The sorcerer deceives Aladdin and his mother to accomplish his mission. However, Aladdin manages to outsmart the evil sorcerer and keep the lamp. With the genie (jinn) at this command, Aladdin becomes very popular and marries the beautiful princess. However, the sorcerer seeks revenge. 

    Even though the story is about magic, it can be utilized in a positive way. The theme of good versus evil can be explored to gain maximum benefit from the story. It is important that we use all the resources available to us to get children to love reading.   Providing children with exciting book, both fiction and non-fiction that they like is an important step in the reading battle.

    The book is different from the movie, for one Aladdin marries princess Badr al-Bodour, not princess Jasmine.  In addition, Aladdin’s mother makes the proposal to the King for the Princess to marry her son. In the Disney cartoon-movie, the role of Aladdin’s mother is non- existent.  It’s a small difference, but it is important to young and impressionable minds. 

    Being that most children are familiar with the story, it can be used for six-year-olds as a read loud or for older children as well.  The illustrations by Walid Taher capture the excitement of the moment.   The text is clear and the language is simple. 

Reviewed by Sr. Anna