Glizo the Wanderer

Irony and satire blend smoothly in this charming tale, written in rhyme, of young Glizo who can read minds. Glizo is constantly getting into trouble, pointing out the discrepancies between what goes on in people’s heads and what they actually say. To his chagrin, he discovers that people in his home town regularly think one thing and say another. Off he goes to the capital city, convinced that there, at least, people will say what they really think. Young Glizo finds himself entangled with two government ministers, both of whom are busy plotting to overthrow the king, while outwardly declaring their undying devotion to the unsuspecting monarch. The king himself is also completely lacking in morals, changing his attitude at a whim. In this subtle but razor-sharp satire for both children and adults, unscrupulous and self-serving politicians are revealed for what they really are. Glizo continues on his journey, ever searching for a place where people actually say what they think. It does not take a mind-reader to realize that Glizo is doomed to wander forever. Yossi Abolafia’s colorful illustrations add irresistible attraction to a book which children are bound to love.