Book Description
This book weaves together the famous and forgotten myths of the mysterious Minoans of Crete.Their island empire was obliterated by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions but their clever puzzles and riddling tales were rescued by the Greeks and became an essential part of Greek mythology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

An engaging compendium of ancient tales
Presented by Sheldon Oberman, Island Of The Minotaur: Greek Myths Of Ancient Crete presents classic tales including the story of the deadly Minotaur that roamed the terrible Labyrinth, the winged boy Icarus who flew too close to the sun, Theseus' struggles against the ruthless witch Medea, and much more. A final, true tale of Sir Arthur Evans, a real-life treasure hunter who discovered the buried secrets of the ancient Minoan civilization adds a particularly welcome embellishment to this outstanding compilation of Hellenic mythology. Full-color illustrations by Blair Drawson well serve to highlight this engaging compendium of ancient tales told down the generations from antiquity to the present day.

It's Greek to me!
Sheldon Oberman draws various Greek legends together in a neat package that is suitable for young children (8 and above) to get their first taste of gods, goddesses, heroes and monsters. Adults, too, should enjoy the book, which is a fast read and a refresher on several key stories.

The stories are written clearly and plainly, suitable for young readers without being dumbed down so much to insult them. Illustrations by Blair Drawson are colorful, exaggerated and humorous. Island of the Minotaur is a fun and informative reinterpretation of these ancient myths for a new generation of readers. ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document, covering the life and work of Sheldon Oberman, is an entry from Contemporary Authors, a reference volume published by Thompson Gale. The length of the entry is 2287 words. The page length listed above is based on a typical 300-word page. Although the exact content of each entry from this volume can vary, typical entries include the following information:

• Place and date of birth and death (if deceased)
• Family members
• Education
• Professional associations and honors
• Employment
• Writings, including books and periodicals
• A description of the author's work
• References to further readings about the author

Customer Reviews (3)

A 2007 Sydney Taylor Honor Award Winner for Older Readers
From simple stories, to valuable lessons, to an idea of what life was like in Rambam's time or how a holiday was celebrated in Russia, these folktales are brilliant in their simplicity.They can be read straight through, compared and contrasted, embellished upon, or edited for educational purposes.While younger readers may be daunted by the size of the book and the lack of pictures, they will enjoy being read these tales.While middle grade and juvenile readers may be put off by the idea of a folktale, they will find wisdom, humor and even intrigue in the stories.Adults will be enchanted by the brilliant ideas conveyed from these "simple" stories.REVIEWED BY KATHE PINCHUCK (BLOOMFIELD PUBLIC LIBRARY - BLOOMFIELD, NJ)

SOLOMON AND THE ANT: AND OTHER JEWISH FOLKTALES
Much heart has gone into the creation of this handsome book, where 43 gently humorous, Jewish teaching folktales call to be shared aloud.Selections include religious stories, fables, and wisdom, trickster, and riddle tales, warmly retold by the late Sheldon Oberman, of The Always Prayer Shawl fame, and lovingly wrapped with expert commentary by Peninnah Schram, who prepared the manuscript for publication at his request.Lively dialogue refreshes traditional favorites and introduces many new tales less likely to be found in other modern collections.Character resourcefulness abounds. A merchant tricks a farmer into returning stolen money by letting him think he will be able to steal more.A girl learns how to face a bully by first collecting three hairs from a frightening dog.A discontented man comes to accept his own problems when he sees what is happening in other houses.Maimon wins a poisoning contest without using any real poison at all.King Solomon learns humility from an ant. Stories, some given new settings, take place through time in Holland, Morocco, America, and England, as well as Eastern Europe and Biblical lands. Oberman's notes set historical context for the tales, and Schram's expand what a particular story reveals about Jewish traditions and values.Both generously slide in other stories and delectable tidbits.Classic origins for the tales, along with selected sources and variants and motifs, complete each entry.The book ends with a glossary and comprehensive bibliography of approximately one hundred folklore collections. There is so much here. Attracted by Lloyd Bloom's arresting jacket art, readers will want to stay. Highly recommended for ages 8 and up.Reviewed by Sharon Elswit

The entire family can discuss and enjoy
Perfect for read-alouds by parents is Sheldon Oberman's retellings of Jewish folktales in Solomon And The Ant And Other Jewish Folktales. Peninnah Schram introduces and provides commentary to these rich stories of over forty religious, wisdom and puzzle tales, each of which demonstrates wisdom and understanding as King Solomon learns lessons from birds and ants, and other protagonists receive valued wisdom. While large print will lend to reading for those who already have skills, it's the read-aloud experience which is so highly recommended here: the entire family can discuss and enjoy. ... Read more

Book Description
It may not be true but it could be – this story of how a single white stone came to be in the wall surrounding Casa Loma, the magnificient medieval castle that stands in the middle of Toronto.

John Tommy Fiddich lives in Yorkville, tends the family vegetable patch, and considers himself the “luckiest boy in town.” When a hailstorm wipes out the vegetables, he goes from being the luckiest to the unluckiest. Then word gets out that Henry Pellatt, the eccentric millionaire who brought light to the city and built Casa Loma, is offering one dollar for brown stones to place in the wall going up around the castle. After trudging through the city all day with his stone, John reaches the castle only to find that rain has washed it white. But Henry Pellatt accepts the stone for his wall, rewarding John for his hard work, making him again “the luckiest boy in town.”

The trip through the streets of Toronto, from Yorkville to Casa Loma, makes for a book as enchanting to young and old as the fabulous castle that inspired it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A Great Story and Educational
I used this book to learn about history. It's about a boy in 1912 and something that actually happened when a rich man asked people to bring stones to help build the wall of his castle. The illustrator drew great pictures of what the city was like in 1912 and how people lived at that time.(Amazon said it was made of photos but they are actually pictures that are drawn) I did a presentation about it at school and everyone really liked it and now they are all reading the book and saying it is great. (My mom helped with this review)

A great story
I read this book in school and its my favourite of the year, It is a real adventure of a boy in 1912. It made me feel like something from history could have happened to me. I really liked the pictures too because they showed how the city looked. Later we found out that all those buildings can still be seen and we can actually visit the Castle where it all happened. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A very interesting book
It seemed very original because it was both a children's book but also a space age fantasy tale. It was also quite funny. I think it was trying to show what a wild ride people go on when they get caught up watching tv toomuch and it did this by have Tv Sal get caught up with space aliens and goon one interplanetary tv show after another - quite a bit of fun! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Wonderful Learning Experience
THE WISDOM BIRD is the story of the meeting of two cultures.....Black African and Jewish, told through the legendary meeting of Solomon and Sheba.It also presents parents and teachers with a wonderful opportunity to teach children respect for other cultures, and the creatures of the earth. In the story, a small bird uses its wisdom to convince a king and queen that they are acting in an immoral way.The bird's ingenious tactics can lead children to understandings about human nature, and the book is a wonderful jumping off point for discussions with kids. The artwork is beautiful.I give this one an A plus!

Disturbing
The illustrations in this book greatly disturb me.Because, from my understanding King Solomon was a black man.I think it is a great insult to the original people of this planet that you make the man proclaimed to be the wisest leader ever out to be a caucasian.You do a disservice to white society by elevating the notion of white supremacy and a disservice to the black man by falsifying his past.

The illustrations in this book need to be redone or the book pulled from publication.

We Heard the Story Live
The author Mr. Oberman came to our school and told the story and it was really great. It was great story and I learned about Jewish people and African people and how everyone can learn something froim somebody, even from a little bird. The pictures are also really terrific ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Great Way to Start a Holiday
We had a new way of starting Hanukkah this year. Instead of starting off with the gifts, the kids got to choose a Hanukkah Book to read to everyone - adults and kids after we lit the Hanukkiah. We picked By the Hanukkah Light and we read it to everyone together. It was great to read and everyone in the family really liked it a lot. It talks about Hanukkah in a really clear way and also it has a great story about a grandfather and his life. The two stories fit together really well. Its like you learn about Jewish history and the history of a family.

A wonderful story for learning for children and adults
I am not Jewish, and so don't know a lot about Hanukah, but I want to teach my children about the beliefs of different peoples around the world. So when I went to the library to get out some Christmas books, I got this book as well. My 3.5 year old son LOVED it. He wanted me to read it over and over so he could understand the story. And I embellished it a little bit telling him what little I knew, and telling him which of his friends, or other people he knew, who are Jewish. It was a wonderful learning experience that we both enjoyed. I highly recommend this to both Jewish parents who want to share with their children about their holidays by reading a story, and for non-Jews who want to know more about this holiday.

a great book
A warm feeling will come over you and your children as you read this book together. It is touching and also very powerful as it deals with Hanukkah is a very original and sensitive way by making it relevant to the world we live in ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Amazing insight to a beautiful way of life nearly forgotten
This book surprised me as I first saw it as an endearing picture book talking about igloos.But when I read it, it became a real eye opener.With Tookoome's humble way of telling stories I feel that I got a very clear picture of what it was like for him to go from living the most real of lifestyles on the land, to a contrived one, being forced to live in a settlement.Tookoome tells a sad yet beautiful tale that will make you think about what white man (Kabloonaq) has done in the name of "progress", and how it has forever altered the course of how life was intended to be lived.

A superb introduction to Inuit culture.
In The Shaman's Nephew: A Life In The Far North, Inuit shaman Simon Tookoome and author/storyteller Sheldon Oberman collaborate to provide aunique translation of both Inuktitut and oral traditions. Illustrated infull color throughout by self-taught Tookoome, The Shaman's Nephew offersdistinct and animated art showcasing twenty-eight passages describingvarious and diverse aspects of Inuit life including the naming of children,child-rearing, hunting, drumming in Inuit culture, the mysteries ofShamanism, and Tookoome's own inspiration for his art. The Shaman's Nephewis highly recommended reading for students of Native American studies ingeneral, and the Inuit culture in particular. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Family, tradition, Jewish life, and love shine through
in this well crafted story about a young boy. The Always Prayer Shawl was selected to be included in theJewish Community Library of Los Angeles public radio production "One People Many Stories: Jewish Stories from Around the World." Henry Winkler reads this love filled story on the CD, One People, Many Stories: Jewish Stories from Around the World.

The strength of prayer
The bond of grandson and grandfather in this handsome and heart-warming tale about a Tallit is indeed good for people of all ages and all faiths--girls and women, boys and men. It tells of the undying human urge for freedom and fulfillment and reinforces the importance of prayer, and the strength of tradition and family. Alyssa A. Lappen

A Bar Mitzvah Gift
I got this as a pre Bar Mitzvah gift and at first I thought it wasn't what I wanted because I figured it was for younger kids but when I read it I felt it was for everybody, even people who aren't Jewish. It was a story about a person's whole life and how they change which was pretty neat to think about especially when you are having a bar mitzvah. My grandmother gave it to me because she said it was like her dad's life. It is sort of getting me ready for my bar mitzvah to think about the importance of tradition in your life

A moving celebration of famiy and religious tradition
This is a beautiful, moving story that was a gift for our son on his bris. (It moved me to tears when I first read it.)Exquisitely illustrated andwell-told, the story celebrates values, tradition, and intergenerationalrelationships.It will be a great conversation starter with our son, whenhe is older, about our own family history.It would make a great gift fora bar mitzvah or any occasion. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A very good book
This is a kind of fairy tale with a rhyme. It was on Fred Penner's song album and then became a book. It is very sweet and I think it is especially interesting for young girls who like ponies and merry go rounds and of course, don't like witches who put spells on ponies ... Read more

Book Description
This digital document is an article from Children's Bookwatch, published by Thomson Gale on April 1, 2006. The length of the article is 484 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Boyds Mills Press.(Solomon and the Ant and Other Jewish Folktales)(Count me a Rhyme: Animal Poems by the Numbers)(No Boys Allowed: Poems about Brothers and Sisters)(Book review)(Children's review)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: Children's Bookwatch (Magazine/Journal)
Date: April 1, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: NA

Article Type: Book review, Children's review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more