KIRKUS STARRED REVIEW
Everything is completely new and unknown on the first day of human existence.
Eves first day finds her thankful and unafraid. Not even the brilliant ball of yellow burning above worries her. She notices a two-legged creature, who seems friendly and calls himself Adam. Together they give names to everything they see. Eve considers Adams ideas for namesdog, cat, antsomewhat boring, while hers are more interesting: nightingale and strawberry, for instance. Perhaps its because God had some practice before he made her. Eve emerges as the more dominant of the two, but she finds Adam kind and beautiful. Relying on faithand each otherthe pair deal with the strangeness of everything, from rain to sundown and night to the miracle of sunrise on their second day. The familiar tale is told in the ancient Jewish tradition of midrash, a way of interpreting and enriching Bible stories. Kimmelman employs soaring, highly descriptive language imbued with gentle humor, imagination, wonder, and awe, brought to vivid life by Avgustinovichs lush artwork. The brown-skinned duo are nude but covered up by Eves thick black hair and, in Adams case, a strategically placed leaf. Never demanding belief or denying science, this is a fresh take on the oldest interpretation of the beginning. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Gloriously beautiful and tender. (authors note) (Religious picture book. 4-9) --KIRKUS REVIEWS
Leslie Kimmelman and Irina Avgustinovich tell the story of Adam and Evebut this time, the tale is recounted from Eves point of view as she encounters Gods creations for the first time. She names the animals and all natural phenomena with her own creative touch and encourages Adam to do the same. She keeps him calm and reassures him with optimism when they experience their first frightening sunset and nightfall, when they are unsure whether there will be a second day of light. Eves determination to face the future with hope will inspire readers.
The magnificent color illustrations show the Garden of Eden in all its lush and lavish abundance. There is no snake in this gardenjust the beauty of new experiences and an appreciation of the worlds awe-inspiring wonder.
An authors note to this modern midrash teaches young readers that while new things can be scary and uncomfortable, having faith in yourself, in the people around you, or in God can help you cope with lifes challenges and uncertainties, and give you the confidence to anticipate what tomorrow may bring. --JEWISH BOOK COUNCIL
In this frankly feminist book, another delightful offering from Kimmelman, the first man and woman explore their surroundings while naming animals and plants they encounter. Eve's names--nightingale, weeping willow, nine-banded armadillo--are initially more imaginative than Adam's, such as ant, cat, and dog. As rain begins to fall and the sun goes down, the wo learn to lean on each other and their faith in God. Avgustinovich's vivid portrayal of the Garden of Eden and Kimmelman's words are wonderful reminders to marvel at both the "ordinary and miraculous" around us every day. --HADASSAH MAGAZINE
On her very first day in the Garden of Eden, Eve (who is strong and inquisitive and not afraid of anything), meets Adam, who was made first and has a beautiful smile. Together, they wander the Garden giving names to things. Adam gives simple names. Eve prefers more imaginative ones. However, Day doesnt last forever. The sun goes down. Night comes. Eve and Adam are nervous. Its dark. They are new and have never seen night before. But they have faith and, together, they make it through. Kimmelmans beautiful, lyrical language combines with Irina Augustinovichs spectacularly sensitive illustrations to give readers a creative telling of Eve and Adams first day. The two have golden skin and wavy black hair, which can be interpreted as white, Asian, or Latinx. Eve's long hair, along with various elements of nature, are cleverly used to hide the couple's nakedness in an unforced manner.
This is a book about faith and about getting through tough moments (like when the sun disappears) and knowing, somehow, that things will be good once again. Eve and Adam is based on a Torah story that, to the best of this reviewers knowledge, originated with the Jewish people and subsequently entered the other Abrahamic religions. That makes it an authentically Jewish story. The book will probably resonate with all of the Abrahamic religions, with all strands of Judaism, perhaps even with all beliefs. It might even resonate with those who have no religious beliefs. An important book for all preschool libraries. Includes Authors Note on the role that faith plays in the story and in life. --SYDNEY TAYLOR SHMOOZE
