תרנגולת אחת קטנה

by Elka Weber, עלקה וובר, אורי ויסלר (Illustrator)

כמה בעיות כבר יכולה לגרום תרנגולת אחת קטנה? תרנגולת קטנה הולכת לאיבוד. רבי חנינא בן דוסא ומשפחתו מוצאים אותה ומתנדבים לטפל בה עד שיגיע האדם שלו היא שייכת. הטיפול בתרנגולת מתברר כמלאכה קשה משציפו בני המשפחה.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Childrens, Animals, Cultural

33 pages, Paperback

First published August 9, 2011

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a charming story and Kleven’s illustrations are excellent. (If you’ve ever felt Kleven’s artwork was too crowded, that’s not the case in this book.) I appreciated the story even more after learning it was based on episodes in the Talmud. The moral in it is a welcome one in a modern selfish world of “finders keepers.”

Two small complaints: it would have felt more satisfying to have the thank you gift more obvious and highlighted than it was hidden away in a small illustration with the afterword. The main family was so poor and had worked so long and sacrificed for strangers, that I really wanted to see them finally benefit somehow. Also, apparently the original mother in the Talmud remained good tempered throughout the ordeal of caring for a stranger’s animals while living in desperate poverty, so why make the mother in this book such a complaining grump? It felt too much like the negative stereotyping of Jewish mothers with which we are constantly bombarded. At least make it more clear how much work she is already doing and how much time and food is lost to the animals without any benefit so that she appears more long-suffering and less grouchy.

[Becca Tillotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just recently read this to my boys, and it was a surprising hit (I myself thoroughly enjoyed it!). It's got a different tone than most children's books we've read, but in a lovely way. There's a tone of honorable and selfless living that caught at my heart. Definitely recommend!

[Sarah Green-Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love the art. I appreciate the values portrayed. Hard work, honesty, being your brother's keeper, making wise investments, etc. Great book. :o)

[Amy Bodkin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a retelling of a good story, but I prefer other retellings I have read.

[Shoshanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this! A funny tale with lovely if simple illustrations, teaches about our responsibilities to our neighbors, and the importance of kindness! Based on a Talmudic story!

[Alyson (Kid Lit Frenzy) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is folk-tale based on the Jewish law "finders aren't keepers". I was following the book until the end - however, it seems to work out for the person who lost the hen in the first place but the finders who put in all of the work don't seem to have benefited?! Maybe I am missing something?!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute re-telling of a traditional folk tale. Sophie really enjoyed all the animals in the book as well as the catch phrase "finders aren't keepers." The artwork is quite detailed and reminded me of Jan Brett's illustrations.

[Debby Baumgartner · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Jewish talk that shows how if you find someone's property you care for it until they come to claim it. This story begins with the finding of a chicken, which lays, which hatch into chickens and then sold for goats which have babies. When the owner reappears they give all to the returning owner.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great story to let kids wrap their heads around. Would THEY give the whole herd of goats away? Plus I love Elisa Kleven.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Five Books for Jewish American Heritage Month

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good moral lesson.
Read with Naomi and Julia.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming story adapted from the Talmud. Beautiful folk art illustrations.