The Book of Secrets
This exciting graphic novel presents a series of puzzling mystical Jewish stories weaving together a daring adventure tale, following siblings Rose and Ben as they search for their missing grandparents, aided only by a mysterious book, a lantern, and their wits. Anticipating danger, the kids’ grandmother, Bubbe, appears to the twins in a cloud of flour and tells them to find a package that contains a book. The midrash stories they find—about the flying Ziz, the giant Og, the gatekeeper at a maze, and a treasure-seeker who lives in a mushroom hut—provide insights into defeating the creepy sorceress scheming to take the book. As the mystery deepens, the siblings must follow the Lamplighter’s wise advice, slip past a guard into a maze, reunite with their grandparents, and learn why they have inherited the responsibility to protect the book—and the Jewish people.
Format | Your Price | Add |
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978-1-5415-7825-8
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$14.99 | |
978-1-5415-7826-5
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$14.99 | |
978-1-7284-0556-8
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$24.99 |
Author, Illustrator: Mat Tonti
Mat Tonti is a teacher and an artist who strives to make art that is inspirational and educational, including comics, illustrations, and Ketubot. When not teaching, or making art, he can be found playing in the woods.
Awards
- 2021 Aesop Accolade
Reviews
Sydney Taylor Shmooze
“While the style of art is unusual and the story unconventional, the awards committee may just have a taste for something different this year, and will send the The Book of Secrets to the top of their list!” — Gigi Pagliarulo
Jewish Book Council
“This graphic book celebrates Jewish heritage with each story it tells, and encourages its readers to do the same.” — Ricahrd C. Kraus, Jewish Book Council
AJL Newsletter
“With artful, easily understood frames and vivid colors, the author/illustrator crafts an engaging read. The stories are taken from the Mishnah, Hasidic tales, Midrash, tales of the Ba’al Shem Tov, and a story by Kafka.” — Debbie Colodny, retired librarian, Cook Memorial Public Library District, Libertyville, IL; former owner Sefer, So Good; former member Sydney Taylor Book Award Committee, AJL
Kirkus Reviews
“Readers will be happily confounded by every secret in this book.” — Kirkus Reviews