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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
Laden with information, this picture book introduces a fascinating, little-known population of black Jews who live in the mountains of Ethiopia. Schur (The Circlemaker; Hannah Szenes) takes readers through the various rituals performed by each segment of the community to prepare for the Sabbath. In meticulous detail, she describes food, chores, clothing, customs and activities, peppering the text with Ethiopian words and phrases. The sheer volume of information overwhelms and occasionally supplants traditional narrative; the value of this work lies in its economical evocation of an entire way of life, not in the telling of a specific tale. An author's note at the end explains the history and status of this small group, whose members call themselves Beta Israel, "Those of the House of Israel," but who are known as strangers ("falashas") to other Ethiopians. A glossary and pronunciation guide is also included. Pinkney's (see Dear Benjamin Banneker, reviewed above) signature scratchboard illustrations celebrate the African roots of the Beta Israel with affecting visual images that are startlingly at odds with more familiar depictions of more familiar Jewry. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-Fascinating in its detail about one ethnic/religious group in Africa, this story also tells about one of the many ways in which Jews have traditionally lived. The book is visually appealing, with scratchboard illustrations that convey the beauty of the green and brown Ethiopian highlands and the Amharic-speaking people who live there. Facing pages are outlined in bright colors reminiscent of the borders of the shamma (cloth) they weave and wear. The story is simple and tenderly told. Menelik, 10, narrates the events and activities in his family on one day before a Sabbath and the observance that follows. As daily routines and conversations are recounted, readers learn about what the family eat, the crafts they engage in, their language, the difficulties of farming there, and above all, the importance of the Sabbath to them. The Africanness of Menelik's people is emphasized. They are richly brown in color; vigorous drums remind them that the Sabbath is about to arrive; their houses (unfortunately referred to as "huts") look like those throughout many parts of Africa. At the same time, the Sabbath theme and the service inside the mequrab (synagogue) discusses the Beta Israel, or "Those of the House of Israel" as the Ethiopian Jews call themselves, and their loyalty to their faith. The story is unique for this age group in its effective and empathetic portrayal of an endangered African culture. It is a gem.
Loretta Kreider Andrews, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
See all Editorial Reviews
Laden with information, this picture book introduces a fascinating, little-known population of black Jews who live in the mountains of Ethiopia. Schur (The Circlemaker; Hannah Szenes) takes readers through the various rituals performed by each segment of the community to prepare for the Sabbath. In meticulous detail, she describes food, chores, clothing, customs and activities, peppering the text with Ethiopian words and phrases. The sheer volume of information overwhelms and occasionally supplants traditional narrative; the value of this work lies in its economical evocation of an entire way of life, not in the telling of a specific tale. An author's note at the end explains the history and status of this small group, whose members call themselves Beta Israel, "Those of the House of Israel," but who are known as strangers ("falashas") to other Ethiopians. A glossary and pronunciation guide is also included. Pinkney's (see Dear Benjamin Banneker, reviewed above) signature scratchboard illustrations celebrate the African roots of the Beta Israel with affecting visual images that are startlingly at odds with more familiar depictions of more familiar Jewry. Ages 6-10.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5-Fascinating in its detail about one ethnic/religious group in Africa, this story also tells about one of the many ways in which Jews have traditionally lived. The book is visually appealing, with scratchboard illustrations that convey the beauty of the green and brown Ethiopian highlands and the Amharic-speaking people who live there. Facing pages are outlined in bright colors reminiscent of the borders of the shamma (cloth) they weave and wear. The story is simple and tenderly told. Menelik, 10, narrates the events and activities in his family on one day before a Sabbath and the observance that follows. As daily routines and conversations are recounted, readers learn about what the family eat, the crafts they engage in, their language, the difficulties of farming there, and above all, the importance of the Sabbath to them. The Africanness of Menelik's people is emphasized. They are richly brown in color; vigorous drums remind them that the Sabbath is about to arrive; their houses (unfortunately referred to as "huts") look like those throughout many parts of Africa. At the same time, the Sabbath theme and the service inside the mequrab (synagogue) discusses the Beta Israel, or "Those of the House of Israel" as the Ethiopian Jews call themselves, and their loyalty to their faith. The story is unique for this age group in its effective and empathetic portrayal of an endangered African culture. It is a gem.
Loretta Kreider Andrews, Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
See all Editorial Reviews
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- Black Books Galore!: Guide to More Great African American Children's Books by Donna Rand on page 84
- Children's Books About Religion: by Patricia Pearl Dole on page 152
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