**Purim is a Jewish holiday that that focuses on the Book of Esther. I've included some links at the bottom of this post for those who are interested in reading more about this fun celebration.
An Adventure in Latkaland, A Hanukkah Story provided our first introduction to Jacob and Sarah and their families. In that book the adventure centered around Hannukah, and in this book it's trouble in Purimville that will have kids glued to the story and attentively listening to see what happens next.
Problems in Purimville begins with a very kid-friendly description of modern Purim traditions. It then segways into the first glimpses we have that things are going astray. Jacob's favorite Purim cookies, for example, suddenly taste awful, and his king costume has been transformed into a tutu. And when Sarah shows up with her own evidence that trouble's afoot, we know that we'll soon be whisked off to a land where troublesome goblins are ruining celebrations there and in our world.
My children and I enjoyed this book. I read it aloud for the most part, although they also took turns reading pages here and there. It works very well as a read aloud, although I will tell you that there is enough text here that it could be a multi-night affair, depending on how fast you read, and how much time you set aside for stories in the evening.
THE SKINNY:::
A well written story, Problems in Purimville is going to appeal to children from Preschool on up to about age 8 or 9. It's a colorful, entertaining adventure that sneaks in some teaching too. I love how Karen Fisman explains the history of Purim and outlines what children should expect. This is particular useful for very young children who might be 'surprised' by the noise from the rattles and the costumes.
The artwork is colorful and cheerful and the bad-guys are scary enough to be fun, without being too scary.
Problems in Purimville is a continuation of the adventures of Jacob and Sarah from An Adventure in Latkaland, but you needn't have to read the one to enjoy the other.
Pam
Somewhere in the X-burbs
Problems in Purimville
- Hardcover: 64 pages
- Publisher: Jora Books (October 1, 2010)
- ISBN-10: 0981265014
- Look Inside: currently there is no look inside for Purimville, however you can see a sample of Ms. Fisman's writing in Latkaland, which I've included below.
- amazon
An Adventure in Latkaland, A Hanukkah Story
by Karen Fisman
Wendy Faust (illus.)
- Paperback: 64 pages
- Publisher: Jora Books
- ISBN-10: 0981265022
- Look Inside
Purim is a joyous celebration and fun holiday that I think many non-Jews remain ignorant of. It's a celebration with origins in the Book of Esther. The story tells how brave Esther saved her people from the machinations of Haman, an arrogant and egotistical advisor to the king of Persia.
There is good information at the following sites:
Judaism 101 (http://www.jewfaq.org/holiday9.htm)
Purim (http://www.aish.com/h/pur/f/48970006.html)
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