In order to win the hand of his love, indolent Prince Haig learns to weave beautiful golden cloth, a craft that later saves his life.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
This rendition of an old Armenian tale about the necessity of having a vocation by husband-and-wife team Kherdian and Hogrogian (Toad and the Green Prince) lacks conviction. Prince Haig and his companion Vartan ride contentedly "across the countryside, laughing, singing, and harmlessly bantering," until Haig falls in love with Anahid, a beautiful peasant girl. She tells him they cannot marry until he learns a trade, a skill that people in her village call a "Golden Bracelet." Thus Haig becomes a master weaver of gold cloth and marries Anahid. When the sorcerer Zilnago later captures Haig, the nobleman communicates his whereabouts to his bride by weaving into a cloth the design of a Golden Bracelet, along with a map and message. While Hogrogian's appealing painting of the festive wedding celebration conveys energy, most of the illustrations, despite the intricate Armenian designs, are static. The artwork combined with the stilted language (e.g., "They rode home in procession, knowing they would rule wisely and well, with knowledge of their people, and with an undying devotion to one another, as well as for their sacred land") and meandering exposition of the plot are offputting. For a more compelling take on the tale, try Robert D. San Souci's A Weave of Words, illus. by Ra#l Col?n (Children's Forecasts, Jan. 26). Ages 7-10.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5?In true folklore fashion, love blossoms from a chance encounter when carefree young prince Haig meets the shepherd's daughter Anahid. She warns the prince that "everyone should have a skill, no matter who they are." She calls this skill a "Golden Bracelet" that stays with its possessor forever. To win the young woman's hand, Haig gives up his self-absorbed adventuring and becomes a master weaver. Anahid consents to marry him when she receives a beautiful golden cloth that he himself has woven. After many years of ruling happily as king and queen, the couple is separated when an evil sorcerer kidnaps Haig. The king must then use his weaving skills to trick the sorcerer and warn Anahid of his fate. She leads a battalion of soldiers to rescue him, following the directions he has woven into a tapestry. This story is based on an Armenian folktale, which, as the author notes, emphasizes the importance of craft and common sense in negotiating the pitfalls of life. Though told in a traditional style, the story presents an interesting twist in valuing Anahid's action over Haig's privilege. Hogrogrian's watercolors are done in a primitive folk-art style with brilliant use of warm colors and energetic figures that occasionally spill out over their frames. Though the text focuses on Haig's adventures, the illustrations show Anahid to be brave, beautiful, and intelligent. An entertaining tale of love and wisdom.?Joan Zaleski, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book about the value of work,
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This review is from: The Golden Bracelet (Hardcover)
This beautiful children's book tells the story of an Armenian prince who is told by a clever shepherd girl that everyone should learn a skill, even royalty. The prince takes her advice, becomes a master weaver, and eventually the two marry. Years later his skill as a weaver saves his life and he reaffirms that his wife is very wise.
I love the strong female character and the portrayal of a healthy and happy marriage relationship. The emphasis on the importance of developing your talents even if you are rich and privileged is refreshing in this age of entitlement and "daddy's princess" attitudes. I would highly recommend this book for children.
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