While our household is getting ready for the Christmas season, I have several friends who are excited about approaching Hanukkah. Today's read leans more into their direction...although I have no doubt that others will enjoy these stories as well. Well, I assume they will. I haven't even peeked inside, yet, but have seen that it's gotten more than a few great reviews.
So, let's open this one up and see what goodness it holds.
ELIJAH'S TEARS
Stories for the Jewish Holidays
by Sydelle Pearl
Illustrated by Rossitza Skortcheva
Pelican Publishing
Middle Grade Religious
80 pages
ages 8 to 12
In a lively, storytelling style, Elijah's Tears offers a dramatic human context to the many Jewish holidays that are celebrated throughout the year. Five stories illuminate the many faces and mysteries of Elijah, the Jewish prophet who is known for appearing in disguise and testing the character of those in need. In "Leaves," a destitute elderly couple is heartbroken when they must sell their sacred Shabbat candlesticks for food. That evening when the husband and wife encounter an even poorer Jewish man wearing torn, shabby clothes, they offer to mend his garments. They even keep him warm in their bed while they sew (since the man owns no other clothes). Of course the mysterious man turns out to be Elijah, and he rewards the couple as he walks away by turning his footprints into leaves of gold. The ethereal figures and Jewish symbols in Rossitza Skortcheva Penney's black-and-white illustrations seem to float upon the pages, bringing even more celestial imagery and magic to the elusive Elijah. Children love folktales that allow good deeds to be rewarded, especially when the rewards come from unexpected characters. (Great read aloud, ages 7 and older) --Gail Hudson
MY TIDBITS
Leaning into folklore to expand beyond the Biblical accounts of Elijah, this book takes readers on a journey of the 'maybes' of this great prophet's life, while incorporating messages surrounding kindness and more along the way.
This is a collection of five fictional stories surrounding Elijah's life, while also add in glimpses of his wife and family. Each one snuggles up to various Jewish traditions and holidays to create scenes, which honor tradition while adding a little mystery and awe. All along, wholesome messages are woven in to create moments of goodness and brotherly conduct.
In the prologue, the author explains the origins and ideas behind these tales while introducing basic knowledge surrounding Elijah. The five stories are delivered as shorter chapters, which work as read-alouds or can be visited alone by readers, who are solid in their word skills. There is a glossary at the end to assist with certain terms, too. Illustrations are sprinkled between the pages to give some visual goodness. These work well to delve into the different themes and traditions, while offering tale enjoyment along the way.
Parents and guardians will, of course, want to visit these tales first themselves, since there are fictive elements. Elijah's actions are often simply explained as magical and mysterious, which will suit the purposes of some readers more than others. The stories are more geared for listeners/readers, who have some background knowledge on the themes and Elijah. Especially the terms and situations will better fit to those who are aware of the Jewish traditions. For them, it's a nice way to add some food for thought and open up discussions....or simply set the mood for the mentioned celebrations.
And here she is...
Sydelle Pearl is an award-winning author who has published books in various genres including folktales, biography, and historical fiction. Originally from New Jersey, she now lives in the Washington, DC, area.
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