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muddypuddle's review
4.0
This is a Jewish story, read and interpreted by a non-Jew, but a non-Jew who worked in a Hebrew Day School for 12 years and loved to learn all the stories and traditions of Judaism. This story is written in couplets, with lovely rhythm in most places. It tells the story from the point-of-view of a Jewish slave girl through the plagues and parting of the sea. The language is beautiful, and when slowly and digested I loved it. I was not a fan of the illustrations, and I hate saying that, but they were what I call "vague" illustrations. Not abstract, but with a sense of abstractness. I love abstract painting, but I like more detail in my picture books. Personal preference, apologies to Ms. Chien.
bookishgrrrl's review
5.0
Okay, I normally don't enjoy "holiday" stories and I generally find the rhyming narrative cumbersome, so I was prepared to not enjoy this book.
WRONG! After two pages, I was immediately sucked in by the language and emotion of the story. They rhythm is pretty much perfect and Snyder's text is full...encompassing a historical story and creating a complex young character in a few simple pages. This story begs to be read aloud! It may be a little frightening for younger readers as the story builds and the tempo of the text becomes more passionate, but the ending and it's message of hope, freedom and unity are definitely worth it.
WRONG! After two pages, I was immediately sucked in by the language and emotion of the story. They rhythm is pretty much perfect and Snyder's text is full...encompassing a historical story and creating a complex young character in a few simple pages. This story begs to be read aloud! It may be a little frightening for younger readers as the story builds and the tempo of the text becomes more passionate, but the ending and it's message of hope, freedom and unity are definitely worth it.
tashrow's review
4.0
This Passover picture book tells the story of the Exodus from the point of view of a young slave girl. Readers first get a sense of the harsh environment and difficult lives of the Jewish people: the heat, the hard labor, the slavery. Then come the plagues, one after another. Finally there is the Exodus itself, the thrill and fear of fleeing in the darkness. And finally, the miracle of the sea splitting in two, giving them safe passage away from Egypt.
Written in rhyme, Snyder has created a book filled with rhythm and a story that moves swiftly along through the different parts of the Exodus. Her choice of telling the story from the point of view of a child makes the story all the more personal and dramatic.
Chien’s illustrations are just as dramatic with their deep color palette. Especially moving are the natural moments, when the little girl finds openness and freedom in the world around her, though she can’t find it personally. At these moments, the sky is huge and beautiful, but quickly the grit and sand return.
A powerful and lovely exploration of the Old Testament tale of the Exodus given a fresh and personal aspect. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
Written in rhyme, Snyder has created a book filled with rhythm and a story that moves swiftly along through the different parts of the Exodus. Her choice of telling the story from the point of view of a child makes the story all the more personal and dramatic.
Chien’s illustrations are just as dramatic with their deep color palette. Especially moving are the natural moments, when the little girl finds openness and freedom in the world around her, though she can’t find it personally. At these moments, the sky is huge and beautiful, but quickly the grit and sand return.
A powerful and lovely exploration of the Old Testament tale of the Exodus given a fresh and personal aspect. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
rachel_from_avid_bookshop's review
4.0
Lovely biblical story of Exodus told from a young girl's point of view. Vibrant illustrations with dreamy soft edges lend themselves to this ancient tale. Don't miss the sweet author's note and vocabulary in the front.
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