One of the earliest known written tales, Lugalbanda is about a boy who, with courage and kindness befriends and tames the fearsome Anzu bird. Middle Eastern setting.

This book is amazing. Framed by history and explanations of the scholarly background of this old(est) tale, Kathy Henderson tells the story of the 'little prince' in words that reflect the oral tradition of the tale. This book is a masterpiece. Illustrator Jane Ray carefully researched the historical period for her illustrations in this book. Every watercolor-ink-and-collage painting is a piece of art and further invites the reader into this outstanding story.

I like how the text of each page ends with a full-stop. This give a natural break to enjoy and explore the illustration without losing any of the flow of the text.

Winner of the Aesop Prize.

Mesmerizing!