Kimmel, Eric A. Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story. Holiday House: 2008. ISBN: 9780823418930.
In Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story, three of Judaism’s founding fathers in disguise visit the booths of two brothers on holiday of Sukkot. Both of the brothers find after the visit that they have earned what they have received, but one finds that the visit teaches a much sterner lesson to one brother than the other. Illustrator, Katya Karenina uses a dreamy brush with her acrylics to create a literal and fantastical accompaniment to Kimmel’s telling of a traditional Hebrew tale. Krenina’s particular skill is demonstrated in the faces of her subjects which display simple emotional clues to the viewer that are unmistakable. Kimmel’s simple text helps the reader/listener understand the terms that are unfamiliar to most readers, while not talking down to them. His use of repetition in the story the guests tell builds a delicious sense of tension as we anticipate each brother getting his “just desserts”. This story is suitable for anyone, whether they are trying to learn more about Judaism or helping a child understand why selfishness is short-sighted strategy.
Lane Hackel, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950
In Mysterious Guests: A Sukkot Story, three of Judaism’s founding fathers in disguise visit the booths of two brothers on holiday of Sukkot. Both of the brothers find after the visit that they have earned what they have received, but one finds that the visit teaches a much sterner lesson to one brother than the other. Illustrator, Katya Karenina uses a dreamy brush with her acrylics to create a literal and fantastical accompaniment to Kimmel’s telling of a traditional Hebrew tale. Krenina’s particular skill is demonstrated in the faces of her subjects which display simple emotional clues to the viewer that are unmistakable. Kimmel’s simple text helps the reader/listener understand the terms that are unfamiliar to most readers, while not talking down to them. His use of repetition in the story the guests tell builds a delicious sense of tension as we anticipate each brother getting his “just desserts”. This story is suitable for anyone, whether they are trying to learn more about Judaism or helping a child understand why selfishness is short-sighted strategy.
Lane Hackel, Bowling Green State University, EDTL 6950
No comments:
Post a Comment