A chronologically arranged collection of more than forty Jewish folktales with commentary, including "The Seven Questions of Alexander the Great," "A Special Way of Thinking," and "Which One Was Blind?"
Storyteller, actor, writer and teacher Sheldon Oberman passed away in 2004, but he asked his colleague Peninnah Schram to help him complete Solomon and the Ant: And Other Jewish Folktales. Shram introduces and comments on the origins of the 43 folktales, some of which will be new to readers, others of which will be familiar, such as a quartet of Chelm tales and "The Smell of Money" (in which wise Solomon allows a greedy baker to hear the jingle of money in exchange for the aroma of his bread, enjoyed by a passerby). Shram includes a list of sources, and commentary often drawing upon the teachings of the Talmud. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
Gr 5 Up -An unusually varied and useful collection of 44 folktales ranging from legends involving the ethical dilemmas of King Solomon to stories of the Prophet Elijah to wisdom tales of ancient rabbis to universal stories given a Jewish slant and selections from near-modern times. The inspiration for Oberman's retellings stems from many cultures and continents, yet his direct, relatively unadorned language manages to convey the time and atmosphere of each setting. Sometimes reverent, sometimes jocular, each of the stories has something to teach. Oberman appends explanatory notes and source information to each folktale. Penninah Schram, who completed the editing after Oberman's death, has augmented the commentaries. Scholars will appreciate the notes indicating folkloric motifs and variants as well as the full bibliography. This is a gold mine for storytellers and educators alike.-Miriam Lang Budin, Chappaqua Public Library, NY
[Page 245]. Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
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