The Red Lion: A Tale of Ancient Persia

The Red Lion is Diana Wolkstein's retelling of an ancient Persian tale, likely a Sufi teaching tale. The illustrations are in a Persian style that well suits the text.The King dies; before he can ascend the throne, the prince must fight a lion. Because he is afraid of lions, he flees. He enjoys the hospitality of a shepherd until he realizes that he might face lions. He enjoys the hospitality of a desert group until he realizes that he might face lions. He enjoys the hospitality of a city - where he finds his bride - only to be faced with lions. Realizing that there is no choice, he returns hope to face the lion - a friendly lion unless one fears him.The story is told by a master storyteller who has the sense to trust the story; there is no overtly didactic language.