Historical details in both the verse and illustrations readily transport readers to 15th-century Persia. But Prince Mehrdad's affections remain steadfast, and it is he who breaks the spell. They fasten Settareh's hair with enchanted hairpins to transform her into a turtledove. On the day of Settareh's anticipated wedding to the Prince, the jealous stepsisters seek vengeance and usurp the magical powers of the pari. She captures the attentions of the prince, and a lost diamond bangle fallen from her ankle provides the clue to her whereabouts. But inside the jug is a pari, or fairy, who grants her wish for a gown. Settarah, however, gives alms to a beggar and buys a curious blue jug instead. In preparation for a No Ruz (New Year) celebration at the Royal Palace, Settareh and her stepsisters go to the bazaar to choose cloth for gowns. Climo's (The Egyptian Cinderella The Irish Cinderlad) adaptation of this Arabian Nights myth offers a capricious twist on the Cinderella story.
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