This is Israel: A Children's Classic

This is...

by Miroslav Sasek

Like the other Sasek classics, these are facsimile editions of his original books. The vibrant illustrations have been preserved, remaining true to his vision, and where applicable facts have been updated, appearing on a "This is...Today" page at the back of each book. The charming illustrations, coupled with Sasek’s witty, playful narrative, make for perfect souvenirs that will delight both children and their parents, many of whom will remember them from their own childhood. This is Britain, first published in 1974, encompasses the nation’s many facets, from the mystery of Stonehenge to the monuments of the British Isles. Among his stops are the White Cliffs of Dover; Brighton’s Prince Regent’s Royal Pavilion; the castles and Tintern Abbey in Wales; and Scotland’s four Royal Palaces and long lochs. This is Israel, first published in 1962, visits the Promised Land, a sun-drenched panorama of many hues and many traditions. From the Sea of Galilee to the Red Sea (it’s really blue); from modern Tel Aviv to Jerusalem new and old; from Mt. Zion to King Solomon’s mines; Sasek presents the biblical glory of its past and the golden hope of its future.

Genres: Travel, Picture Books, Nonfiction, Geography, Childrens, History, Israel

62 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1962

About the author

Miroslav Sasek (born Miroslav Šašek) (1916-1980) was an author and illustrator from the Czech Republic. He is best known for a series of books for children titled This Is...

Reviews

[Taressa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This narrator tells about Israel from the perspective of a child. The narrator, Jaffa,talks about the history of Israel, their customs, and the different foods eaten (ex. the men walking around with long beards and the clothing they wear). This book appeals to people of all ages, not just children. As a teacher, I would not teach this text because it had nothing dealing in a literary sense, but I would use this for a geography class because it gave great information on the history(ex. when the city was built and how the city received it's name). The students will interact with the text through the illustrations provided by Miroslav. Miroslav is European, so the information given in the text feels authentic. The illustrations provided are very vintage, which adds a touch to the text. The text show readers the life of Israel people through the eyes of a little boy.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this series there is places like, Hong Kong, London Venice, San Fransisco, it seems strange to me looking from 2016 that Israel would be part of this series. The only people I know who go to Israel are on a religious experience. The state departments says travel to Israel is 'complex' https://travel.state.gov/content/pass... . I can't see people in this day and age planning a pleasure trip to Israel. The information is still interesting and informative, but I can't say it is making me want to pick up travel brochure for a religious trip or a pleasure trip to Israel... Sorry Israeli tourist board.

[Carolien]

5 stars

[Courtney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the beautiful illustrations in this book.

[Trish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is about Israel. Very cool book.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a trip. Super surreal and nostalgic. Outdated and bizarre.
I loved looking at the vintage illustrations of places in Israel that look exactly the same today (as they did in '62) and was fascinated by the descriptions of things that no longer are -in a post '67 Israel.

I think this would be a fun read for any adult who knows modern Israel well. Especially for older adults who have lived through these changes.

[Sylvia J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My synagogue was cleaning out closets. This book was in a stack of children’s books to be given away. The binding was ripped, but I took it home anyways to read. I love this book! People need to realize it was published in 1962. I was a tiny child at that time. I was raised with the love of Israel, Eretz Yisroel. This book took me back to that time and Israel’s history. One main point of fact mentioned is that it is such a small country. As it says, the size of Wales or New Jersey.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all the Sasek books though I wish there was more facts and information in this one. The illustrations are always beautiful.