Product Description

Evokes the spirit of an ancient city, recalling David, Nebuchadnezzer, Herod, Hadrian, Constantine, Saladin, Sulieman, and the many groups who came to conquer; and observes that despite 3000 years of being battered, burned, and rebuilt, Jerusaleum shines peacefully in the moonlight.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #557948 in Books
• Published on: 1990-09
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback

From Publishers Weekly
Kuskin chronicles Jerusalem's countless destructions and rebuildings over thousands of years in a strikingly illustrated book, lauded by PW as an "exquisite hymn to one of the world's great cities." All ages.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal
Grade 1 Up Through lilting poetic prose and glowing woodcuts, Kuskin and Frampton present a hommage to the holy city of Jerusalem, home of the three major religions. Four thousand years of the city's history are described, beginning with King David's conquest over Goliath, continuing through the Six Day War. In spite of all the battles, burnings, and rebuildings, the city stands majestically ``shining still.'' It is to Kuskin's credit that she describes the city's 4000-year history in such a brief form, while still conveying a personal sense of the place. She sometimes interweaves verses with the rhythmic prose. Frampton's woodcuts, in a predominantly golden color accented with other bright hues, are elegantly composed and radiant. This book, beautifully illustrated and well told, conveys strong feelings for the city of Jerusalem. Micki S. Nevett, Temple Beth Emeth Library, Albany, N.Y.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews

This book shines as surely as its subject!
It is a great pity that this book is out of print, because it is a lovely work of art, both visually and verbally. The story of Jerusalem is told in a beautiful, poetic style, with certain themes circling and echoing through the text ("When times are bad, they will get better"). The author does an amazing job of giving children the sense of the vast sweep of time, and of the ebb and flow of peoples who have come and gone from the Holy Land. The book does not talk down to children; instead, it leads them along, using ancient forms of repetition to reinforce their memory for each stage of Jerusalem's history. This book is a gem. If you can get the on-tape version, you will be delighted both by the voice of the storyteller and of the background music. This book has become part of my storytelling library; it will take some practice to memorize it all, but what a wonderful, shining story to tell!