In an explanatory note, author/artist Demi explains that her main character, Nasrettin Hoca, was a thirteenth-century Turkish folk philosopher and humorist. Beloved during his lifetime, he remains so in Turkey and many other parts of the world today, seen as a symbol of “common sense, clear wisdom, and good-natured humor.” In this story, Nasrettin arrives at a friend’s banquet without having had time to change clothes after helping capture a stray goat. Ragged and smelly, he is ignored by his host and other guests. Slipping away to bathe and change, he returns and is treated as an honored guest. Clearly, he tells the group after putting offerings of food inside his coat and exclaiming, “Eat, coat, eat!,” it was my fine coat and not me that you invited to the banquet. Like many Nasrettin Hoca stories, this one ends with a moral: “He who wears heaven in his heart is always well dressed.” Demi’s graceful illustrations are based on traditional Turkish paintings—full of intricate details, they also capture the good humor of her subject. (Ages 6–10)

Once upon a time in Turkey there lived a funny, little wise man named Nasrettin Hoca. He wore a huge, white turban and a worn-out coat made of patches upon patches. Riding about on his little gray donkey, he liked to help whomever he could.
A friend to all, Nasrettin is a popular figure. But when he is suddenly ignored at a friend's banquet, he realizes it is his patchwork coat that is turning people away from him. He leaves the party and returns later, wearing a brand-new coat. Now Nasrettin is warmly welcomed. But instead of eating the delicious foods placed before him, he feeds them to his coat!
How Nasrettin Hoca teaches his friends a lesson about appearances is the heart of this hilarious and clever story. With good humor and luminous illustrations inspired by traditional Turkish paintings, Demi brings to life Turkey's most famous folk hero and imparts a timeless tale with a moral that will resonate with readers everywhere.