Miriam at the River - by Jane Yolen (Paperback)

About the Book

A lyrical kid-friendly telling of the famous Bible story of baby Moses in his basket being set on the River Nile by big sister Miriam, who continues to watch over him as he becomes the Prince of Egypt

Book Synopsis

The biblical story of baby Moses as told by his big sister.

Giving her baby brother a kiss, brave little Miriam places Moses's basket into the river. With one quick push, she sends him into the water, hoping her wish will come true and her brother will be saved from Pharaoh's orders. But will Pharaoh's daughter arrive in time to rescue him?

Review Quotes

"Although the book clos-es with Miriam's con-fi-dent asser-tion that 'some day all the world/will know my brother's name, ' Yolen and Le have pre-sent-ed the ear-ly life of a woman who will also change history."-- Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council

-- (5/21/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"An enlightening note at the end of the book includes the biblical story on which this book is based, with mention of the three times in Miriam's life where water is significant" -- Anne Dublin, retired librarian of Holy Blossom Temple and author of A Cage Without Bars (Second Story Press, 2018), Toronto

-- (5/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"As the world again faces a destructive plague, we are all seeking leaders who can take us out and forward into a better day and perhaps a promised land. What better time, then, to enjoy this beautiful book by acclaimed author Jane Yolen?" -- Matt Robinson, The Robinson Reporter

-- (4/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"I think this is the deepest version of a children's story about Moses that I have come across." -- Jill Harris

-- (3/6/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Jewish children's literature is enriched this year with Jane Yolen's picture book, Miriam at the River." -- Sandra Bornstein

-- (4/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Miriam at the River' revisits the biblical story of Moses as told by his big sister in this book for those ages 5 to 9." -- Bob Jacob, Co-Editor, CJN

-- (4/3/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"There are very few stories which center brave women and girls from the Bible, and this is a welcome chance to delve deeper into these central figures from the Passover story." -- Rachael Reiley, San Jose State Univ, iSch Student, BayViews

-- (3/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"This book may appeal to thoughtful children, fans of poetry, and educators looking for examples of modern midrash, or stories that imaginatively fill the gaps in Bible stories." -- Miriam Aronin, Booklist Online

-- (4/17/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"This exquisite retelling of the poignant beginnings of Moses' life is welcome particularly because it emphasizes the courage and selflessness of the female characters of the biblical story." -- Lisa Silverman, Jewish Journal

-- (4/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"This is a worthy contender for the Sydney Taylor Gold Medal for Picture Books." -- Kathy Bloomfield, VP of the Association of Jewish Libraries, Sydney Taylor Shmooze

-- (4/7/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"With Pesach coming up, it's a great opportunity to teach children about Miriam and her role in the story." -- Adam Samuel, Journalist, Jewish Link NJ, Teaneck, NJ

-- (3/19/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Yolen puts readers inside Miriam's mind as the girl carries out her mission and realizes she is part of a bigger destiny." -- Publishers Weekly

-- (2/1/2020 12:00:00 AM)

"Yolen, a master storyteller, will enchant a new generation of young readers with this imaginative, lyrical retelling of the biblical story of Miriam, the older sister of Moses." -- Penny Schwartz, JTA

-- (4/3/2020 12:00:00 AM)

Miriam at the River will be a treasured book during Passover and all throughout the year." -- Marcia Berneger, San Diego Jewish World

-- (7/19/2020 12:00:00 AM)