Ruler of the Courtyard

By Rukhsana Khan

Illustrated by R. Gregory Christie

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A Picture Book

Published by Viking Children's Books

32 pg, Hardcover

$24.00 CDN, $15.99 U.S.

ISBN 0-670-03583-1

A.R. Quiz # 69630

A.R. Reading Level 2.6

A.R. points 0.5

Nick Jr. Magazine (Dec. 2003) Chose Ruler of the Courtyard as the Most Suspenseful Story of the Year

"Suspense, a positive message, and illustrations that show up across the room, make this a winner for reading aloud." and "The Pakistani setting provides an additional and timely dimension to this perfectly paced story."

"The illustrations are vigorous and slightly naive, featuring hot bright backgrounds and scratchily malevolent chickens. Saba is a real girl; Nani is her concerned grandmother, and the attentive detail to their expressions- fear, surprise, and confidence- brings life to their portraits."

"Khan imagines Saba's quick thinking as she comes up with a strategy to deal with the perceived menace... Noteworthy for its portrayal of the accoutrements of another culture, this work also redirects easily recognizable feelings into a readily shared message about self-reliance and courage."

"This spare tale set in Pakistan has wonderful energy and use of language: short, staccato sentences that capture Saba's fear give way to smooth soaring language signaling her jubilant victory. Illustrator Christie gives us vibrant Picasso-esque chickens done as if in fingerpaints. He matches their vitality with an equally powerful landscape of oranges and yellows that frames Saba's pink house. But his greatest triumph is the character of black-haired, bright turquoise-garbed Saba: close-ups of her cowering in terror and apprehension give way to her raucous blitz of the outdoors and the offensive chickens. This place-specific story has a universal heart."

"Saba's story, ostensibly set in Pakistan, will resonate with children who must stand up to their own particular dread."

Jacqueline Golding says: "I'm writing to let you know how much I like Ruler of the Courtyard. As a psychologist who works extensively with children, I think it could be of real help to kids in coping with fearfulness. That's why I've included a summary of Ruler of the Courtyard in my forthcoming book for parents, Healing Stories: Picture Books for the Big and Small Changes in a Child's Life, which is scheduled for publication in September 2006 by M. Evans and Company." For more information on Ms. Golding's valuable reference, please see her website: www.healing-stories.com