Barnyard Purim

by Kelly Terwilliger, Barbara Johansen Newman (Illustrations)

Purim is a topsy-turvy time, even on the farm. The animals decide to stage a Purim play, and Chicken assigns the parts. Blushing Duck is Queen Esther, Silly Horse is Ahashuerus, and Bearded Goat is Mordechai. But when they try to transform Shy Little Sheep into mean-looking Haman, something unexpected happens.

Genres: Picture Books, Jewish, Childrens, Holiday, Judaism

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A barnyard of animals decide to put in their own Purim play when left to themselves by their farmer as he heads off to his own. Everyone has a part, even the devious fox who sneaks in to try for some dinner. All hands on deck as they unite to save themselves.

[Lennon Wayne]

The illustrations for this book were fantastic! I want to cut them out and decorate with them.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was chaotic and I was not a fan. The illustrations creep me out and I felt so bad for the poor sheep.

[Julie Ditton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This clever book has the barnyard animals perform their own Purim spiel, and Duck shows the true bravery of Esther.

[K.L. Bernard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do barnyard animals celebrate Purim? Well, according to this tale they do. Farmer Max has announced to his animals that he is going to a Purim play. Amongst themselves, they decided that since they can't go with farmer Max, they will just put on a Purim play of their own. First, they decide who has talent, second who will play which characters. Sheep, the most nervous animal in the barn, is selected to play evil Haman. Unfortunately for Sheep and his character, he cries every time the animals say something to him in their character. In an effort to help Sheep gain confidence with his character role Goat creates a fox-like costume for Sheep which depicts the sly-fox mentality of Haman. But when a real fox shows up, all the animals are in big trouble. Can they gain courage like Esther and save the day?

This hilarious tale of bravery will have readers giggling and learning about Purim. Lively illustrations and easy to read sentences make this a great book for beginners. Purim, a holiday that comes in early spring, recalls how brave Queen Esther saved the Jewish people of Persia from wicked Haman's evil plot to destroy them.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Farmer Max's farm animals decide to put on their own Purim play while he's off watching one. Each critter lobbies for which character they would like to play, which makes for fun dialogue. Little do they know that an unexpected animal will try to join in the play and add to the already chaotic scene. While the Purim play plays out, this little unexpected twist in the story is a surprise that children will like. The paintings are vibrant and lively, and full of amusing details that build up into a crescendo of color and activity. All in all, a funny and fabulous take on the subject!

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, so the fox messed up the Purim play the farm animals were putting on for their own entertainment, and they never got to finish it, but at least the farmer brought home hammentaschen!