What a powerful challenge this story is to those who judge a person by his outward appearance. Nasrettin Hoca lived in Turkey in the 1200's and told tales similar to those of Aesop except that they have a humorous flavor to them. The story of the Hungry Coat is about a man who arrives late to a banquet with his clothes torn, dirty and odoriferous. His 'friends' turn away from him. So, he goes home and cleans up and when he comes back, everyone greets him warmly. Why then does he proceed to stuff his coat with food?
40 pages 978-0689846809 Ages 6-10
Recommended by: Barb Langridge, abookandahug.com
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Once upon a time in Turkey there lived a funny, little wise man named Nasrettin Hoca. He wore a huge, white turban and a worn-out coat made of patches upon patches. Riding about on his little gray donkey, he liked to help whomever he could. A friend to all, Nasrettin is a popular figure. But when he is suddenly ignored at a friend's banquet, he realizes it is his patchwork coat that is turning people away from him. He leaves the party and returns later, wearing a brand-new coat. Now Nasrettin is warmly welcomed. But instead of eating the delicious foods placed before him, he feeds them to his coat! How Nasrettin Hoca teaches his friends a lesson about appearances is the heart of this hilarious and clever story. With good humor and luminous illustrations inspired by traditional Turkish paintings, Demi brings to life Turkey's most famous folk hero and imparts a timeless tale with a moral that will resonate with readers everywhere.---from the publisher
