The Barefoot Book of Jewish Tales
These eight tales from the Jewish tradition offer simple yet compelling messages. The virtues of prayer are compared to stories; Elijah the prophet explains his wisdom to an ordinary mortal; an illiterate boy finds that his good intentions are sufficient for God; a king learns to listen and accept his unusual son; a young woman offers her bread-making skills to God; an elderly woman views the difference between heaven and hell; a wise wife helps her husband comprehend her loyalty; and a king realizes that flaws are a part of life. Gelfand’s language is simple and direct, and she appends her tales with explanations of the Jewish signs and symbols cited and a list of story sources. Hall’s elegant full-color art suggests an Eastern European setting, and each tale includes distinctive borders, spot art, and occasional full-page spreads. The package also includes a CD with Debra Messing reading the stories. A perfect choice for sharing with young families, this will also be welcomed by religious school libraries. Grades 3-6. --Kay Weisman