The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor [Hardcover]

John Yeoman (Author), Quentin Blake (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1997 | Age Level: 10 and up

Originally a part of the Arabian Nights stories, the adventures of Sinbad the Sailor are set in the historic lands of the Middle East. On each of Sinbad's journeys there is some disaster and Sinbad must call upon his last ounce of strength to escape the many dangers he finds. 36 black-and-white & 35 color illustrations.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up. Written over five centuries ago, these tales have survived over time as storytellers' favorites. Yeoman's first-person narration pretty much follows the standard Richard Burton translation and leads readers through Sinbad's seven shipwrecks while introducing them to the amazing inhabitants of the islands on which the sailor is inevitably stranded: sea-stallions; the giant Roc and diamond-protecting serpents; Cyclops-like giants; cannibals (and live-burial customs); the Old Man of the Sea with his lethal legs; the generous king of Sarandib; and monsters and the flying "brethren of the demons." In each formulaic tale, Sinbad loses everything, flirts with death, and ends up richer, more generous, and maybe even a bit wiser than before. All of the stories provide numerous opportunities for retelling?and embellishing?and thus gloriously display the storyteller's craft. This version makes excellent classroom reading and Blake's expressive line drawings and watercolors, about half of which are reproduced in black and white, lend a subtle wit, pathos, and determination to the remarkable revelations of this man of mysterious wealth. An excellent introduction to the "1001" tales that are filled with adventure, luck, ingenuity, and allegory.?John Sigwald, Unger Memorial Library, Plainview, TX
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7. In the framework story, Sinbad the Porter envies the luxurious life of Sinbad the Sailor until his gracious host explains how he obtained his wealth: seven voyages of disaster, horror, and adventure that eventually led to his present state of happiness and prosperity. In the foreword, Quentin Blake explains that the tales, part of The Arabian Nights, probably originated as travelers' yarns. Chalk up their fantastic nature partly to confusion about strange beasts never seen and partly to dramatic effect. Appearing on nearly every spread, Blake's ink drawings with watercolors (some reproduced in color, some in black and white) illustrate the story with style and grace. A handsome edition in every way, this book features good storytelling, lively illustrations, and excellent design. Carolyn Phelan

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 10 and up
  
• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689813686
• ISBN-13: 978-0689813689
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,749,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great advanced chapter book, October 8, 2007

By 

M.T.S (Los Angeles County) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor (Paperback)

I have this book in paperback. It has 120+ pages. 7.5" x 6" Printed on heavy quality paper. Illustrated by Quentin Blake in color and some black and white. He also illustrated majority of Roald Dahl's books. The book covers from the origin of Sinbad to his seventh voyage. This is a great book to read to 4 to 8 years old, but, for independent reading purpose, I would recommend it to advance chapter readers - 3rd grader or above. For the story, as you know, is a timeless and classic adventure that all kids will enjoy.