Friday, October 5, 2012

PPBF: The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela



I'm pleased to be sharing another fabulous picture book: The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela by author Uri Shulevitz for Susanna Hill's Perfect Picture Book Fridays, which highlights reviews of picture books found to be perfect for librarians, teachers and parents.  Along with review, a few links are included to integrate learning with the theme of the book. How neat is that?  For more info on PPBF click the link here.





Title: The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela
Author: Uri Shulevitz
Publisher: Farrar Strauss and Giroux
Copyright: 2005

Ages: 8 to Adult!
Genre: Historic Fiction

Themes:  Travel, Sailing, Medieval World, Jewish History, autobiographies, diaries

Synopsis (from an Amazon reviewer):

Beautifully written and illustrated, The Travels of Bejamin of Tudela takes us on an incredible journey through the ancient Jewish world into the Diaspora nine hundred years ago. As the story unfolds, we visit one enchanting city after another and experience with our imaginations and amazing illustrations the sights, sounds, and smells of each beautiful and mysterious location. Don't miss this great adventure!

-Janie Grackin

I like this book because:  The Byzantine style illustrations and retelling of this true account in diary form, makes the reader feel he has joined Benjamin in his journey.  Well done...history lovers will lose themselves in the pages!

Unfortunately, this beautiful book is out of print, but, a few used ones are in existence.



I'm always fascinated with the author's life, so here is a link to Uri's Amazon author's page and a list of his other books.

Links to Learning:



About.com Judaism:

http://judaism.about.com/od/passoverforkids/Passover_for_Kids.htm

Jewish Religion and other major religions:

http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Homework/religion/jewish.htm

Jewish Learning Network:

http://www.akhlah.com/

Jewish Holidays:

http://www.myjewishlearning.com/holidays/Jewish_Holidays/Shavuot/At_Home/For_Kids.shtml

Medieval World:

http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/games.html

http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson156.shtml

Hope these were helpful...stay tuned for next week's PPBF historic fiction review!


26 comments:

  1. I am a great admirer of Uri's work and this sounds unusual and enchanting. Thank you.

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    1. You are welcome, Joanna. I've just discovered him recently, and now I'm a fan!!

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  2. This sounds very interesting, Jarm. Thanks for introducing us to it!

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    1. Check out the link to Uri's author's page, too...he has written and illustrated many stunning books. Thanks for stopping by Julie!

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  4. Lovely looking book. The Illustration is eye catching and I love historic fiction, especially of far away places. Just checked out a couple of his other books. Interesting!

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  5. Good...I'm glad it encouraged you to pursue it further. Enjoy his other books!

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  6. Those illustrations are breath taking. What a wonderful way to learn about Jewish culture.

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    1. Yes, I agree Kirsten! That's what attracted me to this author/illustrator at the beginning of my search for good historic fiction PBs. Thanks for stopping to comment!

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  7. Uri's work is beautiful and you've shared a wonderful list of resources. Thank you!

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  8. I'm glad they were helpful, Heather...I enjoy searching for resources!

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  9. Wow, what a gorgeous, interesting and educational book, Jarm. Beautiful art! And I love all the history and imagination. Thanks for adding it to our list!

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    1. You are right, Susanna....beautiful artwork and history are a winning pair. Thanks for your encouragement!

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  10. What a beautiful color. This book looks and sounds amazing.

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    1. Yes, Penny...I love the vivid colors. They are as sharp as the story!

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  11. This looks like a beautiful book. I like the artwork alot. And I am intrigued that it's an out of print book. that calls for a quest! Thanks for sharing this.

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  12. Yes...I'm always ready for a quest, readingwithrhythm!!

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  13. Jarm, this sounds like a real treasure. I fell in love with the story, cover and message. I love gems like this! Thanks for sharing.

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    1. It IS a treasure, Pat...I love Uri's text and illustrations. And I'm glad you do, too!

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  14. The story and illustrations look enchanting. It looks a little old for my kiddo, but I fit into the age range. Yeah!

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    1. I think the illustrations themselves would attract the little guys, but you are right, Stacy, adults and older kids can enjoy the text more fully. Thanks for your comments!

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  15. Jarm...I love your focus for PPBF. You are introducing me to picture books that are unique and important. I will try to find a copy...this one looks beautiful. :)

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    1. You are welcome, Vivian...I'm so pleased you are enjoying them. And, I hope you are able to find a copy...I need to do the same!

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  16. Love the illustrations on this one! It's so nice to see these posts on picture books. I'm in that in-between stage where my kids are far to old for picture books, and there are no grandchildren on the horizon, so I appreciate reviews of good ones.

    ~Debbie

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    1. Yes, you are right, Debbie....this is a good one for the in-between stage. I'll keep looking for more!

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I would love to have you comment...thanks!

Journey into the Promised Land

Journey into the Promised Land
From Egypt to Israel