The Wooden Sword

A Jewish Folktale from Afghanistan

Plot Summary

Disguised in servant's clothes, an Afghani shah slips out of his palace to learn more about his people. When he encounters a poor Jewish shoemaker full of faith that everything will turn out just as it should, the shah grows curious. Vowing that no harm will befall the poor man, he decides to test that faith, only to find that the shoemaker's cheerful optimism cannot be shaken. But the biggest challenge of the poor man's life is yet to come!

Reviews

"This tale of perserverance and confidence is told with well-researched authenticity and offers a positive view of this war-torn nation." Kirkus Reviews

"Despite the man's hardships, the simple yet elegant prose reinforces his optimistic refrain that 'everything turns out just as it should.' The lush, detailed backgrounds of the spreads bring to life the various settings....Ideal for those looking to add ethnic diversity to their folktale collections." School Library Journal

"Liddiment's rich-hued paintings highlight the characters' goodheartedness while carefully incorporating many culture-specific details and motifs; the vibrant patterns and lush costumes play well against the desert backdrop." The Horn Book Magazine

Associated Keywords
Afghanistan, Judaism, folktale