The narrative follows a historian's quest to uncover his maternal family's remarkable migration from Tsarist Russia to America. Through extensive research, he reveals the lost story of their journey, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced along the way. This exploration not only sheds light on his family's past but also reflects broader themes of identity and heritage.
A little girl grows up to be an accomplished artist in this sumptuously illustrated book about the small things that lead to a rich and fulfilling life. All You need Is a planet to live on, A sun to give you light, And warmth. . . In All You Need, poet Howard Schwartz’s graceful, deceptively simple text describes a handful of things anyone needs to live a rich and fulfilling life, made all the more potent by the illustrations of debut picture book artist Jasu Hu, who uses her talents to create a rich and powerful narrative describing her own journey, creative and otherwise, from a childhood in China to her arrival to study art in New York. Ultimately, she creates her own book, this book, a gift to her distant parents.
Známý folklorista Howard Schwartz zpracoval prostě a elegantně starou talmudickou legendu o pouti duše před zrozením. Jeho slova spolu s nádhernými ilustracemi Kristiny Swarnerové činí z příběhu Než jsi přišel na svět skvělou knížku pro čtení před spaním – i pro jakýkoliv jiný čas. "Jednou v noci, když jsi byl malý a měsíc stál v úplňku, vlezl sis do mé náruče. Vyprávěj mi o tom, jak to bylo, než jsem přišel na svět, řekl jsi. A přitulil ses blíž a poslouchal. Kdysi dávno se anděl Lajla, který zná všechna nebeská tajemství, o některá z nich s tebou podělil. To bylo tenkrát, když tvá duše přebývala v nejvyšším nebi, v Pokladnici všech duší. Ve chvíli, kdy ses narodil, položil Lajla svůj prst na tvé rty a řekl: Pšššt, a ty jsi všechno zapomněl. Ale neboj se, v této knize všechna ta nádherná tajemství znovu odhalíš. A dokonce se dozvíš, jak jsi přišel k tomu malému důlku na svém horním rtu."
Tales of magic and wonder are woven throughout Jewish literature, particularly in fairy tales that depict enchanted lands and a mix of human and supernatural beings, embodying the timeless struggle between good and evil. These narratives reflect the Jewish worldview, emphasizing faith in God as a means to overcome malevolence. In this collection, thirty-six Jewish fairy tales from diverse regions such as Morocco, India, Spain, Eastern Europe, Babylon, and Egypt are presented, showcasing their unique Jewish character alongside universal themes. Stories like "King David and the Giant" illustrate the biblical struggle against evil, while "The Princess in the Tower," a variant of Rapunzel, reveals King Solomon's understanding of Providence. The title story, centered on the quest for Elijah's violin, symbolizes the liberation of the Jewish spirit through the fulfillment of divine quests. This richly illustrated anthology captures the essence of traditional fairy tales, infused with divine intervention, romance, and magic. Skillfully translated, these enchanting tales resonate with both children and adults, intertwining themes of faith, duty, and wisdom.