The Gifts of Wali Dad

Author: Aaron Shepard                        Title: The Gifts of Wali Dad

Book Genre: Multicultural                  Publishing Info: Atheneum Books for  Young Readers 1995 (27 pgs)

Influence according to the Author: “The dominant influences of this story are Islamic and Zoroastrian rather than Hindu.  This suggests a likely origin in India’s Northwest.  Since Pakistan has not split off from that corner, I have thought it best to attribute the tale to both countries.”

Summary:  This is a tale of India and Pakistan.  There is a man, Wali Dad, who is a grass-cutter.   He gets thirty paisa each day: ten for his food, ten for other needs and he saved ten.  Wali Dad saves more money than he needs, so he buys a gold bracelet and ask a merchant to deliver it to the noblest woman he knows, which happens to be the queen of Khaistan.  The queen gives a gift back, but Wali Dad does not have a need for what she gives, so he turns around and has it delivered  to the noblest man, the king of Nekabad.  The king returns the favor with a greater gift and the giving continues and the gifts become more and more extravagant.  There arises a time where the queen and the king and the best gift comes out of the entire event and Wali Dad finds contentment again.

Personal rating: ****

Rationale: This tale was very entertaining and had lessons of what good character looks like.  It expressed the true meaning of giving without expecting anything in return.  The illustrations were detailed and added to the plot.  This story is good for any age to enjoy.

Reading level: 4                                                            Interest level: K-6

Thematic Areas: Giving without expecting anything in return, friendship, trust, sensibility

Content Areas:  History, geography, language

Potential Problems: The lack of knowledge of the culture of India and Pakistan, some words used.

Possible use in classroom: The class could be separated into two group; one group could research the culture of India, while the other group researches Pakistan.  They could then collaborate the information and what it would mean for the King of one palace to marry a Queen of another palace.  The class could look up the words that they did not understand or know much about: Wali Dad, paisa, merchant, marketplace, peri, and turban.  The students could use technology, by looking up pictures and illustrations to demonstrate the culture of Pakistan and India-present-day and in the past.