Customer Reviews

Solomon And the Ant: And Other Jewish Folktales

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Much heart has gone into the creation of this handsome book, where 43 gently humorous, Jewish teaching folktales call to be shared aloud. Selections include religious stories, fables, and wisdom, trickster, and riddle tales, warmly retold by the late Sheldon Oberman, of The Always Prayer Shawl fame, and lovingly wrapped with expert commentary by Peninnah Schram, who prepared the manuscript for publication at his request. Lively dialogue refreshes traditional favorites and introduces many new tales less likely to be found in other modern collections. Character resourcefulness abounds. A merchant tricks a farmer into returning stolen money by letting him think he will be able to steal more. A girl learns how to face a bully by first collecting three hairs from a frightening dog. A discontented man comes to accept his own problems when he sees what is happening in other houses. Maimon wins a poisoning contest without using any real poison at all. King Solomon learns humility from an ant. Stories, some given new settings, take place through time in Holland, Morocco, America, and England, as well as Eastern Europe and Biblical lands. Oberman's notes set historical context for the tales, and Schram's expand what a particular story reveals about Jewish traditions and values. Both generously slide in other stories and delectable tidbits. Classic origins for the tales, along with selected sources and variants and motifs, complete each entry. The book ends with a glossary and comprehensive bibliography of approximately one hundred folklore collections. There is so much here. Attracted by Lloyd Bloom's arresting jacket art, readers will want to stay. Highly recommended for ages 8 and up. Reviewed by Sharon Elswit

From simple stories, to valuable lessons, to an idea of what life was like in Rambam's time or how a holiday was celebrated in Russia, these folktales are brilliant in their simplicity. They can be read straight through, compared and contrasted, embellished upon, or edited for educational purposes. While younger readers may be daunted by the size of the book and the lack of pictures, they will enjoy being read these tales. While middle grade and juvenile readers may be put off by the idea of a folktale, they will find wisdom, humor and even intrigue in the stories. Adults will be enchanted by the brilliant ideas conveyed from these "simple" stories. REVIEWED BY KATHE PINCHUCK (BLOOMFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY - BLOOMFIELD, NJ)

Perfect for read-alouds by parents is Sheldon Oberman's retellings of Jewish folktales in Solomon And The Ant And Other Jewish Folktales. Peninnah Schram introduces and provides commentary to these rich stories of over forty religious, wisdom and puzzle tales, each of which demonstrates wisdom and understanding as King Solomon learns lessons from birds and ants, and other protagonists receive valued wisdom. While large print will lend to reading for those who already have skills, it's the read-aloud experience which is so highly recommended here: the entire family can discuss and enjoy.

My son loved this book so much we had to buy it (originally borrowed from library). Wonderful short stories that teach valuable skills and lessons.