Light [Hardcover]

Jane Breskin Zalben (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up

In the beginning there was emptiness, like a blank canvas. Then, in a swirl of motion, the Creator made the world. The Creator wanted to finish everything with a special kind of light—a light so powerful it had to be stored away from sight. When the Creator tried to open the jar of light, it shattered, and sparks of light flew everywhere. With flowing paintings and intricate collages made with unusual and varied materials, Jane Breskin Zalben brings to life this timeless legend about why people were created: to find the light and repair the world.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1–4—Zalben's tale was inspired by a 16th-century midrash (a legend based on biblical text). Beginning with "emptiness, like a blank canvas," the Creator made the world and then planned to paint everything with a special light so that it would shine with goodness. The vessel in which the light was stored broke accidentally, sparks were scattered, and humans were created for the task of gathering the shards to make the world "complete and perfect," a project that has yet to be finished. The illustrations were created through mixed-media experimentation and the result is pretty but somewhat jumbled, combining static, detailed figures with dynamic, abstract forms, giving the story a somewhat stumbling pace. The text is rather vague and unfocused; this may be seen as part of its mystical charm, but it detracts from the empowering message inherent in the legend, that we are all part of the solution to the world's problems. There are few children's books that directly address the Jewish concept of tikkun olam ("repairing the world"), and this one has the advantage of being told in a universal way that will appeal to all faiths. While not completely successful in conveying its message of peace, this title does highlight important concepts and would make an excellent discussion starter.—Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author

Jane Breskin Zalben is the author-illustrator of Paths to Peace and many other books. She lives in New York.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Hardcover: 40 pages
• Publisher: Dutton Juvenile; First Edition edition (September 6, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0525478272
• ISBN-13: 978-0525478270
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #956,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars skillfully introduces a complicated concept to very young readers, November 20, 2011

By 

real-life momma "R. Klempner" (L.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Light (Hardcover)

I very much liked this book, which explains a kabbalistic concept about how the light of creation is hidden throughout our everyday world, waiting to be uncovered. My biggest concern is that this book does not go far enough in explaining how these sparks are to be uncovered. According to the rabbis, this is through using an object while doing mitzvot. I feel like the author tried to avoid any statements that are particular to Judaism or that might suggest that mitzvot are obligatory for Jews. The result: she watered down the message. However, with parental guidance, the message is still there, and I look forward to sharing this book with my children.