The Secret Room

by Uri Shulevitz (Illustrator)

While traveling in the countryside, a king asks a gray-haired man why his beard is black. "Because my head is older than my beard," he replies. The king is so impressed with the man's clever answer that he soon names him treasurer of the kingdom. But the chief minister is jealous of the influence this outsider has over the king and accuses him of stealing. In order to prove his innocence, the new treasurer must be wise as well as clever.
With jewel-tone watercolors, this simple but rich story by the Caldecott Medalist is sure to become a folktale favorite.

Genres: Picture Books, Fairy Tales, Childrens, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

Uri Shulevitz was an American writer and illustrator of children's books. He won the 1969 Caldecott Medal for U.S. picture book illustration, recognizing The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship, an Eastern European fairy tale retold by Arthur Ransome in 1916.

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an Allegory. About... wisdom, I guess. Well, at least about how trying to be an a-hole will probably come back to bite you in the ass.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why is this fable not better known? Universal & important theme, simply & entertainingly told. I loved the bright & provocative illustrations, too. A deceptively 'easy' book for all ages. Shulevitz himself deserves to be more well-known, and I will make a special effort, now, to seek out more of his books.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting quote:

"'Your Majesty, I am grateful for all the honors and riches you have given me,' said the man.
'But I must not get too full of myself.'
'So I come every day to this room to remind myself that I am still the same man with the gray head and the black beard whom you once met in the desert.' (pp. 30-31 - unpaged)

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The quote on the back cover from The Horn Book reads,

The spare telling and completely enchanting and distinctive character portrayals in the glowing illustration make this folktale another winner from this creative artist.

I agree. I'd never heard this folktale, so I had no prior expectations. It is a picture book, but it's more appropriate for an older audience, upper elementary at the earliest. There's so much to the story, yet the words are sparse. The art adds visual meaning to the text, which earns that fourth star in my review.

[Kate Atherton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am going to try to wrap my head around this one for a while....The beginning of this fable, very straight forward, totally 'Arabian Nights'-esque or Aesop's fables-ish but the second half of the story in which the 'Jafar' type vizier tries to frame the man with the black beard and white hair to get rid of him because he's just so darn smart and beloved by the king...the resolution was a little over my head and confusing. I'm going to be thinking about it though! I'll figure out what I learned...Lovely illustrations with some BRIGHT BRIGHT Lapis blue.

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful reminder of the importance of never taking ourselves too seriously and, even more importantly, that wasting our energy on trying to bring others down will only lead to our demise. It may be a "children's" book but everyone should read it, especially as a family, and have a discussion.

[Kati Zuber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like how Shulevitz teaches the next generation about his experiences during WWII through children's books. This book was sweet and fun to read, the paintings are very warm and well done, and the book is good for teaching empathy. All in all a fun story.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story seemed a little choppy.

[Klyon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another middle school read aloud

[Amy Souza · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great picture book for all ages. It is one of those rare books that has a very wise message that is applicable to everyone. This was written very well and has great illustrations.

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shulevitz's paintings are again striking and engaging, with his characters conveying so much in their spare facial expressions and bodily postures. In contrast, the wise hermit in drab clothing and downcast head illuminates the story with bright light. The king's chief counselor, with his ghastly facial colors, becomes the third point of the triangle in the tension and meaning in the story. No extent of honoring and elevating the wise man can take away his greatest treasure - his humility. I kept wondering when the element of the story would unveil the meaning of the title, but the revelation added great weight to the book. Note to self: In addition to OWL MOON, I also need to take this book along on my Advent retreat.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good old fashioned wisdom tale about a man whose beard is black but his head is gray. When asked why this is, he answers, "Because my head is older than my beard." His wisdom, honesty and humble nature get him recognition from the local king.

[Catalina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time I read Uri Shulevitz I fall in love with him and his stories again and again. The illustrations add richness to the tales and make his books great for adults and children alike.

[Jarm Boccio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful book which reveals true wisdom...being content with where and who you are!

[John Warner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow amazing picture book. Great lesson in book and beautiful illustrations.

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notes:
my son really likes this
high quality art and story like almost all shulevitz books

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A king meets a wise man and learns from him.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting illustrations, story somewhat unsatisfying.