Member Reviews
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review, from NetGalley and Flyaway Books.
Author: Judith L. Roth
Illustrator: Melanie Cataldo
Publisher: Flyaway Books
On-Sale Now!
Synopsis: Ross’ sweet picture book narrative offers a speculative retelling of Exodus chapter 2.
Why I Requested this Title
I’m currently reading through Exodus, and I thought this picture book may provide extra insight, while provoking wonder. As I wrote in a recent review, I think that it is so important that children be given the opportunity to wonder and engage with their imaginations when interacting with the Bible. This is such an important genre!
What I Liked:
The story is written in the first-person, through Miriam’s perspective. Miriam is a sweet and loving big sister. She is also extremely protective, and I appreciated the portrayal of her protectiveness.
I feel like the narrative “filled in the gaps” for me by drawing natural conclusions from the details provided in Scripture. For example, Miriam is especially concerned when the princess approaches the baby’s basket. Details like these also provided me with fresh insights into a story that I’m very familiar with— inspiring wonder.
It was neat to get a glimpse into the character of Moses’ mother, to see her faith and courage. This was another thought-provoking element.
Illustrations
The illustrations are simply gorgeous and definitely something that drew me to the book. Characters and scenery, alike, we’re beautiful and realistic, while infused with highly imaginative elements. For example, one illustration depicts soldiers in the Nile.
Recommendation
Recommended, not only for its suggested audience, but also for adults who would appreciate a new take on the Bible story.
Given the religions overtures, it may not the first choice on many people's book list; but this storybook tells one of the oldest stories in time. It has its place if you want to introduce your children to the Ten Commandments and teach of the Passover and Easter timeframe holidays. Moses is an integral part of that story and there are not that many stories devoted for children.
“Hiding Baby Moses” is a unique point of view of Moses’ story. Told from the perspective of Moses’ sister, Miriam, we see what it was like for her to have to give up her baby brother. With the well written phrases and beautifully illustrated artwork, we learn how hard it was for Miriam, and how faithful God is.
A beautifully illustrated story told from Miriam's perspective. Moses' mother covers a basket with tar to make it watertight, hides him walking through town, and sets him adrift on the Nile. Miriam is along for every step, and worries for Moses while her mother sings a song about how God will protect the baby. Pharaoh's daughter picks him up and Moses' mother is able to nurse him until he is weaned and goes on to be raised as a prince.
There's a section at the end telling more details about context and where to find the story in the Bible, and original music for the melody of the song his mother sings. It's quite lovely and I recommend it as a child's-eye perspective on an important biblical story.
A lovely picture book for young readers of a well-known Biblical story told from Moses's sister Miriam's viewpoint with stunning illustrations that pay homage to the Biblical age. The book is beautiful but simple and is an age-appropriate retelling of a classic story and a reminder of God's favour, mercy and faithfulness.
I am one of Moses's biggest fans, but I am also a grandmother of five (ages 7 months to 6 years) who would be bored with this book. They read a Bible story every night and they know who Moses is, but the cumbersome use of language would cause them to read it once and then be done with it. I so wanted to like it!
Hiding Baby Moses by Judith L. Roth tells the Biblical story of baby Moses from the viewpoint of his older sister. It expresses the fear and sadness that she and her mother have over the necessity of putting Moses into harm’s way to keep him safe. Roth dramatically builds the level of tension and fear creating a beautifully illustrated book. The book includes music of the song sung to remind them of God’s protection. The book would make a great basis for children to act out the story of baby Moses.
Hiding Baby Moses is a beautiful Biblically based picture book. The narrator is Moses' unnamed older sibling who describes what it was like to hid the baby from Pharaoh's soldiers who were in search of and killing newborn baby boys.
This is a simple story for primary school children to hear the story of Moses from a differing point of view than how it is usually told. The author takes some liberties adding dialogue which of course was not recorded in the Bible.
I really enjoyed this title taking the Biblical story of Moses through Marium's perspective. The illustrations keep the story moving from page to page and provide lots of interesting visual aspects alongside the simple text. Would make a great readaloud for the Pre-K set.
This was a sweet book. The illustrations and song was wonderful. I recommend it for all ages. The way the song went in line with the pictures really brought the story to life. It was a really quick read. What a fun way to know about the origins of Moses.
This book is written in language that is appropriate for school aged children. It
Is a beautifully illustrated retelling of the story of Moses that focuses on his
Infancy. The author handled what could have been a difficult topic very well.
The story emphasizes the courage of Moses’s mother and sister and delivers
The strong and important message that God protects His people. It is appropriate
For any children’s book collection.
Hiding Baby Moses is a delightful introduction to the Biblical version of the well-known tale. Written with simple, fresh text and appealing illustrations, this is one book young children will want to hear again and again.
Young Miriam watches her mother place baby brother Moses in a basket and together they carry him to the river. Mama sings a song to the baby about their God. Miriam can't help but think of all the dangers in that big river (God will shield with holy feathers) as she watches over the basket (You will hide him in the shelter of a rock). Then the princess comes and discovers the basket and Miriam remembers the words of her mother's song (A refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat) as she approaches the princess and offers to call a nurse -- her own mother. This beautiful new picture book reminds children and their caregivers of the everlasting arms of our Heavenly Father.
Thank you to Flyaway Books and NetGalley for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
A well-done picture book, good as a read-aloud for ages 3-7. More than other books I've read on the subject, Roth captures the fear Miriam would have felt in an age-appropriate way. I like that the pictures are not totally cartoonish and seem to be fairly accurate to the setting. Recommended.
Hiding Baby Moses by Judith L. Roth is a sweet retelling of the biblical story of Moses. Hiding Baby Moses is simple enough for a child to understand, but profound enough to strengthen the faith of an adult. Throughout the story Miriam reminds herself of the faithfulness of God, even when she is anxious for her beloved brother's safety. This childlike faith is a wonderful example for children being introduced to the concept of trusting God. The story includes sweet illustrations and a song sheet for Miriam's faith filled song.
Hiding Baby Moses is an absolutely beautiful book. From the illustrations to the story. This beautiful story is told from the point of view of Baby Moses' sister. This picture book tells the story of Moses as he is put into the basket to be hidden from Pharaoh and follows to the point where he is saved by Pharaoh's daughter. This is a wonderful story to share at a Christian school, church, or at home with your own children. It is beautiful! I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion, and I will be adding it to my person collection, purchasing for my daughter's school, and for our Sunday school classes.
Hiding Baby Moses
by Judith L. Roth
Flyaway Books
Children's Fiction | Christian | Religion & Spirituality
Pub Date 27 Apr 2021 | Archive Date Not set
Beautiful illustrations and the text is well written. I loved the repetition of the book which reminds us that God is our shelter and provider. I believe children will enjoy this book and will recommend it. Thanks to Flyaway books and Netgalley for the ARC.
5 star
I received an electronic ARC from Flyaway Books through NetGalley.
Roth tells the story of Moses as a baby from his sister's viewpoint. Readers see how she felt as her mother hid Moses in the Nile and then how she quickly reacted when Pharaoh's daughter found him. Young readers will appreciate this first person narrative that places readers in the scenes too. The illustrations are lovely and realistic.
A terrific family read aloud or a Children's Moment book.
I liked the illustrations in this children’s book. It struck me that the skin tones used looked correct for Egyptians. Charming little book with the addition of a sweet song of faith and trust in God.
I received this book from the publisher via net galley in exchange for an honest review.
Delightfully written and charmingly illustrated, this story of baby, Moses, hidden in the bullrushes along the Nile River; will captivate and enchant even a very young child .This Bible story is so clearly and thoughtfully illustrated that it would be easy to tell the story to a toddler, by pointing to the pictures and simplifying the language! Preschool and early elementary students would quickly be fascinated by this story of bravery and sacrifice. Even the youngest child can feel empathy for the love Moses' sister has for her baby brother and the sadness and heartbreak of his mother as she gives him away to save his life. But a quick thinking sister comes up with a brilliant idea to reunite baby and mother!
Includes a beautiful little song children can learn and contains more information about Moses's future as a refresher for the teacher or parents and to continue the story with older children.
Would definately be a lovely addition to a home or Sunday School library.