A humble grass-cutter named Wali Dad, finding that he has everything he needs, uses his savings to buy a beautiful golden bracelet, which he asks a local merchant to bring as a gift to the noblest woman in the world - the queen of Khaistan. When she reciprocates with a lavisg gift, Wali Dad, who has no use for wealth, sends it via the merchant to the noblest man in the world - the king of Nekabad. This royal in turn sends a gift to Wali Dad, who forwards it to the queen, who responds in kind. So an exchange of progressively more lavish presents is sent back and forth, until finally the two royals set out to meet Wali Dad - and each other...

Originally found in the pages of Andrew Lang's Brown Fairy Book, this traditional tale was related to a British Army officer by an Indian, in the 19th century, in a region of that country that is now part of Pakistan. Given that history, Aaron Shepard has credited his retelling of the tale to both India and Pakistan. Leaving aside the issue of origin, the story here is immensely engaging, and Wali Dad's distress at the gifts he receives is amusing. Illustrator Daniel San Souci's accompanying artwork accentuates the humor of the tale, and is likewise appealing. Recommended to young folklore enthusiasts, and to picture-book readers looking for tales set in South Asia. ( )