The Story of Ruth

June 27, 2005
With evocative phrasing and a strong and sure emphasis on loyalty and girl power, Schur (The Peddler's Gift
) offers a fresh take on this Bible story. When her husband and two sons die, Naomi does not want to be a burden to her also widowed daughters-in-law. As Naomi plans to return to her homeland in search of a fresh start, her daughter-in-law Ruth insists on accompanying her, despite Naomi's protests. "Wherever you go, I will go. Your people shall be my people, and your god, my God," Ruth insists. Ruth embodies duty, love and devotion—as well as faith in Divine Providence from a newly embraced God—as she cares for her mother-in-law, and is eventually rewarded with a romantic love of her own. Connelly balances a palette of lush greens, dusty browns and bold jewel tones in her softly lined watercolors. Though the tale is accessible to people of other faiths, an author's note explains Ruth's special connection to the Jewish holiday of Shavuot. Ages 5-9.

October 1, 2005
Gr 2-4 -This retelling of the complicated Bible story begins with Elimelech and Naomi's journey to Moab due to the famine in Judah and continues with the marriage of Kilion and Mahlon to Moabite women. After the death of her husband and both of her sons, Naomi returns to her homeland. Her daughter-in-law Ruth decides to join her: -For wherever you go, I will go. Wherever you stay, I will stay. Your people shall be my people, and your god, my God. - Ruth's courtship with Boaz is included along with the account of the birth of their son Obed, grandfather of David, the first king of Israel. The color illustrations are flat and unappealing and the text is dense, weighted down by all of the minor details. The author's note explaining the connection between the Book of Ruth and the Jewish holiday of Shavuot is interesting and informative. However, Jean Marzollo's "Ruth and Naomi" (Little, Brown, 2005) is a more attractive and child-friendly version of the story." -Rachel Kamin, Temple Israel Libraries & Media Center, West Bloomfield, MI"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.