Bateman reminds readers of the proverbial phrases, "Be careful what you wish for" and "Money can't buy happiness." Tom, a musician, spreads joy throughout the emerald land on his timeworn harp, but longs to become a wealthy minstrel. While in the woods contemplating his fate, he wonders out loud if perhaps his shabby old harp is the source of his problem, and wishes for a new one. Lo and behold, a small man dressed in green appears with a gold harp. Astonished at his good fortune, Tom quickly makes the trade and seals the deal. When his vintage instrument disappears with the mysterious little man, Tom feels a bit of a pull on his heartstrings, but is blinded by the glitter and deaf to the tinny sound of the new one. All the right doors open to the minstrel with the golden harp, but alas, Tom is not as happy as he thought he would be, since people are in awe of the harp instead of the music. Tom's ultimate dream comes true when he moves into the palace to perform exclusively for the king, but he soon realizes that although he lives like a prince, he has lost his freedom and is a palace prisoner. Naturally, all turns out right in the end, with Tom having learned his lesson, thanks to a more benevolent than usual leprechaun. Bateman's (Leprechaun Gold, 1998, etc.) chatty message is made more charming by Weber's (Angel Spreads Her Wings, 1999, etc.) winsome figures and clever details, lots of green, of course, and music-appreciating animals. A welcome addition to the slender group of St. Patrick's Day picture books. (Picture book. 5-8)
Pub Date: March 15, 2001
ISBN: 0-8234-1523-6
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2001
This tale of perseverance and confidence is told with well-researched authenticity and offers a positive view of this...
An old Jewish folktale set in Afghanistan tests the faith and character of both a wealthy shah and a poor man.
In old Kabul, the good shah leaves his lavish home disguised as a servant to discover whether the people of his country are “sad or happy, rich or poor, foolish or wise.” In the poorest part of town, he encounters a young Jewish couple happily welcoming the Sabbath. Impressed with their attitude despite their humble circumstances, the shah questions the man’s livelihood and decides to secretly challenge his never-failing faith by creating a series of decrees that will hamper the man’s ability to earn “puli,” or money. Each time, though, the former shoemaker succeeds in finding new work as a water carrier, woodcutter and royal guard. When, as a guard, the young Jew is made royal executioner and must cut off the head of a thief, both faith and wit save the day, and the shah finally understands the Jew’s true ability to wisely carve out his path in life. Detailed, gently humorous paintings reflect the colorful richness of the Afghani traditional rugs, robes and turbans set against sandy mountainous backdrops.
This tale of perseverance and confidence is told with well-researched authenticity and offers a positive view of this war-torn nation. (author’s note) (Folktale. 5-8)Pub Date: March 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-0-8075-9201-4
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Whitman
Review Posted Online: Dec. 2, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2011
Other books do it better (with sensitivity): Handsigns, by Kathleen Fain (1993), and The Handmade Alphabet, by Laura Rankin...
Clean, digital illustrations depict one word for each letter of the alphabet in sign language.
For example, “F is for Fish” shows a boy catching a fish: The letter F is at the top of the page, and in a circle underneath is the hand sign with the simple sentence printed across the bottom. Most of the letter choices are common, with a few that are less so: J for Juggle; R for Robot; V for Vegetables; Y for Yo-yo. A one-page pictograph of all of the signs finishes the book. It all seems innocuous enough, but the total de-contextualization of the manual alphabet and sign language in general is breathtakingly irresponsible. The introduction, which is directed to child readers, entices children into the activity by promoting sign-language finger spelling as "your own secret language." "Imagine… spelling something to your brother or sister that your parents don't understand. You can—with sign language!" Nowhere is there a reference to American Sign Language as a major communication system for people who are deaf or any encouragement to use this skill with them.
Other books do it better (with sensitivity): Handsigns, by Kathleen Fain (1993), and The Handmade Alphabet, by Laura Rankin (1991). (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: March 6, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-4027-6392-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Sterling
Review Posted Online: Dec. 13, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2012
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
