This is not a story I have ever heard before and I loved it. It's about a Jewish cobbler who is always happy and hard working, and plans for Shabbat every week. There is also the rich man who hoards his treasure and lives like a mizer. This story was wonderful and the illustrator did an amazing job. The illustrations are full of color and bring a smile to the reader's face.

This is a cute little storybook! I particularly enjoyed the drawings and think that's the highlight of the book.

It's short and sweet, and kids and adults will enjoy the pictures and prose.

I received an eARC of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

In the Market of Zakrobat by Ori Elon is a cute picture book with a wonderful message. This book is a retelling of a Jewish folktale based on Yosef Moker Shabbos who always honors Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest.

Baltosar is a rich man who lives in a giant fortress in the town of Zakrobat. He has 12 locked chests filled with gold coins. Despite all the riches, he lives frugally and is proud of it. Though, the people see him as stingy, and not careful.

From his high tower, Baltosar sees the hut of his poor neighbor–Yosef, a cobbler. He doesn’t even have money to buy shoes for himself, but on every Shabbat, he cooks elaborate meals for his daughter, Zohar. He is poor, yet he is happy; which leaves Baltosar bewildered.

A scary dream results in Baltosar coming up with the perfect scheme to keep his riches safe from Yosef. Unfortunately, much to his disappointment, his elaborate plan fails.

The illustrations by Menahem Halberstadt are colorful, evocative and truly delightful. They are sure to attract young readers. In fact, I requested for this book only because of the cover picture!
I would recommend this book for early readers as the vocabulary is simple, and they might be able to read this freely on their own or with a little assistance. The story is easy to understand, even for non-Jewish readers who may not be aware of Jewish customs and rituals. Yosef’s repetitive verses were delightful and made for an interesting read.
This story conveys valuable lessons in a simple manner. Children would understand the importance of sharing, and also how our thoughts and actions impact our lives.


I received an ARC from NetGalley and Pen & Sword Publishers in exchange for an honest review.

this was such a cute book, the illustrations were beautiful and the lesson this book taught was very eye opening. however i would have liked it even more if the ending wasn't too short; the end was quite abrupt and i wanted it to be a bit longer, or at least have a satisfying conclusion.

This is a lovely little picture book that retells the Jewish fable of Yosef Moker Shabbos – Yosef who cherishes the Shabbat. (or, as we know it, the Sabbath.)

In the city of Zakrobat lives a miser named Balthosar. To make sure that his wealth stays his alone, he exchanged it all for a huge diamond. But circumstances work against him and ultimately, his wealth ends up with his neighbour Yosef, who is a poor cobbler but observant of the traditions and generous with his meagre riches.

As I’m not Jewish, this story was just a regular fable to me with no religious significance as such. But it will be an interesting way for children to learn that stinginess doesn’t pay and generosity of spirit is much more important than worldly riches. ‘You get what you give’ – this is a moral that I diligently believe in, and it was nice to see the same moral arising from Yosef’s story.

The illustrations are really well-drawn. The sketches will make you recollect old-time Russian storybooks with their vivid scenes.

Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword Publishers, for the ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.