Image of the Week
© DURGA YAEL BERNHARD
Sunrise Over Prague
This illustration is from my new picture book The Dreidel That Wouldn’t Spin: A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah, by Martha Simpson, just published by Wisdom Tales Press. This wonderful tale of a toyshop on the eve of Hanukkah one hundred years ago did not specify a location – but my artist’s imagination immediately took me to Prague. What better place for a tale of toys with intelligence, marionettes with morals, and a dreidel that drops when spoiled children try to spin it? Creative artisans flourished in the bohemian world of this unique city a century ago, making all kinds of amazing toys. My editor gave the go-ahead, and I was on my way.
Who knows the name of the river that bisects the city of Prague? I can spell it, but I can’t pronounce it! It’s the Vltava River. I looked at many photographs before I created this semi-realistic composite image of actual buildings and bridges. A little artistic license enabled them to fit within the boundaries of the page. This panoramic scene opens the story, setting the stage and the mood.
Wait, who’s that mysterious figure in the lower left? It’s a peddler, of course . . . but not just any peddler. This peddler might just be a prophet, for he brings a magic dreidel that bestows a unique gift on the shopkeeper – even thought he can’t sell it.
Want to find out more? You can find The Dreidel That Wouldn’t Spin in my webstore, on Amazon, at Wisdom Tales Press, or at your local bookstore. The Dreidel That Wouldn’t Spin has earned almost twenty 5-star reviews on Amazon! Check out this charming teaching tale. Whether or not you buy it, please request the book at your local library! Many librarians will honor such requests.
Thank you for your interest in my art! If you want to be removed from this mailing list, just let me know. Otherwise, see you next week!
D Yael Bernhard
http://dyaelbernhard.com
http://dyaelbernhard.com
Author / Illustrator of
THE JEWISH EYE – 2015 / 5775 calendar of art
NEVER SAY A MEAN WORD AGAIN – A Publisher’s Weekly Starred Review
THE DREIDEL THAT WOULDN’T SPIN – A Toyshop Tale of Hanukkah
WHILE YOU ARE SLEEPING – A Children’s Book Council Notable Book
AROUND THE WORLD IN ONE SHABBAT – A Sydney Taylor Honor Book
GREEN BIBLE STORIES FOR CHILDREN – Nat’l Green Book Festival Notable Book
A RIDE ON MOTHER’S BACK – An American Bookseller Assoc. Pick of the List
– and more!