Zhen Yu and the snake

Erica Lyons

Book - 2023

Based on the Talmudic tale of Rabbi Akiva's daughter and a snake, in 12th century Kaifeng, China, a fortune teller predicts Zhen Yu will be bitten by a poisonous snake on her wedding day.

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Subjects
Genres
Picture books
Published
Minneapolis, MN : Kar-Ben Publishing [2023]
Language
English
Main Author
Erica Lyons (author)
Other Authors
Renia Metallinou (illustrator)
Physical Description
1 volume (unpaged) : color illustrations ; 26 cm
Audience
Ages 4-8
Grades K-1
ISBN
9781728460253
9781728460321
Contents unavailable.
Review by Kirkus Book Review

In this retelling of the Talmudic tale of Rabbi Akiva's daughter, a prophecy foretells that a young woman will be bitten by a snake. Long ago, Zhen Yu's Jewish ancestors traveled the Silk Road and settled in Kaifeng, China, where they were welcomed into the community. One morning, a young Zhen Yu and her father, Li Jian, set off to Earth Market Street to buy food for Shabbat. A jade seller's shiny wares catch Zhen Yu's attention, and soon Li Jian realizes that she is no longer by his side. Distraught, Li Jian runs smack into the elderly Great Fortune-Teller of Chengdu, who clues Li Jian in as to Zhen Yu's whereabouts--and warns him that on her wedding night, she will be bitten by a snake. Years later, Zhen Yu is to be married, but her willingness to help a beggar ("the mitzvah of giving to the poor") sets into motion an event that saves her life. Set in 12th-century China, Lyons' version of the story highlights the history of the Jews in that region. In this retelling, Li Jian does not believe the fortuneteller ("the Jewish people had their own traditions") but is nonetheless worried. Metallinou's art, with bold accents, complement Lyons' narrative, and attentive readers will pick up on the beggar's resemblance to the fortuneteller and recurring snake motifs. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A novel take on a traditional tale. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.