Eve and Adam and Their Very First Day
A new and beautiful way to see the creation of the world
Editor’s Note: Leslie Kimmelman’s picture book is feminist midrash filled with wit, emotion, and humor too. It’s is a new and beautiful way to see the creation of the world through Eve’s eyes. Eve is inquisitive, creative, and strong. Eve and Adam remind readers what it feels like to be filled with wonder and to see things for the first time. And since what is new can be frightening, it’s also about fear of the unknown and a reminder that faith can see us through.
Author's note:
I began writing this book early on in the Covid lockdown, before vaccines arrived and when we had absolutely no idea what was coming next. Incredibly anxious like everyone else, I thought back in history, wondering what people did in the past when faced with scary and totally unpredictable situations. The first such example, of course, is the Garden of Eden story--nothing was known, nothing was familiar. Going back to Genesis helped me to understand that there are times when the only thing you can do is lean into your faith and take strength from your loved ones. One further note: I gave Eve top billing in my midrashic retelling because, well, isn't it about time she has a turn?! And stay tuned for part two of the story (coming out in May!), when Eve and Adam eat the fruit from the Tree of Knowledge: Eve and Adam Discover the World.
This excerpt from Eve and Adam and Their Very First Day, by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich, Apples & Honey Press (October 24, 2023) is printed with permission from the author.
Bio: Leslie Kimmelman is the author of more than fifty books for children, including Everybody Says Shalom, a Sydney Taylor Honor Book, and four other Sydney Taylor Notable books. She was a children's book editor for many years, including almost 25 years at Sesame Workshop. She lives in New York.
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Five tiny delights:
1. Discovering a great new book never fails to give me a thrill.
2. All flowers, but especially lilacs. Also, sipping that drop of nectar from the bottom of a honeysuckle blossom.
3. Eating my first ear of local corn each summer.
4. Swimming in a lake.
5. Listening to my husband play the piano.
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Five tiny Jewish delights:
1. Enjoying our backyard sukkah with family and friends every fall.
2. Exchanging funny (often punny) Shabbat video messages with our grandson each week. Such as using a Lamb Chop puppet to wish him "Shabaaat shalom." Hearing his gorgeous giggles nourishes my soul.
3. Klezmer music.
4. Doing Jewish baking, especially challah.
5. Hanukkah candles burning down in the menorah--the sight of the nine candles lighting the night, it gets me every time.
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