10/21/2019
“When it snows in Jerusalem, the camels are surprised” begins Schneider’s parable of three children in that city. Mira, Rafi, and Samir play together, but their game reflects their world: “ ‘This is the border,’ says Mira, using a stick to draw a line in the snow.” As the snow begins to melt, they argue over who it belongs to: “The children look at the snow in their hands. They can’t see any difference, but surely there must be a difference.” Each takes some snow to their spiritual leader—a priest, a rabbi, and an imam—who all note its similarity to divinity: “ ‘The snow is a mystery’... ‘If you try to grasp the mystery... you lose it.’ ” Then it snows again: “And there is enough snow for everyone.” Chang’s distinctive illustration style mixes creamy texture, collaged elements, and expressive faces to depict the layered complexities of the children’s homeland. Ages 4–8. (Sept.)
Chang's art has childlike appeal but captures both the exhilaration of a surprise as well as the trouble and bitter feelings that come with prejudice...A good starting place for discussion.
Chang’s illustrations convey the gravity and touch of whimsy packed into this hopeful little story.
10/11/2019
PreS-Gr 2-German residents Schneider and Chang attempt a kid-friendly parable about Middle East peace in a stilted story about a rare snowfall in Jerusalem. Three children, representing the city's three major religions, go outside to enjoy the unusual treat. In a belabored spread with graceless visuals, the kids quickly stop playing and begin to argue, drawing borders and shouting about which religion the beauty belongs to. Each child carries snow to their religious leader and all three men (illustrated with delightfully varied beards), remind the children to appreciate the snow, and not claim it. "'The snow is a mystery,' says the rabbi./'A mystery like God himself,' says the imam. 'He is there, but you cannot hold him.'/'If you try to grasp the mystery,' says the priest, 'you lose it.'" The analogy falters though, as many Christian, Muslim, and Jewish clergy accept scientific findings and know that snow is not a mystery, however remarkable a gift it may feel. Meanwhile, the snow has melted and the children regret their fight. In a move that will likely not translate to resolving tension in Jerusalem, more snow begins to fall, enough for everyone to play again. A simultaneously immense and delicate subject, religious, political, and racial strife in the Middle East calls for an extremely deft hand. This well-meaning effort offers a clumsy gloss on the fraught topic, complete with camels (which mostly don't inhabit Jerusalem). VERDICT A picture book plea for religious coexistence that demonstrates heart, but not enough knowledge or craft.-Robbin E. Friedman, Chappaqua Library, NY
2019-07-14
Three children argue about where the snow comes from and who it belongs to, learning that they can share and enjoy together.
One rare snowy day in Jerusalem, Samir, Mira, and Rafi are playing but fall to arguing over how to "divide up the precious snow." They each decide to find out where it comes from and who owns it. Samir runs to the mosque to ask the imam; Mira goes to the church looking for the priest; and Rafi, to the synagogue to query the rabbi. Each child takes some snow with them only to discover when they reach their chosen authority that it has melted. The children's squabble is clearly a metaphor for the conflicts that arise among the region's different ethnic groups; Mira even draws a border. Schneider's text mentions soldiers, traders, worshippers, pilgrims, and tourists but doesn't delve into the region's complexities. Using gold and blue tones, Chang portrays the many different people moving through the city and the clothes and carpets displayed in the market. An unattended, fedora-clad camel strikes an odd note. Controversially, the people appear to live in peaceful coexistence, but this is not an everyday reality in divided Jerusalem. The book does not supply context necessary for readers unfamiliar with the conflict to understand such details as Mira's border or that a war over the territories has gone on for years.
A simplified—if not simplistic—conversation starter. (Picture book. 6-9)
