The Sabbath Lion: A Jewish Folktale from Algeria

Kindergarten-Grade 2-- When his widowed mother gets news of a family fortune left to them in Egypt, Yosef volunteers to travel there to fetch it. Although she pays a caravan leader her wedding ring in exchange for his agreement not to travel during the Sabbath, the man breaks his promise, and the boy is left alone in the desert. A great lion arrives and, instead of attacking, protects him. Yosef realizes that the creature has been sent by the Sabbath Queen to take him into Egypt and home again. There is enough human detail so that readers can feel connected to the characters. The glowing paintings are dynamic and full of movement and dramatic action, whether showing the caravan, the hard-working boy running through the streets with his basket, or the roaring lion bounding through the desert with Yosef on its back. Fieser's use of perspective catches the visual interest and draws readers into the excitement of the narrative. This satisfying story is told clearly and at a good pace for reading aloud. It will also be enjoyed by independent readers and welcomed by storytellers. A note about the Jewish Sabbath is included. --Susan Giffard, Englewood Public Library, NJ
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

When Yosef's widowed mother receives an inheritance, the 10-year-old offers to travel across the dangerous desert from Algiers to Egypt to collect the money. The caravan owner refuses to stop travel on the Sabbath and Yosef, who could never disobey the laws of the Sabbath, elects to stay in the desert by himself. Come, 0 Sabbath Queen, and bring peace and blessing on thy wing, Joseph prays with all his heart, and he is sent a magnificent tawny lion who guards him and leads him triumphantly to Cairo. Commentary on the customs of Jewish Sabbath celebrations are appended at the back of the book. Fieser's paintings with their purple-tinged clouds, stylized faces and green skies evoke a mythical past, but the didactic text, which insists on the importance of keeping a promise and obedience to religious laws, may limit the book's appeal. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.