The Clever Wife: A Kyrgyz Folktale

The Clever Wife is based on a traditional folktale from Kyrgyzstan in central Asia. Beautifully retold by award-winning author Rukhsana Khan, it is the story of a spirited young heroine named Danyshman, whose wit and courage draw the attention and admiration of the ruling Khan Bolotbek. But will intrigue, betrayal, and exile threaten her relationship with the khan? Superbly illustrated by Ayesha Gamiet, a master in the art of Islamic manuscript illumination, this classic “thinking outside the box” story will inspire young readers far and wide.

Rukhsana Khan is an award-winning author and storyteller with over thirteen titles that range from children’s picture books to young adult novels. Her books have been published in numerous countries and acquired dozens of awards and commendations. Her title, Big Red Lollipop, was chosen by the New York Public Library as one of the hundred greatest children’s books in the last hundred years. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and family.

Ayesha Gamiet is an artist, illustrator, and art educator whose work is inspired by the traditional arts of the world and the beauty of nature. In 2018, she was awarded a prestigious ijaza (formal certification) in Islamic manuscript illumination in Istanbul, Turkey. Ayesha was also commissioned by the Royal Library, Windsor Castle, to produce illuminated frontispieces for four volumes of poetry, one of which was gifted to HM Queen Elizabeth II and another to HRH Prince Charles. In addition, she has exhibited her work within the UK and internationally. Ayesha lives in Maidenhead, England.