Originally published in 1967, and then reprinted in 1991, Barbara K. Walker's Watermelons, Walnuts and the Wisdom of Allah contains eighteen folktales collected during her time in Turkey, all devoted to the exploits of the legendary religious teacher and philosopher, Nasreddin Hoca. Engaging, and full of pointed humor, these stories also teach a lesson, or offer some insight into the human condition. I understand that Hoca tales are immensely popular throughout the Middle East, with different Hoca traditions in different countries, and thousands of stories extant in the culture. This collection is a marvelous introduction!

Here, the reader will encounter the hilarious Tell Me, When Will I Die?, in which the Hoca, believing that he is near to death, participates in his own burial. This initial selection highlights the Hoca's status as a foolish wise man, or wise fool, who understands the human heart, but can sometimes still be silly. Shoes for a Journey sees the young Hoca outwitting his friends, who think to snag his footwear while he climbs a tree, demonstrating the hero's cleverness, and ability to out-think his peers. The titular Watermelons, Walnuts and the Wisdom of Allah shows the Hoca's ability to learn, when he imagines that he could arrange the growing of walnuts and watermelons better than Allah.

The Hoca is shown to be a fair judge in tales like The Sound Is Yours, involving two woodcutters and a dispute over profits; and must contend with a powerful ruler, in The Hoca As Tamerlane's Tax Collector, and Nasreddin Hoca and the Third Shot. An older Hoca once again outwits his friends, in The Hoca and the Candle, but is fooled by some mischievous boys in The Transformed Donkey. Full of fun, often eliciting a chuckle, these and other tales - along with Harold Berson's appealing illustrations, done in sepia tones - will keep the reader involved! Highly recommended to folklore lovers young and old! ( )