Two Travelers

Isaac, an emissary for Charlemange, is sent to Baghdad to bring tidings of peace to the Caliph. The Caliph accepts with the return offering of Abulabaz the elephant. Isaac must now find his way back to France--with the elephant. Together the two travelers manage to finish their journey and become fast friends in the process. Manson relies on a delicate, conspiratorial voice to convey the thoughts and apprehnsions of both Isaac and Abulabaz, allowing the reader to gain insight into both beings' perspectives. His bright colored pencil and watercolor illustrations add clever details to the text, such as Isaac and Abulabaz peering at each other out of the corners of their eyes upon their first meeting. Manson also incorporates important cultural details by accurately representing cultures, clothing, and settings. The combination of voice and artwork makes Two Travelers an apporchable, friendly book appropriate for young children.