The Barefoot Book of Jewish Tales

Eight popular Jewish stories get a fun new voice in this print and audio retelling. In “Elijah’s Wisdom,” Rabbi Joshua prays for Elijah the Prophet to come visit him and help him comprehend why bad things happen to good people and vice versa. As the prophet takes the rabbi along on Earthly visits, the rabbi learns that things are not always as they seem. In “The Perfect Mistake,” a king and his princess search for an expert to fix their beloved diamond. When an old woman promises to correct the stone’s crack, the royal pair learn a lesson in perspective and expectations. Mixed-media illustrations by Hall (The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau) accompany the collection and help bring it to vivid life. Actress Debra Messing provides audio narration on an accompanying CD that might be especially welcome at bedtime. Children and adults of all faiths will enjoy reading these stories and appreciate the universal lifelong lessons within. Ages 7–up. (Sept.)