Raisel's Riddle (Turtleback School & Library Binding Edition)

Silverman, Erica

ISBN 10: 0613597117 ISBN 13: 9780613597111

Publisher: Turtleback Books, 2003

Synopsis

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. In a Jewish version of the Cinderella story, Raisel, a poor but educated young woman who works in the home of a rabbi, captivates her ""Prince Charming""--the rabbi's son--at a Purim ball.

About this title

About the Author:

Erica Silverman is the author of The Halloween House and other books for children. She lives in Los Angeles, California. Susan Gaber has illustrated many children's books. She lives in Huntington, New York.

From Publishers Weekly:

Starring a Jewish orphan in a long-ago Polish village, this colorful, expertly structured variation on Cinderella offers many things: an independent-minded heroine plus a hero attracted by wisdom and virtue; a fairy-tale patina plus old-world ambiance; and a tie-in to Purim that grounds the story without limiting its appeal. Raisel is not immediately recognizable as a Cinderella type. Raised by her grandfather, a poor but devout scholar, she has studied right alongside him. When he dies, she finds work in a faraway village as the helper to a rabbi's cook, a jealous and harsh woman who could rival any evil stepmother. Silverman (Don't Fidget a Feather) maintains impeccable pacing, characterization and once-upon-a-time diction as Raisel catches the eye of the rabbi's learned son, and, through an act of kindness, earns three wishes on Purim. Enter a costume and magical transportation, and the Cinderella parallel pops out, to surprise and delight young readers. Raisel uses her wishes wisely and wins the love of the rabbi's son; unlike Cinderella, this maiden sets a test for her beloved, and it brings the story full-circle to its flavorful beginnings. Gaber (Bit by Bit) underscores the text's emphasis on the characters' inner resources. Her paintings find the warmth in Raisel's companionship with her grandfather, despite the modest surroundings, and they pay more attention to Raisel as a scullery maid than to her appearance in the magical costume. A splendid story, intelligently served. Ages 5-8.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Turtleback Books
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0613597117
• ISBN 13: 9780613597111
• Binding: School & Library Binding
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Gaber Susan