The Magic Pomegranate

by Peninnah Schram, Melanie Hall

Book by Schram, Peninnah

Genres: Jewish, Fiction, Childrens, Folk Tales, Picture Books

48 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2007

About the author

Peninnah Schram, internationally known storyteller, teacher, author, and recording artist, is Professor of Speech and Drama at Stern College of Yeshiva University. She travels across the US and other countries as a featured presenter at storytelling festivals, conferences, and as Performing Artist-in-Residence.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Part of the On My Own Folklore series, which presents early readers with world folktales adapted to their reading level, The Magic Pomegranate was originally collected in Peninnah Schram's Jewish Stories One Generation Tells Another .

A cumulative tale of three questing brothers, each of whom sets out to discover an extraordinary gift, and who use those gifts to heal a sick princess, this engaging story has elements that will appeal to both girls and boys. Folktales are an ideal method of communicating important cultural, religious and ethical values, and as Schram notes in her afterword, this tale embodies the Talmudic concept of self sacrifice as the highest form of "mitzvah," or good deed.

With the brief author's note, glossary, and list of further reading, this title is both entertaining and educational. I recently read and reviewed Schram's collection, The Hungry Clothes and Other Jewish Folktales , which I greatly enjoyed, and was consequently quite happy to find another children's book by the same author.

[Vanesa Salazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I felt like from the very beginning there were many lessons one learned as the book was read. There is an overarching theme at the end, however many small parts in between that make one think, reflect and learn along the way. It is easy to read and understand. It has a very positive portrayal of women. Even though the book is full of magic and enchantment, there is still an element of humanity in it, making it very easy to relate to. It is very open to being a Jewish folktale and explains many parts of the text and of Jewish background at the back of the book. The illustrations are gorgeous and the tale is refreshing and culturally educating. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book because of the elements of the folktale. I also feel like I am an honorary Jew even though I am a card carrying Christian, I care a lot about Jewish History and people. This story was good. How the three brothers went through out the world to find treasures and then after 10 years they would meet up and compare. It was interesting on how they use their treasure. Of course in any good folktale you can't leave out the princess element .

This book is for an older reader...probably 3rd to 5th Grade.

[Sara G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely illustrations and lovely story. Great ESL teaching material.

[Philip Burt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always liked this cumulative tale, and I'm working on it so I can tell this story. I like the magical element, as well as the questions it asks. An author's note also teaches about the symbolism of the pomegranate in Judaism and more.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

AR 4.0 -- 0.5

[Hannah]

But why does the princess need to be blonde?