Miriam in the Desert

by Jacqueline Jules, Natascia Ugliano (Illustrator)

As the Israelites follow Moses through the desert, his sister Miriam comforts them through hunger, thirst, and endless wilderness. Miriam's grandson Bezalel describes their journey, drawing pictures in the sand as he dreams of the future. When his great-uncle Moses climbs the mountain to receive God's laws, Bezalel learns he has been chosen as the artist who will craft the Holy Ark for the Ten Commandments.

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2010

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

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bezalel's name very appropriately means 'in the shadow of God' - it refers to being under God's protection, but it's hard on the nose reflecting the fact Bezy's life and story is overshadowed by his famous grandmother and great-uncle - Miriam and Moses.

After the whole parting-of-the-Red-Sea bit, storytellers of the Exodus out of Egypt tends to skip straight to the victorious Battle of Jericho, not wanting to dwell too much on the wandering for 40 years part.

Understandable, as Jules is willing to show here how much people whined as they wandered. There's a lot going on behind both the whining and wandering - all of which summed up as: 'understandable but exasperating.'

But this all leads up to a positive moment here, emphasizing embracing the ability to create and make things beautiful. Also, does a great job showing that One Perfect Moment people often have where everything becomes clear. This is a good reminder that we all have the ability to do good and great things inside us, if we choice to listen to the voice inside us telling us to be strong.

[Samantha DeVoir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liberties are taken in this story, but overall it is a good read that ultimately points you toward God's faithfulness and provision while highlighting that He can use women as easily as He can use men, as well as using both the young and the aged.

[Shoshanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story of the wandering through the desert after leaving Mizrahim, as told by Bezazel, who in this story is the grandson of Miriam, with a focus on Miriam!

[Joey Gremillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Told through the eyes of Bezalel, grandson ok Miriam and great nephew of Moshe, this is the telling of the Jews' journey through the desert , witnessing of HaShem's miraculous feeding and care for His people and the giving if the Torah at Mount Sinai. Bezalel is the artist that HaShem chose to build the Holy Ark. I'm a huge of fan of Jules and her work is a must have for Jewish libraries

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the length and viewpoint of this book--and would like to try more by this author. Not so long and exhaustive as other stories about the exodus.