<p>Review\nA breezy melody drifts through the air, seeking another creation to share its existence. Personified elements give a variety of excuses for rejecting the connection, Mountains give no reply, stones try but fail to join the singing, river can't slow down, crow is afraid he will be transformed, mole prefers isolation and horse fears ridicule. Melody asks itself universal questions, “What is my purpose if no one will listen? Why am I here? Whose am I?” Finally, a mother shares the melody with her baby as a lullaby. This is a lovely parable of the midrash of many nations being offered but refusing the gift and responsibilities of the Torah, with the final acceptance by the Jewish people. It is also a parable for seeking friendship in the face of rejection, as well as transmission of heritage through the generations.The gentle digital artwork enhanced with manual textures seamlessly connects the lyrical text with the soothing mood while page turns dynamically move the story forward. Originally published in Hebrew, the careful translation maintains the flavor of the tale.This is a wonderful book for all young children, perfect for baby's bedtime, story times with the theme of friendship, and a great addition to the holiday of Shavuot. -- Suzanne Grossman, Reviewer, Association of Jewish Libraries ― Sydney Taylor Shmooze, March 16, 2022\n"Oded Burla's THE MELODY is a beautifully told story about a song melody that is looking for someone to listen to it….Assaf Benharroch contributed his talents as an illustrator with beautifully colored illustrations…" -- Cindy Hewitt, Reviewer ― Hub Pages, March 26, 2022\nAuthor Oded Burla uses this simplistic story to make a statement about how the Torah was accepted by the Jews and shared for generations. This beautifully illustrated story can be read at bedtime or any time. Parents and teachers can use this tool to teach about Jewish culture. -- Kristi Bernard, Reviewer ― Kristi's Book Nook\nA beautiful story of a melody in search of a home. It travels around asking the mountains, the rocks, and even the animals to welcome it but they all have no use for a simple melody. The melody is lost until it happens upon a mother and child and discovers right where it belongs. ⁠This touching story stands alone but a note from the author explains that it also echoes the Jewish people embracing the Torah and serves as a beautiful reminder to share it. -- Charlotte Offsay, Reviewer ― Picture Book Recommendations, March 7, 2022\nThis is such a sweet book! I love the story of the melody searching for its purpose in the world. It almost has a fairy-tale legend kind of style, since even the mountains, rocks, and rivers are personified.The illustrations are very bright and colorful, with interesting figures in the background of each scene. The rocks and trees have big eyes and wide mouths. It's so cute! -- Kailey Bradley ― Luminous Libro, March 18,2022\nThis seems to be a simple story of a melody in search of a singer, but look a little closer and you will find echoes of an ancient Jewish tale. According to a two-thousand-year-old commentary on the Bible, God offers the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, to all the people of the ancient world. Each nation decides not to accept the Torah because it cannot abide by its laws. But when the Torah is presented to the Jews on Mount Sinai, they welcome it. Ever since then, the Torah has been the song of the Jewish people, and in every generation its melodies are sung by new voices.<br />
A free downloadable activity guide that highlights the themes in this book is available on the Kalaniot Books website.</p>

The Melody

Children's Books

Burla, Oded

Growing Up & Facts of Life

Kalaniot Books

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Books by Burla, Oded

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Burla, Oded. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Melody