Queen Esther The Morning Star [Hardcover]

Mordicai Gerstein (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Out of all the young women of Persia, Esther shines like a star. King Ahasuerus decides that she will be his new queen. Esther's cousin Mordecai warns her never to reveal that she is a Jew. "There are those at court who hate our people," he tells her.

One day the king's prime minister, a schemer named Haman, orders Mordecai to bow down before him. Mordecai refuses, saying he will bow only to God. Furious, Haman convinces the king that all of the Jews in the kingdom should be destroyed.

Mordecai realizes that Queen Esther will have to tell the king the truth and try to change his mind about the Jews. Will Esther and Mordecai be brave and clever enough to triumph over the evil Haman?

With lively storytelling and intricate illustrations that recall ancient Persia, Mordicai Gerstein breathes new life into this dramatic tale about remaining true to oneself and to God. It Is sure to be enjoyed on Purim and all year round.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 2-5-Gerstein has retold and illustrated the Biblical story of the Jewish girl who became Queen of Persia and saved her people from genocide at the hands of an evil prime minister. He has followed the Old Testament tale closely, adding only a dream of two battling dragons and the morning star that awakens Mordecai to the fact that his cousin Esther must approach the king and beg him to save her people. Detailed, gouache cartoon illustrations in a palette of muted pastel colors are filled with pattern, effecting a strong Persian flavor. Most pages are bordered in a parchment yellow that's reminiscent of the Hebrew Book of Esther (the megillah), which is printed on a parchment roll and read in synagogues on the eve of Purim. While the king is shown as a jolly, round fellow, hawk-nosed, white-faced, pointy-bearded Haman is a grotesque, Punchlike character whose raven-haired wife resembles a witch. His traditional tricornered hat, which dictates the shape of the hamantaschen pastries served on the holiday, appears here as a tall miter. An author's note offers some facts about the characters and the celebration. This appealing retelling is appropriate for both public library and Judaic collections.
Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Kirkus Reviews

Gerstein (Absolutely Awful Alphabet, 1999, etc.) retells the tale of Queen Esther's plight, making the origins of Purim and its lessons shine. The well-known events of the tale are well told: When the wealthy king of Persia selects the beautiful Esther as his new wife, her cousin Mordecai warns her not to tell the king she is Jewish; Haman concocts his devious plan; Mordecai saves the king from poisoning, etc. Unlike Cathy Goldberg Fishman's On Purim (2000), which makes the origins of Purim secondary to the preparations for the celebration, Gerstein offers in-depth portrayals of the principal characters. He rounds out the story in the depiction of Esther's devotion to Mordecai, the king's growing affection for his queen, and his gullibility at the hands of the villainous prime minister. Colorful illustrations shimmer with the vibrant hues of Persia, with lush purple, orange, and yellow mingling to vivid effect. Eminently readable, this biblical tale of evil vanquished and innocence saved contains an important message about strength of character that speaks to all children, regardless of their faith. (Picture book. 5-10) -- Copyright ©2000, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0689813724
• ISBN-13: 978-0689813726
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #298,100 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Jewish

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for ages 5 to 10., April 7, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Queen Esther The Morning Star (Hardcover)

Mordecai Gerstein's Queen Esther The Morning Star will reach ages 5-10 with its involving story of Esther, who must hide the fact that she's Jewish in order to marry the king. When the king decides all the Jews in the kingdom will have to be destroyed, it's up to Queen Esther to reveal her secret and save them.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bravo!, November 2, 2009

By 

LME "The Discerning Viewer" (Central CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Queen Esther The Morning Star (Hardcover)

I found this to be an excellent book for Pre-K to grades 4 or 5. I applaud Gerstein's abilities as a storyteller and an illustrator. Because the subject matter is not treated in a dark way, it is appropriate for the wee people and will also enchant middle schoolers.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great., April 12, 2009

By 

Lora M. Bailin "Josh's Mom" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Queen Esther The Morning Star (Hardcover)

I really enjoyed this book. My preschoolers loved the book. The book came in the condition it was promised and was delivered in the time frame as promised. Great job by all.