Perfect Picture Book Fridays: The Secret Room

Here we are again, for another Perfect Picture Book Friday, Susanna Hill's brainchild. For information about the series, and how to participate, click here.

As I have mentioned before, my focus will be on Historic Fiction and Non-Fiction picture books, so, next in line is:

Title:  The Secret Room
Author: Uri Shulevitz
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Copyright Date: 1993

Ages: 7-12

Themes: Wisdom, Middle East Culture, Honesty, Humility

Synopsis (from book jacket):

While traveling through the desert, a king meets a man.  "Why is your head gray, and your beard black?" the king asks.  This question, and the man's clever answer, begins journey that leads him to a handsome reward and the answer to an even more puzzling question found within a secret room.
This wry, thoughtful story illustrated with jewel-tone tempera painting is sure to be a folktale favorite.

I like it because:

Any picture book with a link to history is fascinating to me!  This one not only tells a clever tale, but the jewel-tone tempera paintings lend to the Middle Eastern feel. The author/illustrator has won a Caldecott Medals for his previous works, and readers have no trouble seeing why.  I will be reviewing more of his books in future posts.

Some helpful links:

Middle East Culture:

http://k12east.mrdonn.org/MiddleEast.html

The Desert:

 http://www.atozteacherstuff.com/Themes/Deserts/

Wise or Foolish:

 http://www.sermons4kids.com/wise_or_foolish_group_activities.htm

Here's a Bonus:

A "How-to" book by Uri Shulevitz Himself!!

Writing With Pictures: How to Write and Illustrate Children's Books

I am enjoying this journey through the author/illustrator's world.  Definitely full of illustrations and examples for anyone interested in pursuing children's book writing and illustrating!