By
– March 2, 2012
The very simple texts of the miracles selected (Creation, Birth of Adam, Noah’s Ark, Sarah and Abraham, Parting of the Red Sea, Manna from Heaven, Moses on Mount Sinai, Balaam and the Donkey, The Walls of Jericho, Samson, David and Goliath, Jonah and the Fish, Daniel in the Lions’ Den) are geared to younger children. They are representative of the better known bible stories. Each story uses brief excerpts from the bible to give authenticity to the stories selected. The brightly colored illustrations, by Seymour Chwast, are simple and cheerful enough to appeal to the intended audience, without being menacing. They have a cartoon quality. The many animals are all cheerful, and usually smiling, as are many of the humans, depending on the text. Illustrations are enlarged to 2, 3 or 4 pages to show the importance of the various characters. The text by Hanft and the illustrations by Chwast are well suited to the intended audience. Seven year olds will be able to read it themselves. Younger children will enjoy having it read to them as they enjoy the illustrations. The book is a welcome introduction to some very serious information. Ages 4 – 8.
Arlyne Samuels a graduate of Brooklyn College, taught and supervised English in New York City for 40 years. She was the coordinator of the book club of the Greater Worcester (MA) Chapter of Hadassah. Arlyne passed away in May 2009 and will be missed by the Jewish Book World team.