A Queen in Jerusalem

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 2
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

In Jerusalem, in the early 20th century, a little girl named Malka—"queen" in Hebrew—dreams of dressing up as Queen Esther. It is the festival of Purim, and all the kids are looking forward to celebrating in their costumes. But Malka’s mother doesn’t have time to prepare a Purim costume for her. Where can Malka get a costume in time for the holiday?

Format Your Price Add
978-1-5124-4441-4
$9.74
978-1-5124-4442-1
$7.99
978-1-5415-1686-1
$22.99
978-1-5415-3977-8
$6.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Preschool - Grade 2
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books
Copyright 2018
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Kar-Ben Publishing ®
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2018-01-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV033020, JUV017090, JUV048000
Dewey [E]
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 9.25 x 11
Lexile 660
Features Author/Illustrator biography, Original artwork, and Reviewed

Author: Rachella Sandbank

Rachella Sandbank is the children’s and young adult books editor at Keter Books, one of the leading publishing houses in Israel. She lives in Hod HaSharon, Israel.

Author: Tami Shem-Tov

Tami Shem-Tov was born in Kiryat Ono, Israel, and lives in Tel Aviv. She teaches creative writing at the University of Haifa. Her previous children’s books have won many awards, including an Andersen Honor and the Bialik Prize.

Illustrator: Avi Ofer

Illustrator and animation director Avi Ofer creates projects for a variety of media, including book and editorial illustration as well as direction of animated films. He has exhibited in art shows and screened in festivals around the world. He lives in Barcelona, Spain.

Reviews

Association of Jewish Libraries


Jewish Book Council

“Malka is disappointed that her mother doesn’t have time to make her a Purim costume, but her mother thinks she’s now old enough to make her own. Malka sadly walks through the streets of Jerusalem. She can sense the city’s excitement for the holiday, but struggles to feel excited herself. How can she represent beautiful Queen Esther on Purim without her mother’s expert help?
As Malka wanders through the city, she discovers the magic of Jerusalem. She meets a man named Boris who introduces her to a group of weavers who fashion her a spectacular robe with golden threads. He then finds her a group of goldsmiths who make her a sparkling crown and scepter.
Malka learns that she has entered the Bezalel art school where students learn to sculpt, draw, weave, and create a variety of crafts. The school was named after the artist mentioned in the Bible who helped design the original Temple in Jerusalem. The art students ask Malka if they can paint pictures of her wearing her special new Queen Esther costume. She sits regally as they paint her portrait in a variety of styles. She now feels like an actual malka, a real queen, and is ready to celebrate Purim.
An author’s note tells the story of the real-life Boris Schatz who founded Bezalel Academy in 1906. The school is still training artists today.
As befits a story about art and artists, the book is charmingly illustrated in subtle color and will give readers a good feel for Jerusalem.
Recommended for ages 3 to 8.” – Jewish Book Council