The Diamond Tree: Jewish Tales from Around the World

by Howard Schwartz

Publishers Weekly
One of the pleasures of reading folk and fairy tales attributed to specific cultures lies in finding the traits they share with stories from other peoples or places; another is coming upon the element that makes the story indigenous to that particular culture. The 15 brief tales collected here contain both delights: witness the story of Katanya, an obvious variant of "Thumbelina," who is a gift from the prophet Elijah to a lonely old peasant woman; and Og, a giant who is rewarded for helping Noah with a berth on top of the ark and is given food, drink and a raincoat by the grateful animals themselves. The editors do a splendid job of incorporating introductions of unfamiliar characters or ideas smoothly into the text--these tellings roll trippingly off the tongue. Shulevitz's ( Dawn ; The Treasure ) illustrations, with their characteristic jewel-like tones, are a perfect match; it seems unfortunate that there are only 10. Ages 7-10.

Genres: Judaism, Fiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Jewish, Short Stories, Fairy Tales

120 pages, Library Binding

First published August 22, 1991

About the author

Howard Schwartz is Professor Emeritus at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. He is a prolific writer who has published fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. In searching for themes and images for his work in various genres, he has often found his inspiration in biblical, midrashic, and kabbalistic lore. Many of his works retell ancient folktales, reflecting his belief in the importance of passing cultural lore from one generation to the next. His poetry frequently reflects the dreamlike and mysterious elements of Jewish mythology.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A collection "selected and retold by" Howard Schwartz and Barbara Rush, and according to the notes these were originally in Hebrew, and have been collected primarily for Israel, Iraq, and Eastern Europe. The tales vaguely resembled folktales that are more commonly known from Germany, UK, & France but were a bit different. A quick read for a family, or for most independent readers 7 and up. 3.5 stars rounded up because it's fairly unique... the only other Jewish tales I've encountered are picture-books about golems, or the wonderful 398.2 tales by Eric A. Kimmel.

I did particularly like the tale in which the mother rescued her children from the belly of the bear (not wolf) and put bread (not stones) in as replacement before sewing the beast back up. Happy ending for all!

[SheReaders Book Club · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one just as much as I did when I was 10. Mysticism, goblins, and witches. What's not to love?

[Ken · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amusing Jewish folk tales. Nothing too exceptional.

[April Helms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Selected and retold by Howard Schwartz and Barbara Rush ; illustrated by Uri Shulevitz. Another one I stumbled upon, and am happy to have done so. This is geared more to younger readers. It's amazing how universal some stories and folktales really are, although each version has its own, localized twist. Loved the story of Thumbelina, and the story about the fools (I wonder if this is where Neil Simon got his inspiration for his play, Fools?)

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember I won this in religious school by reading the most books from the library that year. It turned out to be quite a good prize. I still revisit this little book of tales from time to time. They're great folk stories for any age.

[Katt Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable collection of folk tales I've never heard before. I've really enjoyed researching these things, and the illustrations in this book are an added bonus - beautiful to look at and very well done. Overall a fun book to read. :)

[Fred Kohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you don't have the patience or time for one of Schwartz's larger collections aimed at adults, pick up one of his smaller collections aimed at younger readers. An added bonus in this collection is the wonderful illustrations of Uri Shulevitz.

[Bob · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love fairy tales so much.

[Intrepid47 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. I just found it on my coffee table and decided to read it and it was wonderful. I really liked the collection of stories that weren't too long, or too short.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific collection of Jewish folktales.