Daughters of Eve: Strong Women of the Bible (Hardcover)

by Hammer Lillian Ross (Author), Kyra Teis (Illustrator) (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Although the title and the eye-catching jacket may indicate otherwise, Ross (Sarah, Also Known as Hannah) directs her collection of profiles to a Jewish audience, with the Bible explicitly defined as a "3,500-year-old library of Hebrew documents." Claiming to find few references in the Bible, the author turns to the Talmud and the Apocrypha to enrich tales of women whose heroism and wisdom influenced the course of Jewish history. Unfortunately, a formulaic expository style afflicts the writing. The story of Esther, for example, begins, "'I am alone,' five-year-old Hadassah sobbed at her father's funeral.... She shivered as the chilling rain fell on her bowed head." Although readers may already be familiar with some of the well-known figures included here, such as Miriam and Esther, this book may be of interest for its attention to the less famous. Ross describes the prophetess Huldah covertly teaching the Torah to the young king of Judah, Josiah, whose father and grandfather forsook "the True Religion"; and the daughters of Zelophehad securing the rights of brotherless daughters to inherit their father's goods. Debut illustrator Teis contributes mixed-media collage compositions, borders and decorations. Her colors and patterns suggest biblical times, and taken singly, most of her works are graceful. Yet the profusion of design elements and patterns on each spread often makes the pages look busy and reduces the impact of the individual components. Ages 8-up. (Sept.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 4-6-Ross has expanded the stories of Old Testament women such as Miriam, Ruth, and Esther, and included such lesser-known figures as Moses's wife Zipporah and the daughters of Zelophehad, who rate only a paragraph in the Bible. Each selection opens with a brief introduction that covers the history and political climate of the times. The information is mostly accurate, and the goal of introducing children to these women is admirable. Unfortunately, the language used in some of the introductions is so convoluted as to be incomprehensible, and the author's depictions of certain women are modernized to the point that they completely lose the flavor of the times. The retellings are rather simplistic and colorless, as if geared to younger readers, yet Ross includes stories and ideas that seem better suited to an older audience. Teis's use of collage and paint to add decorative borders and illustrate certain scenes is very effective and for the most part the artwork is lovely, although it is a bit unrealistic in places (Moses looks overly clean and healthy for having been wandering in the desert). As a whole, though, the book never quite overcomes its uninspired language.
Amy Lilien-Harper, Ferguson Library, Stamford, CT
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Barefoot Books (August 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902283821
• ISBN-13: 978-1902283821
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,159,758 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #60 in

  Books > Children's Books > Religions > Christianity > Biographies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great book!, August 30, 2000

A Kid's Review

I just got this book for my birthday. I am 11 years old. I liked this book a lot because the women in the book seemed real to me. You never really hear about what was going on for the women in the Bible. I always wondered! This book brings them to life and helps me understand what it was like for them back then. There are a lot of beautiful illustrations too. They are so beautiful! I like to draw and the book gave me a lot of inspiration to become an artist.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Parents will be interested in this one!, March 7, 2001

By A Customer

I was moved to write this review after reading this wonderful book with my three daughters, ages 4 to 12. As a parent, I am always looking for books that stimulate discussion as well as entertain. Ross' stories truly bring these heroines to life, and Teis' illustrations are superb. Together, they create a vivid world that brings ancient lessons of courage, hope, and inner strength to modern times. The author thoughtfully provides introductions to each story which help to set them in cultural and historical context. I hope this beautiful book meets much success, it certainly deserves it.