In the Market of Zakrobat - Ori Elon - ★★★★

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AUTHOR: Ori Elon
GENRE: Children's Picture Book
PUBLICATION DATE: February 24, 2022
RATING: 4 stars.


This is a lovely little picture book that retells the Jewish fable of Yosef Moker Shabbos – Yosef who cherishes the Shabbat. (or, as we know it, the Sabbath.)

In the city of Zakrobat lives a miser named Balthosar. To make sure that his wealth stays his alone, he exchanged it all for a huge diamond. But circumstances work against him and ultimately, his wealth ends up with his neighbour Yosef, who is a poor cobbler but observant of the traditions and generous with his meagre riches.

As I’m not Jewish, this story was just a regular fable to me with no religious significance as such. But it will be an interesting way for children to learn that stinginess doesn’t pay and generosity of spirit is much more important than worldly riches. ‘You get what you give’ – this is a moral that I diligently believe in, and it was nice to see the same moral arising from Yosef’s story.

The illustrations are really well-drawn. The sketches will make you recollect old-time Russian storybooks with their vivid scenes.

Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword Publishers, for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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