Silverman (The Halloween House, 1997, etc.) tells of Raisel, an orphan girl who is raised by her scholarly grandfather until his death; three wishes from an old beggar woman allow Raisel to attend the Purim play dressed as Queen Esther, where she captures the attention of the rabbi’s son. It is her clever riddle about the precious nature of learning, however, that eventually wins his heart. Carefully crafted, this story not only entertains, but it teaches readers about the Jewish holiday, Purim, Queen Esther, and the tradition of costumed re-enactment. Unlike a majority of the other versions of the Cinderella story, this one does not include a self-absorbed prince who combs the countryside looking for a bride of a particular shoe size; refreshingly, Silverman’s hero is as intelligent as he is handsome, and seeks a bride who is his equal. Graber’s illustrations are the perfectly complement, embodying Raisel’s transformation from a life of servitude to one of riches “more precious than rubies.” (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: March 2, 1999
ISBN: 0-374-36168-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 15, 1999
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A wondrous occurrence, an ancient tradition, and an elderly nun’s abiding faith are the basis of this moving Chirstmas tale from dePaola (26 Fairmount Avenue, p. 629, etc.). Sister Angie is overjoyed when her niece Lupe and her husband are selected to play Mary and Joseph—here, Maria and José—for Las Posadas, the reenactment of the journey into Bethlehem. When Sister Angie becomes ill and Lupe and Roberto become stranded in a heavy snowstorm, it seems as if the celebration will be delayed. However, a couple arrives just in time to take the place of the missing players. The whole village participates in the procession, from the singers who follow Mary and Joseph, to the “devils” who attempt to prevent the weary travelers from finding lodging. After several rebuffs, the couple arrives at the gates of the courtyard; these open and the entire assembly enters to celebrate. When Lupe and Roberto finally show up, the other couple is nowhere to be found. The story takes a supernatural twist when Sister Angie discovers that the figures in the church’s manger scene have come to life, temporarily, for the procession. The mysteries and miracles of the season are kept at bay; this simple narrative spells everything out, resulting in a primer on the tradition. Richly hued, luminescent illustrations radiate from the pages; an introduction and author’s note provide additional information. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-399-23400-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Putnam
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 1999
This lovely story of tradition and family security has moments both gentle and funny, and a recipe for the main dish. Yussel loves Shabbos. On that day of peace, his parents don’t work and they all visit with friends and relatives or go to the park. Yussel’s favorite part is the meal of special round balls of gefilte fish. Every week, Papa rises early to catch the strange fish, and every week, Yussel yearns to go with him. One morning, Yussel’s wish comes true. Through a tender day at the lake with Papa, Yussel learns exactly what a gefilte fish is. His trip and his ultimate contributions to the family ritual are enhanced by Krenina’s fanciful illustrations; these evoke both the excitement of landing the fish and the warm gathering of family that night at sunset. (glossary) (Picture book. 4-7)
Pub Date: March 1, 1999
ISBN: 0-525-45449-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Dutton
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 1999
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