Sarah Laughs (Bible) [Paperback]

Jacqueline Jules (Author), Natascia Ugliano (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2008 | Age Level: 5 and up | Grade Level: K and up | Series: Bible

This biblical story tells of the elderly Sarah who laughs in delight when she overhears three strangers tell her husband Abraham that he will soon become a father. When a son is born to her the following year she names him Isaac, which means laughter, and the world rejoices with her.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 3—Through poetic language and sweeping illustrations, this picture book tells the story of the biblical patriarch and matriarch Abraham and Sarah from Sarah's point of view. From her early support of her husband's revolutionary monotheism and throughout their many journeys together, Sarah is portrayed as graceful, loving, and faithful. However, her sadness about remaining childless through the years has made her lose her bright laughter. With the birth of Isaac, when she is gray-haired and wrinkled, she finally laughs again "and the whole world clapped hands and laughed with her." The events of the story have been simplified, and the focus remains tightly on Sarah's feelings. While this version may be short on biblical detail and historical context, it does a beautiful job of exploring the emotions behind Sarah's actions. She is most often portrayed in storybooks as an old woman, and it's a pleasant change to see a pretty, bright-eyed young woman and her handsome husband. Ugliano skillfully ages the characters as the tale progresses, adding a sad patience to Sarah's expression that makes her joy in the final pages all the more compelling. This lovely retelling deserves a place on the shelves of any library that collects religious materials.—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. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

The Old Testament says little about Sarah’s feelings, so this moving picture book draws on midrash (legend) and on modern biblical commentary to imagine the inner life of Abraham’s wife. Warm, clear, rhythmic acrylic double-page spreads show the close bond between husband and wife, as well as the larger story of the couple leading people as nomads until they arrive in Canaan. Always there is the warmth inside Sarah’s tent, with the doors wide open to welcome others and teach worship of one invisible God. But there is sorrow, too. In a dream, God predicts to Abraham that the children of his children will be as many as the stars, but Sarah cannot bear children, and she urges Abraham to take a second wife—until an angel appears to Abraham, and, finally, a son is born to the elderly couple. They name him Isaac, which means laughter, and the climactic picture shows Sarah holding her baby surrounded by joyful faces. Preschool-Grade 3. --Hazel Rochman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 5 and up
  
• Paperback: 32 pages
• Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing (April 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0822599341
• ISBN-13: 978-0822599340
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #283,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Religions > Judaism
  • #37 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Children's Books > Religions > Fiction > Jewish
  • #66 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Religious Fiction > Jewish

More About the Author

Jacqueline Jules is an author, teacher, librarian, and poet. Her books for children include Zapato Power, Unite or Die: How Thirteen States Became a Nation, No English, Sarah Laughs, and Duck for Turkey Day. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including Christian Science Monitor, America, Cicada, Highlights for Children, and Spider. She is a strong advocate for literacy and education. Please visit her at http://www.jacquelinejules.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SFC 5 star review, February 20, 2008

By 

Virginia S. Grenier "Children's Author & Stor... (Ivins, Utah USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sarah Laughs (Library Binding)

This is the second book in publisher Kar-Ben's series of Bible stories for young children. Author Jacqueline Jules uses flowing rich text to describe the events leading up to Isaac's birth. She brings a beauty and grace to Sarah in her descriptions of her that one wouldn't think of because in the Bible story, Sarah doesn't deliver Isaac until she's well into her old age - she was childless for so long! Along with the fantastic illustrations by Natascia Ugliano, Jacqueline leads us through what she feels would be the sweetness and giving nature of Sarah, despite her barren state, and her generosity of spirit in telling her husband that perhaps he should take a second wife so that he can have children for his old age. This story is truly beautiful in its simplicity, and I highly recommend this for any parent wanting a gentle book to read to their child and read a Bible story to them at the same time!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a beautiful, poetic retelling of Abraham and Sarah's faith and partnership ..., October 15, 2009

By 

D. Fowler "Dragonfly77" (Vermont) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sarah Laughs (Bible) (Paperback)

Sarah lived in Ur thousands of years ago. Sarah, whose name means "princess," was a lively person who drew everyone to her with her smile and laughter. Happy people always draw others to them, don't they? When she grew up she met a very religious man named Abraham. They married because she knew he was a special man. They only worshiped one God, not idols like many others and they sought to teach others the message.

Abraham followed God wherever he wanted him to go. He often heard God talking to him and told Sarah that "God promised this land to our children," yet they had none. As they grew old together she remembered the promise and grew sad. Sarah's smile faded and she no longer laughed. One day some visitors came to visit and spoke to Abraham. "By this time next year, your wife will have a child." Was this true or would her dreams be shattered once again?

This beloved Bible story comes to life with the endearing art work and poetic retelling of Abraham and Sarah's faith and partnership. This is a beautifully rendered tale is one that any parent would want to add to their library as an introduction to Bible stories.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars sarah, July 5, 2009

By 

Ruth "Ruthie" (Ca) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sarah Laughs (Bible) (Paperback)

I like the pictures they are very colorful and bright. The story is great to read to a class or for at home.I enjoyed it.