Customer Reviews

Abraham's Great Discovery

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Some children sit and wonder about our world. Their precocious statements often startle the people closest to them. The biblical Abraham, as revealed in a midrash(a rabbinic tale) retold by Bernard Zlotowitz and Dina Malben, questions the family's beliefs in wooden and stone idols. Abraham cannot fathom the potential of cold,emotionless, stationary statuary. We visit Abraham during his elementary probing and testing of the idol's functions that, at one point, threatens his father Terah's livelihood. The story is about "everychild" who has a strong desire to discover God to worship. The co-authors use the traditional vehicle of the midrash to teach the always contemporary lesson about relationships between parent and child, and among siblings. The story's simple language meant for adults to read to young children, and Raquel Sweeny's pen and ink illustrations that reflect ancient Babylonia where the story takes place,is a lovely introduction to the "God question." The book certainly belongs on the bookshelves and at the bedsides of Jewish, Christian, and very possibly Moslem children. It's a classic story preserved in what should become a classic volume.

Abraham's Great Discovery, a lovely children's book by Bernard M. Zlotowitz and Dina Malben, retells the Hebrew legend of Abraham. As a boy, Abraham begins to question his parents' point of view of spirituality. As children read this book (or as it is read to them), they will discover not only the classic story of early monotheism, but struggles we all encounter as we form our own beliefs and values.

My children have enjoyed listening to this book and reading it themselves. It helps them to see how the concept of one God was born and to understand the basic beliefs of Judaism.

I highly recommend this book to parents and children in general and to educators of young children in particular.

Recounting a familiar Biblical story-how young Abraham came tothe idea of monotheism-Zlotowitz and Malben capture the emotionalsensitivity of a child making a seminal discovery. The authors skillfully guide their target audience (preschool and primary age children) through Abraham's consideration of celestial bodies, animals, and nature as possible gods, and his final, exciting realization that God made the whole world and watches over it. Raquel Sweeeny's wonderful illustrations, although not in color, considerably enhance this volume and blend in nicely with the text. This appealing book deserves more attention than it has received to date.

this book takes a traditional story and makes it interesting for children to read. it captures the child and brings him into this special world. Dina Maiben and Bernie Zlotowitz capture you from the dedication on (By the way everyone should check out Bernie's dedication). it is an insparational tale that i can only rave about.

Bernard Zlotowitz and Dina Maiben bring the story of young Abraham and his journey of self enlightenment to life. It is presented in a beautifully written fashion which is easy for young children to follow and appreciate. They bring out the religous history in a way that allows children to learn in an enjoyable manner.

The illustrations by Raquel Sweeny pulls you in and brings out the beauty of this very important message.

I liked this book because it is a story that assures children that questioning the world around them is not a bad thing, contrary to what they may be told. This assurance is made through the timeless tale of Abraham, a story that many are already familiar with, told in a contemporary fashion. The illustrations, despite being simplistic, reinforce the history surrounding the story, and gives the book an archaic look. The story of Abraham has been told for years, but it is still useful and relevant today.