The Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story
Kindergarten-Grade 4—Kimmel weaves common folk elements with traditions from the Jewish holiday. Two brothers set up their sukkot. The stingy, rich brother has a beautiful one but begrudges food to strangers. The poor, kind brother's humble sukkah is open to all. The biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the mysterious guests who curse the unwelcoming host and bless the hospitable one. All ends well as the kind brother gains the riches he deserves, while the mean one learns his lesson. Readers will enjoy the sensory frisson as each sukkah transforms into the rotted shell or glittering bower that represents its inner atmosphere. Universal themes of hospitality and justice make the story emotionally satisfying. Krenina's dark, rich paintings support the folktale flavor of the original story. This entertaining tale conveys important values that are applicable year-round and in every tradition.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FLCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.