THE BAREFOOT BOOK OF JEWISH TALES

"Tell the stories and pass them on. Whatever your child remembers, that will be enough." So begins this collection of stories for children. Debra Messing narrates in an unassuming, conversational tone that brings listeners right into action. When the Prophet Elijah goes on a journey to help people, Rabbi Joshua goes along because he wants to understand how Elijah chooses those to help. Especially exciting is the scene in which Netan's collection of cut-out Hebrew letters miraculously turns into prayers on Yom Kippur. Messing sets a brisk pace during the action but then slows as each tale ends so that its message--on the importance of compassion, generosity, or teamwork--lingers with the listener. A.R. © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2013]