Hare and Tortoise Race Across Israel

November 24, 2014
Gehl uses the framework of Aesop’s well-known fable to give readers a brief overview of some of Israel’s cultural and topographical highlights. After visiting the beach, the opera, and musuems, Hare and Tortoise stage a race to the Dead Sea. While Hare dashes ahead, Tortoise takes time to say shalom to passersby. “Want to share my falafel?” he asks Hare innocently, after catching up to him midway through the race. Working in a milky, muted palette, Goudreau’s crisply defined illustrations successfully capture Israel’s urban bustle, geographic diversity, and leisure attractions, including the friends’ dip in the Dead Sea afterward. “Slow and steady might win the race,” Tortoise admits, “but I’m hot and sore, too.” Ages 4–7. Author’s agent: Erzsi Deàk, Hen&ink. Illustrator’s agency: Advocate Art.

March 1, 2015

PreS-Gr 2-The age-old fable is retold with a modern Israeli setting. The tortoise and the hare race from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea, allowing readers to glimpse at locations along the way, from the city of Jerusalem to an oasis in the desert. Instead of providing a "whirlwind tour" like so many picture books about Israel, the locales are well integrated into the story line, and the characters' actions flesh out their personalities. Cleanly stylish, slightly retro digital illustrations show an Israel populated by diverse people and animals. Hebrew signage adds local flavor. The final spread offers a stylized map showing the race route and reminding readers of the things the tortoise and hare encountered along the way. VERDICT A wonderfully unique approach to showcasing Israel for young children.-Heidi Estrin, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

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