The Voyages of Sindbad

    Most people are probably familiar with the name Sindbad from television shows and movies. “The Voyages of Sindbad” retold by Denys Johnson-Davies are filled with adventurous stories of a young man. As one of the world’s most famous sailors, Sindbad makes several voyages from his home in Baghdad, a city in Iraq. 

    Sindbad became “bored with the pleasures of an idle life and longed to be back at sea.” He travels as a merchant and encounters great danger on each voyage. He comes face to face with man-eating creatures and gigantic “rukh” birds. However, Sindbad always manages to outsmart these creatures and return to the safety of his home. 

    Overall, it is a great book that allows children to use their imaginations. I think children might enjoy this book because the stories are filled with adventure and suspense. Sindbad always returns to his home safely, while his traveling companions are killed. In a way it goes to show that when Allah protects someone, nothing can bring harm to that person.  

    The illustrations by Mohamed Ta’eb are wonderful.   They help the reader to visualize the monsters and the great dangers that Sindbad faces. Children can then use their imagination as they read on. 

    It is refreshing to find an adventure book that inculcates Islamic ideas. For example, Sindbad says to his companion, “…continue to put our trust in Him.”  This story is a classic tale from the “Thousand and One Nights” and is recommended for children ages 7 to 8 years old. 

Reviewed by Sr. Anna