The Legend of the Wandering King Book

Walid was a model prince: handsome, intelligent, skilled in the arts of warfare and poetry. But the kingdom boasted one greater poet than he, and out of jealousy Walid cursed the man to create an impossible work of art: a carpet showing the history of the entire human race. The poet died weaving it. Men went mad seeing it. And when it is stolen, Walid discovers his life's quest: to recover the carpet and earn forgiveness for his mistakes. Inspired by the story of a real king of pre-Muslim Arabia, LEGEND is a magical fantasy, a meditation on destiny, and an utterly thrilling adventure.

Caitlyn Payne - Children's Literature

As a young man, all Prince Walid wanted was to win the prestigious poetry competition of Ukaz, and be known as the greatest poet in the land. But when he is defeated in the competition two years in a row by a humble carpet weaver, his life is changed forever. Driven by jealousy and hatred, Walid forces the carpet weaver into servitude, ordering him to organize the royal library and then weave a carpet containing the history of the human race. The nearly impossible task blinds and eventually kills the carpet weaver, but not before he creates a masterpiece—a carpet of dizzying color and life encompassing the history of humanity. Stunned and shamed by the cost of what the weaver created, Walid locks the carpet deep inside his palace. But when the carpet is stolen and Walid is betrayed by his advisor, he sets out to retrieve the carpet on what becomes an odyssey of learning. As Walid tracks the carpet thieves across the desert, through cities and foreign lands, he learns humanity and compassion, kindness and forgiveness. With the help of a tribe of bandits, a compassionate merchant, and the steadfast love of a Bedouin woman, Walid begins to see the world in a new way, and learns to listen to his heart before his pride. He learns that one's position in life means nothing if one has no heart, and that wonders will be seen in extraordinary ways and places if you have the courage to look for them. Based on a true story, this is an exceptional tale and a wonderful addition to any library. 2005, Scholastic, Ages 10 up.