Barnyard Purim

By: Kelly Terwilliger
Illustrated by: Barbara Johansen Newman
Publisher: KAR-BEN Publishing
Publishing Date: January 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7613-4513-8
Reviewed By: Amy Lignor
Review Date: February 5, 2012

Farmer Max is off to a Purim play one evening leaving his best friends - the animals - on the farm, who wish with all their hearts that they could go, too.

While Farmer Max is gone, the animals decide they will not be left out, and decide to put on their own play. The duck can ‘cha-cha-cha,’ the sheep can sing, and the horse can play the King. (Only because he’s the largest, of course). The biggest issue is, who will be the Queen? After all, that’s always the most important part when it comes to a Purim play.

As a note: Purim is the holiday that celebrates how a very brave and noble Queen Esther saved the Jewish people from an evil plot to destroy them forever. Haman was the dastardly man who wished the Jewish people of Persia to be harmed, and even got the King to agree. But…in stepped the Queen.

The goat in the barn has a beard, so he’s the perfect one to play Mordechai; the evil Haman is given to the sheep (who is the least evil and cutest one in the barn); and, the sound effects are taken on by the mighty cows saying, “Moo!”

But when an actual “beast” enters the barnyard and disturbs the play, the unsuspecting creatures have to unite as one in order to maintain peace and ‘win’ the day! Duck to the rescue!

This is truly a lovely tale. Not only is it filled with fantastic illustrations and humor, but by telling the very blessed and courageous story from the biblical Book of Esther, the reader gets an added bonus.

Quill Says: A fantastic book for kids that brings fun, enjoyment and learning all at the same time.