The Purim Story: Picture Books for ages 3-8, Jewish Holidays Series (Jewish Holiday Books for Children)

I really wanted this book to work, but I will need to find another one. I was looking for something appropriate for children ages 2 - 5 years old, and also for part of our family that is not Jewish/unfamiliar with the holiday and customs.PROS- Great education about what Purim is- tells what customs are observed during the holiday and why- has a glossary of hebrew terms used- has a cute rhyming style (although the language is a little higher reading level than needed for children)CONS- The story includes language that I feel is absolutely too dark/completely inappropriate for small children. For example - it says Haman wants to "kill" all the Jews - why not use less scary/specific language like "get rid of", "hurt", "destroy"... Another example - It says Haman is "hung on a tree"... Why do they need to be that specific/graphic? I personally do not feel comfortable reading this to my child, and I definitely do not feel comfortable sharing this with my non-Jewish family as an introduction to the holiday.In the end, Purim is a joyous holiday, and I was tripped up by the blunt descriptions of the negative parts of the story. I would keep this just to use the glossary and customs background, but I will be looking for a different version of the actual story that is more child-friendly.

great

This story is told in rhyme with large print. The pages are uncoated, not protected. The pictures have an old fashioned feel in color and style, 1970's - 80's. The story is compromised at parts with forced rhyme and not the best metering. The content of story facts is good for young children. It does cover the customs and traditions, in rhyme as well, at the latter part of the book such as the Megillah reading, costuming, and gift giving of foods and tzedakah. There is also a glossary of terms in the beginning.

Too much for a 3 year old. Probably good for age 5 or 6

Simplistic and tries to rhyme. Cuts out parts of the story but good for young children.

Rather too simple and does not get into the story as well

It is just a bunch of papers that were put together. No plot, no coherent story, after reading it the kids had no idea what was the story about. Most of the main and essential parts of the Purim story are missing - my kids couldn't learn anything significant from these book. The illustration are very amateurish and not attractive at all - my kids(4 and 7 years old) didn't even want to look at them again (as they usually do after reading a book). So it it not even a book that I could read them for fun.It seems that it didn't take the author more than 5 minutes to write it, otherwise I don't have any explanation to this extremely poor quality.I definitely regret that I've spent any money on it.

I always look forward to new releases by Mazor Books. This one might just be my favorite one so far. It combines some history of ancient Persia, religion, holidays and culture wrapped up in one little package. The author provides a detailed Glossary at the outset of the tale to explain unfamiliar concepts and vocabulary.Briefly, the story tells of the king of Persia in the fourth century B.C. who makes the decision to marry the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, Esther. Esther hides a secret from him. When Haman, the king's minister, hatches a diabolical plot to kill all the Jews in Persia, Esther schedules a garden party during which she reveals her secret. Her husband rescinds the decree, punishes Haman, and sets forth the modern day traditions of Purim. Today the holiday is celebrated four weeks before Passover. During this period, children dress in colorful costumes and parade, the story of Esther is read in the synagogues, families feast on foods like Hamentashen, and the members of the community assist less fortunate family and friends.Sarah Mazor's rhymes are clear, catchy and clever. They bring a smile to my face. Christyani executes the illustrations with a flair for color and boldness. The facial expressions of the characters embody what they are feeling. This assists younger children in following the story. I believe the book teaches elementary school children sound values and presents the history and culture of the story in an easily understandable format making it a good choice for parents and teachers to add to their multicultural collection.

The story s written in a very comprehensive way. The rhyming style helps the children to engage and to remember the story.

This was perfect for the Shul Library that I work for.

The story is too simplified and images are poor. It is not interesting for children. I expected a better quality