Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Great King Ahmad Shah Durrani ruled Afghanistan, and from there, a magnificent empire extending from eastern Iran to northern India, and from the Amu Darya to the Indian Ocean. Known to his people as Ahmad Shah Baba (Ahmad Shah, our father), the king was loved by his people as an outstanding general and a just and wise ruler.

But the King was troubled ? all kinds of problems threatened his kingdom ? and he realized he needed to find at least one person with the qualities necessary to help him. But how does one find such a person?

Among other things, this story provides a framework through which young readers can consider and discuss the qualities one needs to live a useful and happy life. Additional pages include a biography of Ahmad Shah, a map of the Durrani Empire, and suggested discussion points.

Idries Shah spent much of his life collecting Sufi classical narratives and teaching stories from oral and written sources in the Middle East and Central Asia and publishing them in book form. The eleven tales he wrote especially for children are published by Hoopoe as beautifully illustrated books, all of which have been commended by Western educators and psychologists, the Library of Congress, National Public Radio and other media for their unique ability to foster social-emotional development, thinking skills and perception in children and adults alike. Told for centuries, these stories express universal themes and a positive representation of important but often misunderstood cultures, showing how much we have in common and what we can learn from each other. They acknowledge a child's individuality and uniqueness and encourage a sense of confidence, responsibility and purpose.