Illustrated by Shilla Shakoori
A Rumi story turned into a fun, illustrated allegory for kids.
The 13th century Sufi mystic, Islamic scholar, Persian poet and storyteller Rumi remains a towering cultural force, and possibly the most widely read poet in the world — especially on the subject of love. Here a simple tale about a donkey keeper staying at an inn transforms a parable for life lessons of joy and sorrow that will be universally understood by children in this adaptation by the Rumi scholar Omid Arabian, illustrated with great humor and authenticity by the Iranian-born artist Shilla Shakoori.
The Donkey's Gone is based on a story from The Masnavi, which is an epic compilation of Rumi's wisdom in the form of poems and short stories. Adapted for children, it retains Rumi's wit and insight while also relating a cautionary tale about what we stand to lose when we imitate others and conform.
Click here to watch the book trailer for The Donkey's Gone!, featuring narration by author Omid Arabian and illustrations by Shilla Shakoori.
Iranian-American mystic and teacher Omid Arabian is the founder and director of the YOUniversal Center, where he conducts courses in Mysticism for adults and children. His translations of Rumi's poetry have been published in three volumes, and his work The Donkey's Gone takes a Rumi story and adapts it for children. He is based in the Los Angeles area.
