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27th out of 39 books
—
21 voters
The Wooden Sword: A Jewish Folktale from Afghanistan
by
Ann Redisch Stampler (Goodreads Author),
Carol Liddiment
Disguised in servant's clothes, an Afghani shah slips out of his palace to learn more about his people. When he encounters a poor Jewish shoemaker full of faith that everything will turn out just as it should, the shah grows curious. Vowing that no harm will befall the poor man, he decides to test that faith, only to find that the shoemaker's cheerful optimism cannot be sh...more
Hardcover, 32 pages
Published
March 1st 2012
by Albert Whitman & Company
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I have mixed feelings about this. On the one hand, the illustrations are nice, and this is a good example of that tradition Kurt Vonnegut talks about (which Americans don't have) of honoring the poor wise man. On the other hand, I couldn't help being irritated by the glorification of poverty and the poor man's Candide-esque assertions that it didn't matter whether he had enough money to buy food, because his faith would get him through. (And of course, when his wife is concerned about how they w...more
Jun 10, 2013
Jill Ratzan
added it
Each of the aspects of this picturebook that stood out for me were also ones that Stampler mentions in her author's note! First, both negative characters (the bullying shah and the whining peasant) from some versions of this folktale have become positive ones (a change that's best, if paradoxically, appreciated by readers who know these versions). Second, although the peasant attributes his successes to a deity, his real rescuer is a combination of his own thoughts and actions and the circumstan...more
This folktale from Afghanistan is a welcome addition to the folktale section. Of special remark is the last page in which the author documents her sources and the way in which this version was vetted for authenticity. This page could be very useful as an example about how it should be done. This is one I'll add to my purchase list.
This was a very nice folktale from Afghanistan about faith, humility, and kindness. I'm not big into folktales, but I did enjoy this one.
Dec 10, 2011
Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy)
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Shelves:
fairy-tales-folk-tales-fables,
picture-book
Beautifully retold by Stampler and beautifully illustrated. Definitely one book to add to a collection of folk tales.
Delightful folktale about wisdom and contentment.
Dec 01, 2012
Melissa
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
folklore,
problem-solving,
faith,
religion,
m-c,
international,
historical-fiction,
elem,
nfpb2012
The illustrations are rich with detail and the story flows nicely; between the shah's actions and the shoemaker's attitude there is lots to talk about here. PLUS it's well-researched, and sourced & cited thoroughly.
Of all her books, this is definitely my favorite.
This was a cute book and most children would love it. It referenced God, belief, and faith so it probably shouldn't be a book in a public classroom.
May 20, 2013
Debbie Feder
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May 02, 2013
Igor Anthony
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Apr 13, 2013
Darla
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Mar 28, 2013
Congregation Beth-El Zedeck Library
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Mar 25, 2013
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Mar 25, 2013
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Mar 22, 2013
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Mar 22, 2013
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Mar 22, 2013
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Feb 27, 2013
Mlovelace
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Feb 24, 2013
Aaron Benarroch
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Where it Began marks the YA debut of Ann Redisch Stampler. She is the author of several picture books, including The Rooster Prince of Breslov. Her books have been an Aesop Accolade winner, Sydney Taylor notable books and an honor book, a National Jewish Book Awards finalist and winner, and Bank Street Best Books of the Year. Ann has two adult children and lives in Los Angeles, California with her...more
More about Ann Redisch Stampler...
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