Two Kings (book series): Difference between revisions
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Live ''Two Kings'' plays, based on the book series, appear regularly in front of Israeli schools.<ref>[http://www.shturem.net/index.php?section=news&id=82482 Two Kings Plays]</ref> |
Live ''Two Kings'' plays, based on the book series, appear regularly in front of Israeli schools.<ref>[http://www.shturem.net/index.php?section=news&id=82482 Two Kings Plays]</ref> |
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<ref>[http://www.powerrabbi.com/two-kings-visited-jerusalem/Two Kings Visit Jerusalem]</ref> |
<ref>[http://www.powerrabbi.com/two-kings-visited-jerusalem/ Two Kings Visit Jerusalem]</ref> |
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== References == |
== References == |
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Revision as of 21:00, 10 February 2019
| |
| Author | Fishel Jacobs |
|---|---|
| Language |
|
| Genre | Children's literature |
| Publisher | Israel Bookshop Publications |
| No. of books | 2 |
Two Kings is a series of two Jewish children's books by American-Israel rabbi and author Fishel Jacobs.
The two books in the series are Two Kings: Let's Go Play (2008) and Two Kings: It's My Turn (2009).
Story
The Two Kings series centers around the story of a young boy named David and his Good King and Bad King. The two kings represent his Yetzer Hatov, the inclination in Judaism to good, and his Yetzer Hara, the inclination in Judaism to do evil. David struggles with choices and the two kings fight with each other to influence David's decisions. At the end of each book, David eventually chooses the right thing and becomes wiser for it.
Two Kings: Let's Go Play
Two Kings: Let's Go Play, also known as Two Kings 1, is the first book in the series and was published in 2008 by Israel Bookshop Publications. The book was written by Fishel Jacobs and designed by John Reinhardt. In the book, David must make a choice between babysitting his little sister inside or playing outside with his friends. He ends up inviting his friends inside to color with him.[1]
Two Kings: It's My Turn
Two Kings: It's My Turn, also known as Two Kings 2, is the second book in the series and was published in 2009 by Israel Bookshop Publications. In the book, David must make a choice between playing games on the computer or allowing his sister to use it, who needs it for a school project due the next day.[2]
Reception
Reception of the Two Kings series were generally critical and many commented that the religious message and examples felt forced.
The Jewish Book Council stated that, "The situations David faces are appropriate to today’s young children, but they feel forced and preachy. . . . Brightly colored, simplistic, cartoon-like illustrations show the smiling Good King and the frowning Bad King whispering in David’s ear and battling each other for control of his actions."[3]
The Association of Jewish Libraries stated that in Two Kings: Let's Go Play, "Their arguing and wrestling in David’s mind is interesting but the premise and the moral—listen to your parents and they will be proud—is about as unsubtle as possible. Most boys would not give up running around outside to go inside and sit quietly. It would seem that if David is responsible enough to watch a baby, he is probably older than the target audience for this book, again emphasizing the incongruence of the message with the example. Recommended for Orthodox preschools only."[4]
The Chabad book review stated that, “... an illustrated tale of a child’s conflicting impulses - is an accomplishment 30 years in the making.” [5]
The Chabad Magazine stated that, "Two Kings has become a driving force in education. And its conceptual thesis effortlessly resolves the greatest internal conflicts in the minds and hearts of children.״ [6]
In 2014, a third title in the Two Kings series was also announced to be in preparation for publication. As of January 2019, a third book has not been published.[7]
The Two Kings series (volumes 1 and 2) was released in Hebrew, in 2014. [8]
Live Two Kings plays, based on the book series, appear regularly in front of Israeli schools.[9] [10]
References
- ^ Jacobs, Fishel (2008). Two Kings: Let's Go Play. Israel Bookshop Publications. ISBN 978-0967348155.
- ^ Jacobs, Fishel (2009). Two Kings: It's My Turn. Israel Bookshop Publications. ISBN 978-0967348148.
- ^ Rauschwerger, Diane Levin. "Book Review of Two Kings: Let's Go Play". Jewish Book Council. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
- ^ Pinchuck, Kathe (February–March 2009). "Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter" (PDF). Association of Jewish Libraries. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ Children's Book Rooted In Ancient Parable
- ^ Two Kings: From Tanya To Kindergarten
- ^ Jacobs, Fishel (2014). "Inviting Ideas For Future Two Kings – Installments". Power Rabbi. Retrieved January 29, 2019.
- ^ Two Kings series in Hebrew
- ^ Two Kings Plays
- ^ Two Kings Visit Jerusalem