Jacob and Esau

Children's Literature

This straightforward retelling of the biblical story of Jacob and Esau is accompanied by vivid color illustrations that bring the teXt to life. Esau is dressed in a striped red robe, representing the eXplanation of his name, red and hairy. Jacob is dressed in gray robes and has a smooth, serious face. In the scene where Esau hands over his birthright for a bowl of red stew, Jacob looks on serenely while Esau voraciously devours his food in an animallike manner. Auld's retelling is faithful to the original. For eXample, Esau begs Jacob for "that red stuff," just as in the Hebrew teXt. Each page number is adorned with a bow and arrow on the right side and a bowl of stew on the left sidesymbolic of this classic sibling rivalry. The back matter includes a short discussion of Genesis and why the Bible is sacred to both Judaism and Christianity. A glossary and a list of discussion questions make this book especially useful for Sunday school lessons. One title in the "Bible Stories" series, this beautifully illustrated book should be appreciated by Jewish and Christian educators. 2000, Franklin Watts, $20.50 and $7.95. Ages 7 to 12. Reviewer: Jackie Hechtkopf <%ISBN%> 0531145867

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-These Bible stories are retold in a contemporary, pedestrian language. David and Goliath, from the First Book of Samuel, is about the brave young boy who battles with and overcomes the giant warrior who is his enemy; Jacob and Esau, from the Book of Genesis, tells of very different twin brothers who vie for the favor of their parents. Both titles conclude with background information and discussion questions. The nicely colored illustrations are biblically stylized, appropriate for the books. Although these are Judeo-Christian stories, they are also universal because of their classic human themes-courage, good and evil, sibling rivalry-all of which are good discussion issues.-Carolyn Jenks, First Parish Unitarian Church, Portland, ME Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.