forwordsbooks » Moses

Nachshon Who Was Afraid to Swim

Kathy B. — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:34:41 +0000

Illustrated by Jago

A 2009 Sydney Taylor Honor Book. This is a beautifully written midrash about the story of Nachshon, the individual who was the first to step into the waters of the Reed Sea thereby enabling the Jewish People to reach freedom on the other side. Nachshon is portrayed as a brave young man who is not afraid of anything – Egyptian taskmasters, royal courtiers, frogs, locusts – except swimming. Water, it seemed, terrified him. Until the moment when he realizes that in order to reach freedom he must face his fears and step into the water. The language of the book is perfect for youngsters to feel the difficult life of the slaves, their excitement at Moses’ return to the slave village, the fear of Nachshon’s decision to enter into the water. There are many opportunities for discussion here about things children may be afraid of and how they might overcome their fears.

The illustrations are wondrous, sophisticated art in soft colors portraying the desert heat and the cool water. All in all an exceptional book for Passover or Bible story time.

Grade: K-5

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Papa Jethro

Kathy B. — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:27:49 +0000

Illustrated by Jane Dippold.

This book brought tears to my eyes and gave me goose bumps. What a beautiful gift for an interfaith family- a bedtime story for the other faith grandparents to read to their Jewish grandchildren. With lovely, soft, warm illustrations, we read the story of Rachel and her Grandpa Nick as he tells her the Midrash (an interpretive story based on a verse in the Hebrew Bible) of Jethro – Moses’ father-in-law, a Midian priest – and his grandson, Gershon. The text is simple, dear and delightful. If the end of the book does not bring at least a mist to your eyes, I would check your heartbeat.

As someone who has worked with interfaith couples on a daily basis, I believe this book has a place in every Jewish library with an interfaith population. In fact, you should have at least two copies. My bet is they will be checked out often and repeatedly, especially when grandparents come visiting. This book finds the common ground where so often people in these situations fail to look – in the love and trust between a grandchild and a grandparent.

Grade: PreK-3

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The Brave Women Who Saved Moses

Kathy B. — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:20:00 +0000

Illustrated by Carol Racklin-Siegel

A retelling of Exodus where Moses is assisted in coming into the world through the efforts of many righteous women – two midwives, his mother, his sister and the Pharaoh’s daughter (Exodus 1,2). It is also an adaptation of the Hebrew text so that those studying Hebrew can practice reading the stories in simple Hebrew and learn to understand and read the words in the original language. As an adult learner who is doing her best to master the ancient tongue, I appreciate what EKS has done. Not only is the English simple, clear and highly readable, but the Hebrew text is as well. In addition, in the back of the book you can find a literal translation of the Hebrew along with a glossary containing every-single-Hebrew-word in translation AND transliteration. Thank you so VERY much.

The illustrations are not great, but they are nice, colorful and connect the reader to the story. Overall, a nice addition to this series and should be included in the collection.

Grade: 3rd-8th

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JPS Illustrated Children’s Bible

Kathy B. — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:10:27 +0000

illustrated by Avi Katz.

I have learned over the years not to expect too much from Children’s Bibles. Normally, I am looking at “Old Testament” Children’s Bibles. I often find the stories too short and uninteresting, having been over-adapted to fit into the small space allotted. In some cases, I find the story selection to be somewhat unusual and have to ponder why they included the particular stories that they did. Then, of course, there are the illustrations that can range from ultra-modern to neo-classic.

Fortunately, Ellen Frankel and JPS have decided to put their efforts to the task of providing the younger members of the Jewish community with a Children’s Bible they can truly call their own. With great thought, careful editing, deliberate selection, and fabulous artwork, The JPS Illustrated Children’s Bible will certainly become a classic.The stories are well told and very true to the original texts. The selection of stories is excellent and hits all major Biblical highlights. Avi Katz’s illustrations are breathtaking and bring each story to life with vibrant colors, vivid detailing and exceptional expression. Each story contained in this volume would make a nice story time selection or as a reading during a Kabbalat Shabbat service. Many could be adapted for participatory reading or plays.

The author’s notebook in the back of the Bible is an insightful description of how Ms. Frankel adapted the material and chose the stories she chose. A list of the Books of the Hebrew Bible detailing which stories from which books are contained in this Bible follows.

Overall, this is an excellent Children’s Bible. It would make a wonderful housewarming gift for a new family, a unique gift for a child starting Hebrew School or an interesting baby gift. It certainly deserves a place in every Jewish library.

Grade Level: 3rd – 8th