Review: A Masterpiece - A Visually Stunning Story
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 03 22, 2014
Author-Illustrator Michael Carter is to be commended for this visually stunning storybook.  It is clearly a labor of love.  The illustrations are both sophisticated and arresting.  It would be a shame to rush through the book without considering each of the masterpiece illustrations more thoroughly (perhaps after the first reading).  At the back of the book each page is given in thumbnail size with English translations of the Hebrew text (much appreciated).In this story a carpenter laboring in his workshop is telling his young son the story of the building of the Temple of Solomon.  I'll leave it for you to read.  It is this classic story plus the stunning illustrations that combine to produce a striking picturebook.Educators looking for multicultural materials should consider this book, as it tells a classic Hebrew story with historically appropriate illustrations.  The Hebrew language is an important part of the presentation.Writers and illustrators of children's picturebooks should study this as one well-written and exceptionally illustrated model.Artists will enjoy a visual feast, and perhaps receive a little inspiration to conceive an artistic project of their own.This book should be entered in major competitions for children's picturebooks.  Michael, you've got my vote!  Review copy.