[ha-Safran]: Query from Canadian Picture Book Writer

[Ann Abrams]

Dear Lesley,

This one came to my mind, re: your first question:

  Terrible, terrible!  Bernstein, Robin.  Kar-Ben Copies,  c1998
 A contemporary retelling of the folk tale, It could always be
worse.


 From School Library Journal

K-Gr 4--A modern-day version of a traditional Jewish folktale. When
Abigail's mother marries a man with four children, the girl finds her
new home far too crowded and chaotic and seeks help from the rabbi. The
woman advises her to bring even more into the tiny house (bicycles,
pets, dozens of cousins), creating situations that are increasingly
terrible, terrible, worse than before! Brightly hued, cartoon
illustrations nicely convey the sense of chaos, with objects, animals,
and family members practically spilling off of the pages. However, the
characterizations are weak, particularly those of the four stepsiblings,
who remain nameless and voiceless, seeming to accept the drastic changes
in their household with little more than a grimace. A timely premise in
this age of blended families, this book is not as much fun as other
standard versions of this story, such as Ann McGovern's Too Much Noise
(Houghton, 1967).

Teri Markson, Los Angeles Public Library

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.



Ann Abrams, Librarian
Temple Israel, Boston




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[ha-Safran]: Query from Canadian Picture Book Writer

[Lesley Simpson]

Hello All,

By way of introduction I am the author of two Jewish picture books, 
The Shabbat Box and The Purim Surprise. In my grown-up life I teach 
journalism at Ryerson University in Toronto, Canada. I am writing 
with two queries,  and I am hoping someone here can assist me. If 
you're allergic to typing e-mails, I welcome calls at my home in 
Toronto, 416 229 0320. I promise to call you back!


My first question is this: is there such a thing as a modern Chelm 
story that is more urban? I wanted to write a new kids book, set in 
the city, but wanted to read first what might already exist to avoid 
overlap and become more fluent about this genre. Any suggestions most welcome.

My second question is about a concept for an adult book related to 
the dreidel. Does anyone know of a   miscellany that explores the 
history, origins, controversies, midrashim and jokes about dreidels? 
This book would be more of a journalistic exploration but written 
with much humour and an appreciation for the zany.


Lesley Simpson





Messages and opinions expressed on Hasafran are those of the individual author
and are not necessarily endorsed by the Association of Jewish Libraries (AJL)
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SUBscribing, SIGNOFF commands send to: Listproc @ lists.acs.ohio-state.edu
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Ha-Safran Archives:
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