The Man with Bad Manners [Paperback]

Idries Shah (Author), Rose Mary Santiago (Illustrator), Rita Wirkala (Translator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3-This Afghani folktale has been recast in a modern Western setting, though Santiago's brilliantly hued, naive paintings give it a timeless quality. In a quaint village with well-cultivated gardens, everyone is courteous except for one man. He babbles "blah, blah, blah" in response to others' greetings, and in the night, bangs cans loudly. Everyone is happy when he leaves to visit friends in another village. A clever boy points out, though, that their problems aren't over yet, since the man will return. He has an idea that may make the rude fellow change his ways. This ingenious plan, carried out with the villagers' full cooperation, results in a happy ending for one and all. The tale's mild didacticism is leavened by Shah's gentle retelling and Santiago's artfully lighthearted illustrations. The artist has created a whimsically idyllic village of chunky houses surrounded by sunflowers and small gardens. Her delightfully childlike figures, with their comically exaggerated expressions, are perfectly cast to carry out this story's message of peaceful conflict resolution.-Marilyn Taniguchi, Beverly Hills Public Library, CA
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From AudioFile

Afghan writer Shah tells of a badly behaved man who refuses to greet people properly, instead saying "blah blah blah" and "blee blee blee." He also bangs loudly on tin cans at night, so the villagers decide to teach the rude fellow a lesson. Narrator Michael Ashcraft has a great deal of fun with the sound effects--his BLEEs and BLAHs are hearty, and his BANG BANG BANGS are appropriately loud and irritating. Young children will enjoy following along and will especially be pleased by the bright illustrations that complement Ashcraft's lively narration. Although this story is from another culture, its themes (the value of manners in helping people get along) are universal. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Hoopoe Books (September 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883536855
• ISBN-13: 978-1883536855
• Product Dimensions: 11.4 x 8.5 x 0.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,275,474 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars really helped my obivious child get a clue and she loved it!, June 20, 2011

By 

N. Nichol (Greenwood Village, CO United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Man with Bad Manners (Paperback)

My child was oblivious to greeting people. People would say hello, and she wouldn't respond... This book really helped her "get it". She loves this story and wants it read over and over. I highy recomend it especially for school reading time. It's a delight to read.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A young boy decides to reform an ill-mannered neighbor, October 19, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Man with Bad Manners (Hardcover)

Rose Mary Santiago illustrates this first Hoopoe Books title by Idries Shah to be set in the West, for kids 3-8. A young boy decides to reform an ill-mannered neighbor and finds in himself a newfound skill for resolving conflicts in this warm, inviting story of resolution.