THE GREAT LITTLE TAILOR

A tailor’s son’s dreams come true with hard work and hope in this picture book.

In a village in a wintry kingdom, little Akin works alongside his father, Jafar, a talented but underappreciated and underpaid tailor. One night, Jafar informs his son that there’s no money for fabric. He’s staying positive (“Tomorrow is a new day”), but he also fears that he’s passing onto Akin a “life full of hardship and sacrifices.” The next day, Akin learns that the king is offering gold to the tailor who can make the most beautiful gown for his daughter’s wedding. Akin is certain that he and his father can win but only if he can persuade the fabric merchant to sell them the material: “Please, Mr. Abel, you have my dream in your hands.” This second book in Brazilian author Isabel Cintra’s fairy-tale series has a disappointing penchant for having Akin cry to help him achieve his goals, and there are distractingly misplaced commas in the book’s final paragraph. Still, this is a sweet-natured story of perseverance and optimism with a satisfying happily-ever-after ending. The lovely, full-color illustrations by Zeka Cintra, which feature mostly Black characters, also include old-fashioned garb, colorful cottages, and enjoyable details, such as a Victorian treadle sewing machine and an elegant princess’s six comical pug companions.

A heartfelt illustrated fairy tale for young audiences.