ALADDIN

Follow Princess Jasmine and Aladdin—in
disguise as Prince Ali—on a new adventure into a magical world beyond Agrabah.

After exploring Agrabah, Jasmine
wants to see the prince’s kingdom. Genie obligingly creates “Ababwa” to order,
asking Aladdin to describe “the perfect kingdom.” Aladdin’s description is as
enchanting as it is meaningful to him. He thinks of a courtyard, because “my
mother loved the courtyards of Agrabah,” and “It should also have a pretty
fantastic menagerie,” since he wants Jasmine to see “animals and birds she’s
never seen before.” But once they’re in Ababwa, Jasmine and Ali’s return to
Agrabah is threatened when the carpet is stolen by an embittered man named
Abbas. Writing in alternating chapters from Aladdin’s and Jasmine’s points of
view, Saeed also includes legends within the main story, some shedding light on
Abbas’ backstory. Although this veers from the story of Disney’s Aladdin, many familiar elements are
present. Saeed’s Jasmine is a strong, smart woman with a love for maps, and she
aspires to do well by her people, because “[they] are what make Agrabah
beautiful. And they deserve a leader who knows that.” Aladdin wants more from
the world too, and the adventure causes him to question his lies to Jasmine.
Saeed powerfully captures both their emotions and the setting.

For Aladdin fans who would enjoy a
different journey. (Fantasy. 11-14)