Be Not Far From Me [Hardcover]

Eric A. Kimmel (Author), David Diaz (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Eric Kimmel weaves favorite biblical tales with lesser known ones from the "Midrash" to create a suspenseful collection that reads like a novel. The story begins with Abraham, who as a boy searched for and discovered a God greater than the idols others worshipped. It continues with vivid portrayals of 19 other leaders, including Samson, David, Deborah, Daniel, Miriam, and Jeremiah. Kimmel captures the drama of these timeless tales in modern language that makes them accessible and riveting. Full color.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4 UpAThese stories about 19 men and 1 woman are subtitled "Legends from the Bible," but the fabric of the book is canonical, adding details and incidents from ancient midrashic tradition. The grafts emphasize magic: on their way through the Red Sea, for example, the Israelites are able to pluck fish, pearls, and diamonds from the high walls of water to either side. Yet, paradoxically, this volume does not edit out the violent and cruel: Achan's stoning, Eli's broken neck, and the rape of Tamar are all mentioned in their place, and an explicit description of the horrendous death of a little girl is given as evidence of the corruption of Sodom. Despite the magic, then, it would seem from the lack of expurgation and the straightforward but rather dry style that an older readership is required. In Miriam Chaikin's Clouds of Glory (Clarion, 1998), which ends (with Abraham) about where Kimmel begins, midrash and lively vernacular attract younger listeners. Kimmel's retelling may be more faithful to the Hebrew, but is not so vivid, and readers seldom have a sense of what the characters are thinking or feeling. Diaz provides 20 full-page bold, massy silhouettes, placed against delicate watercolor backgrounds and set off by vibrant black- and color-edged borders. Color inserts enliven the cut-out shapes, giving some a stained-glass effect. A few figures, minus necks, seem to have lost control of their floating heads, but the style is particularly good at suggesting tendrils of hair, wooly tunics, and curling flames. Colorful end maps contrast the Middle East at three ancient periods with today.APatricia Lothrop-Green, St. George's School, Newport, RI
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing; 1st edition (March 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689810881
• ISBN-13: 978-0689810886
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,208,298 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars One of my favorites, January 27, 2010

By 

H. Lightner (CO) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Be Not Far From Me (Hardcover)

This is a wonderful way to learn Bible stories and History. My children ages 11, 8, and 6 LOVE it and so do I. We have read the Bible all of our lives, but this is different. I now understand when and how Israel was divided into two kingdoms. The stories are retold in such a way that we won't soon forget. It covers Abraham & his children, Out of Egypt, Judges & Kings, Prophets, Exhile and redemption, Epilogue: At the end of time.
If you like this book, you may be interested in:
Clouds of Glory: Legends and Stories About Bible Times

5.0 out of 5 stars My son adores this book, December 14, 2008

By 

P. Stone - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Be Not Far From Me (Hardcover)

My 8 year old son is now reading this book for the second time. He loves bible stories and I found this for him in the library. It is quite a volume. I later purchased it as he liked it so much. The stories are well told and well laid out and the pictures add a nice dimension. As a teacher, I have also used this book in a second grade classroom and the kids asked for more. It is a wonderful introduction for children to the Torah and more and also an excellent reference book for children.

2 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More incredible artwork by David Diaz!, February 25, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Be Not Far From Me (Hardcover)

Computer generated brilliance by Mr. Diaz - another tour de force. Diaz's art brings every story to life in a unique and moving way. A must for every library.