About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

Drawing upon the Bible, the Talmud and legend, Jacqueline Jules has crafted a fascinating story about Miriam, the sister of Moses. Miriam is depicted as a leader of the Israeli women, a prophetess and a dancer. She is also the grandmother of Bezalel, a young boy who will play a very important role for his people in the future. Jules' story is complemented by lively illustrations in a vibrant palette.



Pros

• Simple but eloquent tale
• Lyrical language
• Colorful and lively illustrations
• A celebration of the grandmother-grandchild relationship

Cons

• None

Description

• Written by Jacqueline Jules
• Illustrated by Natascia Ugliano
• For ages 5-9, grades K-3
• Hardcover, ISBN: 978-0-7613-4494-0
• Also available in paperback, ISBN: 978-0-7613-4496-4
• Published by Kar-Ben Publishing Company
• 32 pages

Guide Review - A Children's Book About Miriam, Sister of Moses

The young boy Bezalel narrates the story of the Israelites wandering in the desert. One of the primary players in his story is Miriam, the sister of Moses and Bezalel's grandmother. When the Israelites are hungry and thirsty, Miriam encourages them. When they receive water to drink and manna to eat, Miriam leads the women in dancing and praising God. Meanwhile Bezalel draws pictures in the sand for, as his grandmother tells him, he is an artist. The narrative ends with Moses ascending Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments and with Miriam and Bezalel looking forward to a future full of promise.

Author Jacqueline Jules tells the story in prose, but it is lyrical and rhythmic prose. Artist Natascia Ugliano has produced illustrations that complement the text perfectly. The pictures convey a sense of movement well-suited to the story of the Israelites' journey, and they are rendered in a palette of warm earth tones combined with intense blues and greens. Story and illustrations combine to make this book a little feast for the senses, a little bite of manna from heaven.



Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.