Papa Jethro

October 1, 2007
K-Gr 3-Rachel asks Grandpa Nick why she goes to synagogue and he goes to church. He explains that she is Jewish and he is Christian, and retells the biblical story of Jethro, the Midianite father-in-law to Moses. Grandpa Nick describes how Moses fell in love with Jethro's daughter Zipporah even though they had different religious beliefs, and raised their children as Israelites. He emphasizes that despite their differences, Jethro and his grandson Gershom maintained a respectful and loving relationship. When Rachel asks if it matters that they are of different faiths, Grandpa Nick responds, "]you are my granddaughter. Nothing else matters." The cheerful watercolor illustrations enhance the text and add to its gentle sweetness. A valuable author's note provides additional information about the biblical story, pointing out that "the Torah speaks to the diversity and complexity of today's Jewish families." Readers who have a relative of a different religion will especially appreciate how this book reflects and validates their own families, but all youngsters will gain an understanding of how the lessons of the Torah still resonate in modern times. The author's note is especially valuable, making this a worthwhile purchase."Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 1, 2007
When Rachel asks her grandfather, Why do I go to synagogue and you go to church? Grandpa Nick spins a tale about Moses and Ziporrahs son, Gershom, who might have wondered something similar: Gershoms wise, beloved grandpa Jethro wasnt Jewish either. He made his home with the Midianite people, but he visited Gershom often, and the two played games and laughed together as Rachel and Grandpa Nick do. The telling is fairly straightforward, though Rachel occasionally interrupts Grandpa Nick with a question or a giggle carefully placed so the thread of the contemporary tale remains strong. This technique might have been awkward, but it works here, and it will help young listeners more easily recognize the parallels between the sets of characters. Dippolds biblical settings reflecting the dazzle of the sand and sun, remain distinct from contemporary scenes, which darken as Grandpa Nick ends his tale by giving sleepy Rachel a sweet good-night hug. A welcome choice for the many children in similar situations.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2008
A gentile grandfather tells his Jewish granddaughter the story of Jethro (Moses's Midianite father-in-law) and his Jewish grandson, Moses's son Gershom. The parallels between modern-day family and the biblical one are effective, but the storytelling is confusing. An author's note and the text itself promote the agenda of encouraging acceptance within interfaith families. Sand-color illustrations exude familial warmth.

(Copyright 2008 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)