The Kingfisher Treasury of Jewish Stories (The Kingfisher Treasury of Stories) [Paperback]

Adele Geras (Author), Jane Cope (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 3, 2003 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: The Kingfisher Treasury of Stories

Ranging from folktales to contemporary stories, this anthology celebrates the richness of the Jewish heritage. The stellar list of contributors includes Isaac Bashevis Singer, Lynn Reid Banks, and Michael Rosen.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Children's Literature 
 These would be marvelous read-alouds for school or library programs during Jewish holidays such as Passover or Chanukah.

 

About the Author

Adele Geras is a contributor for Kingfisher titles including: 'The Kingfisher Treasury of Jewish Stories'

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 155 pages
• Publisher: Kingfisher (October 3, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0753456710
• ISBN-13: 978-0753456712
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,255,146 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born in Jerusalem in 1944 and educated at Roedean School, Brighton and St Hilda's college, Oxford.
I've been writing books for children and young adults since 1976 and have published more than 90 titles.
I've also written four adult novels, published by Orion Books.
My website is at http://www.adelegeras.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Jewish storybook for children and adults alike, November 27, 2005

By 

David E. Levine (Peekskill , NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Kingfisher Treasury of Jewish Stories (The Kingfisher Treasury of Stories) (Paperback)

First, I must comment on what a previous reviewer has stated, that a story entitled "Tu B'shvat in Puddlewick," was changed by the editors to the incorrect title; "Tisha B'av in Puddlewick." Maybe I have a later edition but, in my copy of the book, the title is correct. By the way, the story is an engaging one about young children, who flee London during WWII and observe Tu B'shvat out in the country with the non Jewish family that is caring for them.

This book is for children but, as an adult, I enjoyed the stories also. There is a good mix. Some have religious themes, others nonreligious. Some come from the old country whereas others are American. Additionally, Israel is the setting for a charming story called Batata about a young girl on a kibbutz who is pudgy and wants to lose weight. What does she do on her birthday when there are all sorts of goodies prepared for her birthday? A couple of stories are by the Nobel pize winning author, Isaac Bashevi Singer. One interesting story is a South African story in which a nanny takes the child she cares for to a mosque, every Fiday. This tale is a rather wistful story.

All in all, this is a book that children and adults will enjoy equally.

4.0 out of 5 stars Oy, My Bubbe Would Tell Such Tales, January 3, 2011

By 

Daniel L. Berek (Flanders, NJ, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Kingfisher Treasury of Jewish Stories (The Kingfisher Treasury of Stories) (Paperback)

For students wanting to learn more about Judaism, their own or that of their friends, this book is a great place to start. "Jewish Stories" offers a collection of short stories that represent a sizeable cross-section of Jewish life, heritage, history, and religion. Most important, the vast majority of these charming stories are originals, not adaptations. Topics covered include life in the stetl, living responsibly and ethically, the major holidays, wealth in money versus spirit, and living a happy life. Authors range from such great figures as Isaac Bashevis Singer and Lynne Reid Banks to lesser-known writers; nevertheless, each story is told with grace, charm, and wit - exactly what you would expect in a happy Jewish home. Most notable is Singer's "The Power of Light," which tells of escaping the hell of the Warsaw Ghetto - with seriousness but never abandoning humor and hope, the two qualities that helped the Jewish people survive more than two millenia of persecution. It's a warm book, one that children can read and relate to.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Editorial mistake on holiday name, September 23, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Kingfisher Treasury of Jewish Stories (The Kingfisher Treasury of Stories) (Paperback)

I skimmed the book this weekend and was somewhat disappointed in the collection. I don't find anything that truly connects the stories. But my biggest complaint about the book is with one story by R. Craft. The original story, as mentioned in the acknowledgements, is entitled "Tu B'shvat in Puddlewick," but the editors of this volume changed the title to "Tisha B'av in Puddlewick." This story is clearly connected to Tu B'shvat. The only thing the two holidays have in common is the first letter of the holiday. I do hope the editors pull this edition and make corrections.