ALADDIN

Follow Princess Jasmine and Aladdin—in disguise as Prince Ali—on a new adventure into a magical world beyond Agrabah.

After exploring Agrabah, Jasmine wants to see the prince’s kingdom. Genie obligingly creates “Ababwa” to order, asking Aladdin to describe “the perfect kingdom.” Aladdin’s description is as enchanting as it is meaningful to him. He thinks of a courtyard, because “my mother loved the courtyards of Agrabah,” and “It should also have a pretty fantastic menagerie,” since he wants Jasmine to see “animals and birds she’s never seen before.” But once they’re in Ababwa, Jasmine and Ali’s return to Agrabah is threatened when the carpet is stolen by an embittered man named Abbas. Writing in alternating chapters from Aladdin’s and Jasmine’s points of view, Saeed also includes legends within the main story, some shedding light on Abbas’ backstory. Although this veers from the story of Disney’s Aladdin, many familiar elements are present. Saeed’s Jasmine is a strong, smart woman with a love for maps, and she aspires to do well by her people, because “[they] are what make Agrabah beautiful. And they deserve a leader who knows that.” Aladdin wants more from the world too, and the adventure causes him to question his lies to Jasmine. Saeed powerfully captures both their emotions and the setting.

For Aladdin fans who would enjoy a different journey.