Ruth and Naomi [Hardcover]

Jean Marzollo (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 13, 2005 | Grade Level: P and up

nother Bible story vividly and refreshingly retold by Jean Marzollo introduces the widowed Ruth, who remains loyal to her mother-in-law Naomi, travels to a new city, and finally finds comfort and joy with farmer Boaz. This hopeful story of courage and loyalty shows how happiness can come about in unexpected ways. Vibrant illustrations accompany the moving story, and small rabbit characters at the bottom of each page offer lively commentary.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

PreSchool-Grade 3 –This abbreviated retelling of the experiences of two widows, Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, highlights the key events from the Old Testament story. The women travel from Moab to Bethlehem, where Naomi was born. Although Ruth is concerned that she will not be welcome, Boaz, a wealthy farmer, treats her kindly. Ruth's loyalty and devotion to Naomi are rewarded when she attracts Boaz's attention and he proposes marriage. The story concludes with the birth of her first child, the ancestor of David, King of Israel. This simple tale explores themes of loyalty and sacrifice, and also provides an interesting look at the farming customs of biblical times. Dialogue and a harvest song supplement the text. Painted in watercolor and Chinese ink and then finished in Adobe Photoshop, the cartoon illustrations are bright and expressive, further illuminating the message of this beloved parable. A border featuring rabbit silhouettes appears along the bottom of each page with sentences that highlight important points of the story. Although the spreads are a bit cluttered, the dialogue moves the narrative along, and the rabbits' commentary provides a touch of humor and encourages readers to think about the moral issues addressed here. A fine addition to Marzollo's well-received series of Bible stories.–Linda L. Walkins, Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Brighton, MA
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About the Author

Jean Marzollo is the author of over one hundred books, including the best-selling, award-winning I SPY books (with photographs by Walter Wick).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Young Readers (April 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0316741396
• ISBN-13: 978-0316741392
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #103,402 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jean Marzollo was born and raised in Manchester, Connecticut.

She says, "As a child, I loved to read and sew dolls' clothes, one outfit after another. I am a graduate of Manchester High School, the University of Connecticut, and the Harvard Graduate School of Education. After working as a high school English teacher and editor of Scholastic's "Let's Find Out" kindergarten magazine with Carol Devine Carson for 20 years, I began writing children's books. I have written over 130 books, including the award-winning, best-selling I SPY series for children, written completely in rhythm and rhyme. Rhythm and rhyme are like music without the tune; they lure and excite the ear. Children love rhythm and rhyme, and so do I. Do you know that I SPY actually has the same rhythm as "Old Mother Hubbard" and also rap? I treasure the beautiful, intricate photographs by Walter Wick in the I SPY books. When I wrote the first I SPY book, I automatically thought of kindergarten children so everything that I called for was concrete, something a 5-year-old can find. The result is a hunting game that children and grownups can play together successfully. Sometimes children are better than their parents! In recent years I took up painting and have begun to illustrate my own "books on paper" and "books online." You can see them on my website: jeanmarzollo.com. Writing and illustrating picture books today is as much fun as sewing dolls' clothes was when I was in third grade. As soon as I'm done with one book, I'm happily compelled to start the next."

Jean Marzollo lives in Upstate New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous series for young children, June 21, 2005

By 

Sherri R. Myers "book reviewer" (Upper Strasburg, PA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ruth and Naomi (Hardcover)

RUTH AND NAOMI is one of a five-book series at present of Bible stories written by Jean Marzollo, creator of the I Spy series of books children love. This book tells the story of Ruth and Naomi in a simple version for young kids ages 4-10, using bright, colorful pictures to add to the story's interest. Little bunnies hop along throughout the story's pages adding their own little comments also. Highly recommended.