Never Say a Mean Word Again: A Tale from Medieval Spain

by Jacqueline Jules, Durga Yael Bernhard (Illustrations)

Never Say a Mean Word Again( A Tale from Medieval Spain) <> Hardcover <> JacquelineJules <> WisdomTales

Genres: Picture Books, Friendship, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Spain, Cultural, Jewish

32 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 2014

About the author

I am a children's author, teacher, librarian, and poet. My books include the Zapato Power series, the Sofia Martinez series, Pluto is Peeved, Unite or Die: How Thirteen States Became a Nation, Duck for Turkey Day, Never Say a Mean Word Again, and Feathers for Peacock. Please visit me at http://www.jacquelinejules.com

Reviews

[robin friedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Overcome Harsh Speech

Based on a medieval Spanish story, "Never Say a Mean Word Again" tells the story of a Jewish boy and a Muslim boy who are on the path to becoming enemies but become friends instead. The little story teaches that words may hurt. It also shows how a potential enemy may be turned into a friend. Jacqueline Jules, the author of more than 20 books for children wrote the text while illustrator and author Durga Yael Bernhard prepared the illustrations. This 32-page hardcover book is suitable for children between four and eight.

Samuel, the son of a powerful Jewish advisor to the Muslim court, accidentally spills water over Hamza, the son of a tax collector, during a meal. Hamza verbally lashes out. Samuel's father has a deserved reputation for wisdom and he gives his son a seemingly ambiguous directive: "Make sure Hamza never says a mean word to you again." Samuel puzzles over what to do. He thinks over various punitive actions none of which seem suitable. Samuel takes some initial false steps which gradually turn the boys towards friendship. They play catch, draw pictures, play chess, and hunt for frogs together in the lake. After some weeks, the boys become the best of friends, as evidenced by Hamza giving Samuel a gift. By converting Hamza into a friend, Samuel comes to understand that he has fulfilled his father's directive to "make sure Hamza never says a mean word to you again."

Jacqueline Jules' story is simple and eloquent while Durga Bernard's drawings capture the feel of Moorish Spain in their depiction of buildings, arches, and dress. She also draws a fanciful picture of a monkey.

The book is published by Wisdom Tales which specializes in presenting non-denominational spiritual stories to children and teen readers. Wisdom Tales' website includes a short discussion guide to "Never Say a Mean Word Again" with "questions to think about" and "comprehension questions". For example, one of the questions to discuss might be: "Sometimes it is hard for people from different family backgrounds to become friends. What can people do to make it easier?" The discussion guide is a good resource that parents or teachers may use when reading the book with their children or students.

This lovely, thoughtful book fulfills the goal of Wisdom Tales Press of "sharing the wisdom, beauty, and values of traditional cultures and peoples from around the world with young readers and their families." Wisdom Tales Press kindly provided me with a review copy of this title.

Robin Friedman

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bright, inviting cover shows two middle-Eastern buys stubbornly facing away from each other. But something in the body language invites young readers to believe these two might become friends. And so begins Jacqueline Jules’ wise story, based on a Jewish tale from Medieval Spain. Illustrations by Durga Yael Bernhard match the story perfectly, blending simple images, beautiful designs, and wonderful facial expressions to carry children from page to page.

When a distracted young Samuel bumps into the tax collector’s son, Hamza responds with an insult. So, does an accident give one boy a right to call another one names? The vizier doesn’t think so, but, rather than punishing Hamza, he simply tells Samuel to make sure the other boy never says a mean word to him again. How can Samuel do this?

Young readers will be amused at Samuel’s ideas, while their parents take delight in a friendship born of youthful enthusiasm. The result is a short story with a great lesson, much to smile about, and plenty to keep both adults and children amused as they read together. A final author’s note provides background for the tale, adding depth and relevance for the present day. If only more of us could learn this pleasing way to make sure no mean words are repeated.

Artistically, linguistically, and culturally inviting, this is a book that anyone should delight to share with children. It teaches friendship, wisdom, and a fine no-bullying approach—highly recommended.

Disclosure: I was given a free copy by the publisher and I offer my honest review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another quality children's book from publisher Wisdom Tales

I have been impressed in the past with the quality of the children's books that Wisdom Tales has on the market. Extremely well made with meaningful stories and gorgeous artwork, stories such as NEVER SAY A MEAN WORD AGAIN are exceptional reading material for my twin grandchildren. They aren't old enough to read to themselves yet but the Wisdom Press offerings, including Children of the Tipi: Life in the Buffalo Days, make great reading time or bedtime stories.

In this tale by author Jacqueline Jules, two young boys learn that there is a better method of conflict resolution than name calling or fighting. They can become friends. The illustrations, drawn by Durga Yael Bernhard, are reminiscent of medieval times in Spain and are colorful and greatly add to the story.

This is a 32 page hardback book with a fully colored dustcover. It is recommended for children 4-8 years of age. The author's note at the end of the book tells about the inspiration for the story from a medieval legend.

NOTE: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[The Styling Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thoughts on the wonderful book Never Say a Mean Word Again:

I love the historical connection to Medieval Spain and appreciated how a powerful message could so smoothly come across in a picture book. How do you resolve a conflict? How do you teach others to treat you better and see you in a different light? How would you go about getting your “enemy” to never say a mean word to you again? Wow, just loved this story and also Jacqueline Jules historical note at the end. Made me want to do more research into this historical time in Medieval Spain. This is a terrific story for classes discussing conflict resolution, arguments, and also cultural differences. *The accompanying illustrations are superb! So thrilled this book is published, happy book birthday Never Say a Mean Word Again!!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Make sure Hamza never say a mean word to you again!"

Young Samuel is the respected grand vizier´s son, but that doesn´t mean that everyone is friendly to him and treats him kindly. His father´s unusual request forces Samuel to think about ways to make Hamza stop insult him. Even if all his plans backfire, Samuel (and with him the young readers) finds out how to deal with his enemy.

The story is inspired by a legend about a Jewish vizier, an important advisor in a Muslim royal court in medieval Spain and brings a powerful message about conflict resolving. The colorful illustrations add to the atmosphere of the story and are attractive for the young readers. The book with its meaningful story, simple language and beautiful pictures would work very well in a classroom setting, for preschoolers, young readers and even for young learners of ESL.

I was offered this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Say a Mean Word Again was a delightfully unexpected treat. When I read about the book, I was not sure how I would like it. I'm so glad I gave it a chance. The story was so deeply inspiring. What started out as an inadvertent action led to a situation of challenge that needed to be addressed. The way that Samuel handled the challenge, while at the same time trying to honor his father's request, proved to be a beautiful lesson on what really matters above all else.

The illustrations in this book were perfectly matched to the tale written. I loved the colors and texture. My eyes were drawn to the details.

Rating:5/5
Recommend: Yes

A complimentary e-copy of this title was made available for review in exchange for an honest critique. The words I have expressed are my own.

[VikToriya Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story about friendship. A boy, Samuel, didn't have friends and every time he tried to become friends with Hamza he did wrong or stupid things. When Samuel dropped his goblet on Hamza, he apologies.But Hamza was so mad, he called Samuel some names and stormed out of the room. Sam's dad advise the son to take care of this matter. He said to teach Hamza not to say mean things to Samuel. Day to day, Samuel tried to catch Hamza to promise him not to be mean, but each day they only played. Samuel was afraid that his dad will be disappointed with him. He thought his dad wanded him to punish Hamza,but instead they became best friends. But dad was proud of Samuel: Hamza didn't say a mean word ever again.
A great children's tale about friendship.

[Dana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated children's book retells a medieval Jewish legend about how it is better to make a friend of your enemy than to do something destructive to him. In this story, Samuel is a rich Jewish boy and Hamza is a poor Muslim boy. As Samuel tries to make sure that Hamza never says anything bad about him again, his attempts backfire and result in friendship - a better solution anyway. I think this is a lovely book and it should be in all libraries and I think it shares a timely message. I received this book free to review from Netgalley.

[Cariadne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic story and message for adults and children. I enjoyed reading the history of this tale and enjoyed the story and lesson. I would recommend it to my school and plan to share it with my 3rd grader.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful story. Something everyone should learn as a child, it would make the world a better place to live. No matter what nationality, we could all be a little kinder. The illustration is eye catching. Cant wait for my grandkids come over so I can read it to them.

[Moira · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It is such a thoughtful lesson, poetically written and magnificently illustrated!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good way to show a child how to solve a problem. Adults could learn from it, too.

[Vera Godley · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this re-telling of a Spanish tale, the young child encounters mixed cultures and learning to get along with others in an artistic rendering of a well-told story. A good read-to-me story or read-to-myself book, the text is large enough for young readers and the story flows in a gentle, easy style that entertains and engages the reader.

The illustrations of Durga Yael Bernhard are simple, yet intricate in colors soft but strongly invoking cultures they represent. The differences between the boys is shown quite distinctly by their head wear. The thick walls and arched doorways, abstract geometric designs, and colors represent well the Morrish designs of Medieval Spain. All this speaks of the lives of the wealthy in Spain during medieval times. The boyish thoughts of Samuel for keeping Hamza from saying mean things to him in the future are quite humorously pictured.


The tale begins with Samuel, son of the grand vizier, strolling along and totally engrossed in his own thoughts when he bumps into Hamza, the tax collector's son. Irate, Hamza verbally lashes out at Samuel..... and it doesn't end there. Accidents. Saying sorry. Things happen and apologies don't help. Hamza is upset!

Samuel's father helps him by encouraging him to do something (not telling him what that something was) to help Hamza never say a mean word again.


This story is inspired by the real-life actions of the Jewish poet Samuel Ha-Nagid, who was also a vizier, the highest royal advisor in eleventh- century Muslim Spain.

The implications of this story can be far reaching and are certainly compelling. I think this would be a very good addition to elementary class libraries, school and public libraries everywhere.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher.

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this picture book! When the grand vizier's son, Samuel, is talked rudely to by the son of a tax collector, Hamza, Samuel's father commands him to never let Hamza say another mean word to him. Samuel has no idea how to accomplish this - how can he force someone else not to do something? He thinks of some silly ways to keep Hamza from speaking, like having a monkey hold his mouth shut. When he comes up with the idea of having Hamza eat a lemon, Hamza misinterprets Samuel's visit, and the two boys end up playing catch with the lemon. Samuel's further attempts also result in the boys playing together, and the two soon become fast friends. The moral of the story is that the best way to get someone to stop being your enemy is to become their friend.

This story was very sweet and provided a good lesson. I also liked that it was based on some bits of Spanish history. Samuel Ha-Nagid, the vizier in medieval Spain, faced a situation similar to that of young Samuel in the story. The author used Ha-Nagid as an inspiration for the character of young Samuel. A page at the end of the book explains this backstory. The illustrations were excellent - very simple but still reflective of the Moorish culture in medieval Spain. I would buy this for my boys, or as a gift for other kiddos.

Free digital ARC from NetGalley.

[Lady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enemies Into Friends

This beautifully illustrated children's book teaches that conflict can be resolved with kindness and even your enemies can become your friends. Samuel is given an impossible seeming task by his father to make sure Hamza never says a mean word to him again. He has no idea how he will force Hamza to comply but he know he must because everyone does what his father tells them to. Every time he shows up to Hamza's though his plan is ruined because Hamza mistakes his gestures for kindness or they have too much fun. Unwittingly Samuel becomes friends with Hamza and that resolves his father's command as friends do not say mean things to each other. I adored this book and cannot wait to share it with my children.

***This book is written at a first grade level but is more than appropriate to he read to younger children or less advanced readers

[Mary Prado · Rating 4 out of 5]

CBZ review for---
Never Say a Mean Word Again: A Tale from Medieval Spain

Words hurt and once they are out of your mouth you can't take them back. Samuel accidentally bumps into Hamza. Angry the boy begins spewing words and calling Samuel names. Names like," Donkey Brain and Stupid!" Samuel's Dad is the grand vizier and he instructs him to "make sure Hamza never says a mean word to you again."

The next day Samuel finds himself playing with Hamza. Again they play day after day. They form a friendship and the terrible struggle is put behind them as they learn how to be real friends.

The illustrations are really nicely done and very colorful. The detail, clothes and setting bring you into Medieval Spain.

[Naomi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another bullying book-this time brought to us from medieval Spain. I must admit that this is probably one of the best of those books though. First, I loved the "true story" component to it (particularly the story/background at the end). Second, I loved the Muslim/Jewish component to it. Definitely applicable to today's society. I don't know if younger kids could grasp that component easily though, so there is a feeling that this book might be a bit over the heads of the targeted audience.

[Dolores · Rating 4 out of 5]

Children love folk tales and this one has an excellent message.

A young boy is directed by his father to make sure that one of his peers never says a mean word to him again. The boy comes up with several plans, but his problem is solved without having to follow through on any of them.

Love wins! All the time!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of two boys, one Muslim and one Jewish, who move past their differences to become friends. Good pick for sharing with early elementary kids.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great story by a Va. author to add to the folk tale collection. I will be sharing this with third graders in the spring!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids both enjoyed this book. The illustrations are beautiful and the storyline held their interest. It is about building friendship after misunderstandings between children of different cultures.

[Mrs. Robertson Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never Say a Mean Word Again: A Tale from Medieval Spain (Jules, 2014) illustrates conflict resolution between two unlikely friends beautifully. The story begins in a Spanish castle where Samuel, the son of a grand vizier, accidentally upsets the tax collector's son, Hamza. Hamza responds to Samuel with hateful words, and the grand vizier gives his son the task of making sure Hamza never repeats a mean word to him again. Samuel attempts several ways to prevent Hamza from speaking. However, each solution “backfires,” and the boys spend time together, ultimately foraging for a friendship that leads Samuel to fulfill his father’s wishes.

This sweet story of friendship is shared through a narrative storytelling style. Even though it is written on the page, readers will feel like someone is telling them a story. Essentials of Children’s Literature (Short & Cueto, 2022) also tells us to evaluate if it conveys the sound and feel of the folktale’s culture. Jacqueline Jules reassures us in the author's notes that the story is based on a medieval legend. However, she took the liberty to change the original folktale. She set her tale during the “Golden Age of Spain,” when the different religions in that region exchanged cultural ideas and promoted tolerance (Jules, 2014, n.p). This is shown when the boys playfully toss a lemon, draw sketches together, play games of chess, and roughhouse in the river. The illustrations and font style both match the cultural tone. The architecture, curves in the arches, and beautiful patios and gardens give context to the folktale.


At first glance, the central conflict within the plot is person-against-person. Samuel and Hamza have two different altercations at the beginning of the story. Samuel’s father intervenes and gives him the task of ensuring Hamza never repeats an unkind word. Samuel immediately assumes he should tear out Hamza’s tongue to give him a kind tongue instead. Short and Cueto (2022) explain that this type of conflict with oneself is a person-against-self conflict. Samuel struggles with his inner thoughts of physically making Hamza be kind and, after many attempts to solve his problem, learns that after establishing a friendship with him it actually fulfill his father’s wishes.

The theme of kindness in the story is one that every child will benefit from learning. Even though Samuel did not intend this outcome, he was kind, created connections, and eventually solved the problem of Hamza not liking him. I also enjoyed how Samuel creatively explored many ways to solve his problem, and each time, it turned into a lesson of kindness and empathy for him. This uplifting theme is sure to resonate with children.

When Hamza's character is introduced in the story, readers might be caught off guard by his mean spirit and lack of grace. He is mean and hateful to Samuel. The fact that the two boys are able to still form a friendship made my heart very happy. This beautiful folktale teaches a moral that can be applied when teaching children and adults how to establish and maintain friendships.

[Kirsten Himmerich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Title: Never Say A Mean Word Again
Author/Illustrator: Jacqueline Jules
Reading Level: LG
Book Level: 2.3
Book Summary: In this tale the two boys form a friendship. Even though in the beginning their friendship started off on a bad foot.
Bookshelf Mentor Writing Traits: This tale offers great conventions wiring trait for students. It is pact full of correct punctuation and capitalization. A great way to expand on this conventions trait is to practice punctuation in sentences after reading through the story. I would allow students to have white boards and I would write a sentence on the board and ask students to write down the proper punctuation that belongs in the sentence. Once they write them down on the whiteboard I would go over the correct punctuation of that sentence on the board.

[Haley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book while looking at the booklist on page 103 of my test book. The story is about to middle eastern boys that have two different backgrounds. Samuel was a jewish boy from a rich family and Hamza is a muslim boy from a poor family. First off, the boys were not very fond of each other because of the way Hamza talked to Samuel. Samuels father tried to make things better by telling Hamza to never say a mean word again. The boys continued to stay around each other and they eventually became good friends. This book gives students an important lesson about not judging on other peoples background and it would be great in the classroom because it teaches children to treat each other with kindness

[Colin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute story set in Moorish Spain, about a Jewish boy named Samuel (in the story, the son of the historical Samuel Ha-Nagid, the Jewish vizier to the Muslim caliph in Spain) and a Muslim boy named Hamza. A series of accidents causes drama between the boys, and the vizier tells his son to make sure that Hamza "never says a mean word" to him again. How can he do this? Young Samuel comes up with some pretty creative ideas (most containing some element of vengeance for the perceived wrongs he suffered), but when he goes to enact them, he ends up playing with Hamza and they become best friends . . . and the vizier reckons that his son has fulfilled his command. It's cute.

[Mackenzie Keffer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This charming children’s book walks just the right line between being an enjoyable folktale-type story and teaching a lesson without beating us over the head with such Lesson. The story begins with some unfortunate encounters between two boys, one rich, one not so much; one Jewish, one Muslim; one the son of the grand vizier, the other the son of the tax collector. The former seems to be a rather dreamy, awkward young man who doesn’t seem to pay much attention to what he’s doing. I suppose being the son of the grand vizier has its privileges.

[Jade Watt · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a good book to show kids that you can find a friend in anyone no matter your thoughts and feelings on them. Sometimes even the worst of enemies can hash out their problems and unexpectedly become the closest of friends. It is also an important lesson from the book to not judge anyone based on their title or family, that was the main problem in the book. Many people judged the main character, Samuel because his father was the "Grand Vizier". This was a good book, with a couple of good lessons within it, I liked it!!

[Carli Osiniak · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall, I liked the book. The story exposes children to different cultures, which is important. It has good intentions but in order to use it, a lesson would need to be introduced before reading the story. There is a lot of vocabulary that young children will not understand, unless reviewed beforehand. For example, the word vizier. The illustrations are very detail, and match perfectly with the text. Not one my favorites.

[Emmalee Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good book to read to teach young students how to treat others with respect and using kind words. In this book, a boy had trouble making friends due to his rank. The father took it upon himself to make sure that no one ever says a mean word again. At the end of the story, we can see that being kind and understanding of one another is always the best choice. I think this would be a great book to start the year with to teach classroom expectations.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Jules was able to take a small historical event that happened between adults and adapt it into a picture book with children as the main characters. While didactic in purpose, the text isn't preachy and lets readers figure out how Samuel ended up carrying out the command of the Vizier to never let Hamza say a mean word again. A message about enemies becoming friends. Highly recommended.