Customer Reviews

A Cloak for the Moon

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Taken from one of Rabbi Nachman's tales, "A Cloak For The Moon" is a beguiling story about a tailor who is enthralled by the moon.

During the days Haskel, the tailor, devoted his time to sewing magnificent garments for the people of his town. At night he climbed to the roof of his house to watch the moon. One night Haskel dreams that the moon is shivering and wishes that Haskel could make her a cloak.

Even though he knows it was only a dream, Haskel determines to make a cloak for the moon, a garment of "shining silver thread" that the stars will envy. His uncle, a master tailor, tries to discourage him - after all, how can you measure the moon?

Hearing of a fabric woven from beams of light, Haskel sets out on a journey to find this wondrous cloth. During his search he comes upon a town where a princess has no wedding dress because the material of which her gown was made is disappearing. The thread was made from light.

Haskel realizes that he may be able to cloak the moon and help the princess. Eric Kimmel offers a proper ending to this fanciful tale luminously illustrated by Katya Krenina.

This tale, possibly written by one of the greatest jewish storytellers, is written very well and has lovely, dreamy pictures that create a gentle mood. The story is a good one and the moon is beautiful!

This exquisite book captures the imagination with its lush illustrations and wish-fulfilling quest. This is a hero's journey, one of tremendous empathy. A simply beautiful tale with many layers of meaning. On the surface, it is a magical adventure; more deeply, it reinforces the teaching that acts of compassion are as beneficial for oneself as for others. It is a joy to find such a book for children to encourage the wish to end another's suffering. A lovely tale for moon watchers, poets, and dreamers everywhere. Let's hope it is reprinted again and again, perhaps becoming a movie or a play for children. Our copy was on the remainder table at a university bookstore several years ago. This book belongs on the shelf!