King Solomon & the Queen of Sheba (Hardcover)

by Blu Greenberg (Author), Linda Tarry (Author), Avi Katz (Author, Illustrator) "Long, long ago, in a land called Sheba, there lived a beautiful, young princess by the name of Makeda..." (more)
Key Phrases: King Solomon, Queen Makeda, One God of the Universe (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 2-5AThis version of the story has exciting original materialAfresh new tales and riddles, an equal relationship, and a naturally multicultural, as well as slightly feminist, bias. Beginning like a fairy tale, it introduces the precocious African princess Makeda of Sheba, a child whose wisdom, fame as a riddler, and kindness prompts her elderly father to name her, rather than either of her brothers, his heir. And she becomes Queen. (This is the first time that the Queen of Sheba has been given a history, a family, and aggada [legends] of her own, or that she has been shown to be of the African race.) Meanwhile, "In a land far away" lives a wise Jewish King, named Solomon, who had also manifested great wisdom as a child. Inevitably, traders bring news of the other to their rulers. Queen Makeda accepts King Solomon's invitation to visit. The two quietly earn each other's respect and love while also discussing the other's country and religious beliefs. They marry; she conceives his child and returns to Sheba. When their son reaches the age of 13, he returns to his father. There the story ends, but the legend continues in an afterword that explains the prevailing desire of today's Ethiopian Jews to return to Jerusalem. While the writing is graceful and dignified, the art accomplished and charming with valid ethnic representation, and the book design elegant, the real importance of this title is its more accurate portrayal of the Queen of Sheba.AMarcia W. Posner, Holocaust Memorial and Educational Center of Nassau County, Glen Cove, NY
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
The story of KING SOLOMON AND THE QUEEN OF SHEBA tells how Queen Makeda set out to learn whether King Solomon truly possessed the wisdom of the ages. She devises a series of clever riddles that will putsolomon to the test. But as the king answers her riddles, Makeda realizes that she has discovered more than wisdom; she has found a whole new way of looking at the world...and at God.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Simcha Media Group (NJ); 1st, No Additional Printing Listed edition (October 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0943706904
• ISBN-13: 978-0943706900
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #789,479 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for kids and adults, December 12, 2001

By	S. Hess (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I picked up this book at the library as reading material for my 17-month-old son. He (and I) loved the illustrations. I appreciated it being a real Bible story, and a history lesson--marvelously illustrated in 48 pages; but this books goes where most authors and illustrators don't. You won't see this version of the story in movie theatres. I did additional research to verify the accuracy of its' contents and I discoverd everything to be valid. This book should be read by all African-American children (and adults). They won't read about their kings and queens in textbooks as others are portrayed--which is a dis-service to their culture. I purchased three copies for myself and will be purchasing more as gifts.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellently written, beautifully illustrated., January 20, 1999

By A Customer

This beautifully illustrated book provides children and their parents with a wonderful story that also has a powerful message. It teaches all of us that we can learn from each other and, more importantly, that every culture can learn from another. The book should be used in schools.