Review: The Koren "My First Tanakh Stories" Series

"My First Tanakh Stories"

Avraham Teaches Others | Miriam Finds Her Voice | Eliyahu Finds Hashem | Ruth Makes a Promise

by Shira Greenspan, illustrated by Rinat Gilboa

Koren Publishers, 2024

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Ronda Einbinder

Buy at Bookshop: Avraham | Miriam | Eliyahu | Ruth | whole set

In this series of rhyming board books, children are introduced to the Hebrew bible with four stories that bring characters from the Torah to life. The first book, Avraham Teaches Others, is written in rhyme and illustrated with green, yellow, orange, and blue pastels, telling the story of Avraham who helps three men who need food and rest. The three men bless him and Sara with a son. 

The second book, Miriam Finds Her Voice, tells the story of Miriam who hides her brother in a basket, sending him down the river for safety. Pharaoh’s daughter finds the basket and raises the baby as her own. Eighty years pass and the slaves are set free. Miriam uses her voice to lead her people to freedom. 

The third book tells the story of Eliyahu finding Hashem. Eliyahu is on a mission to get people to serve Hashem. Hashem tells him to climb to the top of a mountain. This is where he finds his stillest voice and where Hashem is found.

And the final story is that of Ruth. Ruth and Orpah dress grandly and live together in Moav. But then a group of people move to their village. Each one of them is a Jew serving one god. The women choose to leave their homes and join Naomi. When strategy strikes, Orpah returns to her family and Ruth remains with her deceased husband’s mother Naomi. It tells the story of the dedication and loyalty between Ruth and Naomi.

Each book is an introduction to the Tanakh, which tells the stories of how Judaism came to be. Non-Jewish children will also gain an understanding of the "Old Testament" and the reader can ask questions they feel appropriate. At the back of each book, there is a Guide for Grown-Ups, with an easy glossary and suggested discussion questions. These stories teach about kindness and dedication, which are the backbone of the Jewish religion. Both the author and illustrator have taken complicated historical stories and turned them into enjoyable and fun stories that kids will want to hear over and over again.

Are you interested in reviewing books for The Sydney Taylor Shmooze? Click here!

Reviewer Ronda Einbinder is a teacher/writer currently working on a young adult novel and picture books. She is a reviewer for Goodreadswithronna and a member of SCBWI and 12x12. She is also a 500-Hour Registered Yoga Instructor. She enjoys writing in her yard in the hills of Pasadena, CA listening to the birds chirp, with her constant companion and very handsome mutt rescue by her side.