01/01/2017
Gr 1–4—The biblical story of Joseph is recast as a graphic novel populated by anthropomorphic animals. The tale has been somewhat condensed and the violence and sex glossed over, but the essence of the story comes through. Joseph, his father's favorite son, is an interpreter of dreams. His older brothers resent him and sell him into slavery in Egypt, where he undergoes hardship but ultimately becomes a powerful man. When his brothers come from Canaan to Egypt seeking food during famine, Joseph tests them and finds them changed, leading to a happy reunion for the whole family. The text offers themes of betrayal and forgiveness, the complications of family dynamics, and the desire to belong. Laff's colorful layout gives the ancient story a modern feel and offers a good scope for the visual nature of the tale with its many settings and characters. The Hebrews (rabbits), traders (dogs), and Egyptians (cats) add a playful touch. The panels are small and busy, better for individual readers than for group presentation. The format will appeal to children. VERDICT Jewish and Christian libraries will want to add this title to their collections.—Heidi Rabinowitz, Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL
2016-07-02
The Old Testament story of Joseph, the brother sold into slavery who becomes the pharaoh’s grand vizier, is interpreted in graphic-novel format. Laff retains the familiar elements of the tale, laying them out in graphic panels. Joseph has special dreams and also becomes an interpreter of dreams. All his brothers are jealous of Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, leading to his sale to some Ishmaelite traders. He is taken to Egypt, where he becomes useful in a wealthy merchant’s household but is compromised by the merchant’s wife and sent to prison. After nine years, Joseph interprets the dreams of the imprisoned butler and baker of the pharaoh. The lucky butler is released and tells the pharaoh of Joseph when the ruler has his own dreams that need interpretation. Joseph becomes the pharaoh’s top adviser, saving Egypt from famine. In her brightly colored, detailed panels Laff depicts her humans as anthropomorphic animals: the Canaanites, or Hebrews, are rabbits, the Ishmaelite traders are dogs, and the Egyptians are cats. They wear appropriate clothing, and the Egyptian details and backgrounds are particularly elaborate. Joseph’s well-known coat has rainbows, clouds, stars, and fur trimming; it looks an awful lot like a wizard’s cloak, but it is eye-catching, especially in a dark double-page spread, set in Joseph’s cell, when he is dreaming of the sun, moon, and stars. A lively version of a biblical story of wisdom, wits, treachery, and repentance. (Graphic fiction/religion. 8-11)
