Mysterious Guests: A Harvest Story

Be the first to write a review
Pick Up In Store

Pick Up in Store

Reserve and pick up in 60 minutes at your local store

Hardcover
$14.86
BN.com price
$16.95 List Price (Save 12%)
Marketplace (New and Used)
from
$0.01
$16.95 List Price (Save 100%)
Usually ships in 1-2 business days
All (26)  
Used (13)  
New (13)  
Close
Sort by
Page 1 of 3
Showing 1 – 10 of 26 (3 pages)
$0.01
(Save 100%)
Better World Books
Seller since 2006

Feedback rating:

(50880)

Condition:

New — never opened or used in original packaging.

Like New — packaging may have been opened. A "Like New" item is suitable to give as a gift.

Very Good — may have minor signs of wear on packaging but item works perfectly and has no damage.

Good — item is in good condition but packaging may have signs of shelf wear/aging or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Acceptable — item is in working order but may show signs of wear such as scratches or torn packaging. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Used — An item that has been opened and may show signs of wear. All specific defects should be noted in the Comments section associated with each item.

Refurbished — A used item that has been renewed or updated and verified to be in proper working condition. Not necessarily completed by the original manufacturer.

Good
Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Shipped to over one million happy customers. Your purchase benefits world literacy!

Ships from: Mishawaka, IN

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$0.01
(Save 100%)
OwlsBooks-TRM
Seller since 2009

Feedback rating:

(22563)

Condition: Good
Giving great service since 2004: Buy from the Best! 4,000,000 items shipped to delighted customers. We have 1,000,000 unique items ready to ship! Find your Great Buy today!

Ships from: Lakewood, WA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$0.01
(Save 100%)
Discover Books Ltd.
Seller since 2006

Feedback rating:

(3584)

Condition: Good
Some wear on book from reading, some spine creases, wear on binding and pages, we guarantee all purchases and ship all items via USPS mail.

Ships from: Sumas, WA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
$1.98
(Save 88%)
LuVal Farm Enterprises, Inc.
Seller since 2009

Feedback rating:

(78)

Condition: New
2008 School & Library Binding New and factory sealed hardback edition.

Ships from: Woodburn, OR

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 88%)
ATeamBooks
Seller since 2011

Feedback rating:

(407)

Condition: Good
Proven Seller with Excellent Customer Service. Choose expedited shipping and get it FAST.

Ships from: Conway, AR

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 88%)
Gr8LakesBooks
Seller since 2010

Feedback rating:

(423)

Condition: New
New

Ships from: Detroit, MI

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$1.99
(Save 88%)
thriftbooks-com
Seller since 2007

Feedback rating:

(5902)

Condition: Very Good
Purchasing this book supports the King County Library System Foundation. Thriftbooks and KCLSF have partnered to help raise additional funds for the library system. Ex-Library ... book - will contain library markings. Book has appearance of light use with no easily noticeable wear. Millions of satisfied customers and climbing. Thriftbooks is the name you can trust, guaranteed. Spend Less. Read More. Read more Show Less

Ships from: Auburn, WA

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
  • •Express, 48 States
  • •Express (AK, HI)
$2.89
(Save 83%)
BBS Books
Seller since 2006

Feedback rating:

(3260)

Condition: Like New
0823418936 Great Book at a Great Value. Our Customer Feedback rating speaks for itself. We take pride in our customer service. Some of our book may have a publisher mark. Ships ... from TN. Read more Show Less

Ships from: JEFFERSON CITY, TN

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
$3.94
(Save 77%)
Extremely_Reliable
Seller since 2007

Feedback rating:

(3184)

Condition: Good
Buy with confidence. Excellent Customer Service & Return policy.

Ships from: Richmond, TX

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Canadian
  • •International
  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
$4.99
(Save 71%)
The Paper Book Co
Seller since 2008

Feedback rating:

(89)

Condition: Good
Good Condition! Ex-library copy with normal library markings. Hardcover with glossy dust jacket! Mylar cover to protect dust jacket. Good binding and clean pages! Light shelf ... wear. Read more Show Less

Ships from: Uniontown, OH

Usually ships in 1-2 business days

  • •Standard, 48 States
  • •Standard (AK, HI)
Page 1 of 3
Showing 1 – 10 of 26 (3 pages)
Close
Sort by

Overview

Master storyteller Eric A. Kimmel spins a tale of Sukkot in this heart-warming tale.

It was the season of Sukkot, the Jewish harvest festival. Two brothers each built a sukkah to celebrate and share the gifts of the earth. One brother was very rich; he built a sukkah of great riches and splendor. He invited only the richest guests to celebrate and share with him. The other brother was very poor. He built a sukkah of found materials and leftover goods, yet he invited all to share the holiday with him. When three mysterious guests visit each brother on Sukkot, they leave a special blessing behind—a blessing that touches ...

See more details below
Note: Kids' Club Eligible. See More Details.
Sending request ...

More About This Book

Overview

Master storyteller Eric A. Kimmel spins a tale of Sukkot in this heart-warming tale.

It was the season of Sukkot, the Jewish harvest festival. Two brothers each built a sukkah to celebrate and share the gifts of the earth. One brother was very rich; he built a sukkah of great riches and splendor. He invited only the richest guests to celebrate and share with him. The other brother was very poor. He built a sukkah of found materials and leftover goods, yet he invited all to share the holiday with him. When three mysterious guests visit each brother on Sukkot, they leave a special blessing behind—a blessing that touches not the beauty of the sukkah, but the generosity of the heart.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

Sukkot is one of those Jewish holidays that never get a fair shake, literary-wise. But Kimmel and Krenina (previously paired for The Castle of the Cats) go a long way toward remedying this situation with a lyrically rendered tale of charity rewarded. In ancient times, two brothers-stingy, rich Eben and generous, poor Ezra-are each dwelling in a temporary shelter known as a sukkah, as is customary during the seven-day celebration. A disheveled-looking trio, who are actually Abraham, Isaac and Jacob down from heaven in search of a few good menschen, visit the brothers in turn, testing their hospitality, offering parables and pronouncing judgment with a phrase-"May this sukkah's outside be like its inside"-which quickly proves to have a double meaning. Krenina's stylized, harvest-toned acrylics and thoughtful, dark-eyed characters evoke a world where the everyday and mystical are intertwined, and righteousness is clear-cut. As usual, Kimmel takes an expansive, grandfatherly tone, offering a lesson wrapped in a reassuring hug. Ages 6-10. (Sept.)

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Children's Literature
This moral tale begins with the legend in which the Biblical forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob return to Earth in disguise for the harvest holiday of Sukkot and ask to share the holiday meal. If welcomed, they leave a blessing; if not, they teach a lesson. In Israel live two brothers. Eben is both rich and selfish, while Ezra is poor but kind and generous. During Sukkot, when poor folks come to Eben's luxurious sukkah banquet, they are turned away. Ezra's sukkah is not grand, but he does his best to prepare and shares with everyone. When the forefathers arrive in dusty cloaks and worn-out sandals, they are welcomed everywhere but at Eben's. They tell him a story that ends with a lesson and the ruin of his sukkah. Ezra, of course, welcomes them. This time the story has a happier ending. And Eben has learned to mend his ways. Krenina's acrylic illustrations project a dense, rather dark atmosphere. The characters are mainly seated in the sukkahs surrounded by the fruits of the harvest, with the table's cover used as background for the lengthy text. The painterly scenes primarily contribute emotion rather than action. The author adds background information about the holiday. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz
More Reviews (2) Fewer Reviews
School Library Journal

K-Gr 4

Kimmel weaves common folk elements with traditions from the Jewish holiday. Two brothers set up their sukkot. The stingy, rich brother has a beautiful one but begrudges food to strangers. The poor, kind brother's humble sukkah is open to all. The biblical patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are the mysterious guests who curse the unwelcoming host and bless the hospitable one. All ends well as the kind brother gains the riches he deserves, while the mean one learns his lesson. Readers will enjoy the sensory frisson as each sukkah transforms into the rotted shell or glittering bower that represents its inner atmosphere. Universal themes of hospitality and justice make the story emotionally satisfying. Krenina's dark, rich paintings support the folktale flavor of the original story. This entertaining tale conveys important values that are applicable year-round and in every tradition.-Heidi Estrin, Feldman Children's Library at Congregation B'nai Israel, Boca Raton, FL

Kirkus Reviews
Wealth and kindness vie in this instructive autumn-holiday morality story illustrated with Krenina's dim, muted acrylics in harvest hues. Two brothers, one rich, pompous and undeserving, the other modest, charitable and selfless, live separately and hold individual Sukkot celebrations. Jewish tradition states that the weeklong observance, held in a small hut (sukkah) just outside the home, include the welcoming of guests at the family meals. When three weary travelers (the spirits of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) knock on each brother's door, a test ensues to see if the welcome they receive merits a blessing or a curse. Wealthy Eben invites only certain proper and important people to his table and barely allows the disheveled travelers space in a corner, while kind Ezra happily welcomes them as equals-with entirely predictable curses and blessings, respectively. Typical of Kimmel's work but not his best, this holiday offering is handicapped by the dark and dense illustrations. Still, the shelves do not overflow with Sukkot tales; this is a serviceable stopgap while waiting for more. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780823418930
  • Publisher: Holiday House, Inc.
  • Publication date: 9/28/2008
  • Pages: 32
  • Sales rank: 863,446
  • Age range: 6 - 9 Years
  • Product dimensions: 8.60 (w) x 11.20 (h) x 0.40 (d)

Meet the Author

Eric A. Kimmel is professor emeritus at Portland State University and a celebrated children's author. He is a frequent lecturer and storyteller at schools and conferences. His previous collaboration with Katya Krenina, The Birds' Gift: A Ukrainian Easter Story, received the Storytelling World Award honor, and School Library Journal admired it as "filled with warmth." A native of Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Kimmel now lives in Oregon.

Katya Krenina is a full-time children's book illustrator. She has collaborated with Eric A. Kimmel on a number of books, including The Castle of the Cats, which School Library Journal praised as "a winner." Raised in Lvov, Ukraine, Ms. Krenina now resides in New York.

Customer Reviews

Be the first to write a review
( 0 )

Rating Distribution

5 Star

(0)

4 Star

(0)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

Review Guidelines
Add Recommendations
Your Name: Create a Pen Name or Leave Anonymously

Barnes & Noble.com Review Rules

Our reader reviews allow you to share your comments on titles you liked, or didn't, with others. By submitting an online review, you are representing to Barnes & Noble.com that all information contained in your review is original and accurate in all respects, and that the submission of such content by you and the posting of such content by Barnes & Noble.com does not and will not violate the rights of any third party. Please follow the rules below to help ensure that your review can be posted.

Reviews by Our Customers Under the Age of 13

We highly value and respect everyone's opinion concerning the titles we offer. However, we cannot allow persons under the age of 13 to have accounts at BN.com or to post customer reviews. Please see our Terms of Use for more details.

What to exclude from your review:

Please do not write about reviews, commentary, or information posted on the product page. If you see any errors in the information on the product page, please send us an email.

Reviews should not contain any of the following:

  • - HTML tags, profanity, obscenities, vulgarities, or comments that defame anyone
  • - Time-sensitive information such as tour dates, signings, lectures, etc.
  • - Single-word reviews. Other people will read your review to discover why you liked or didn't like the title. Be descriptive.
  • - Comments focusing on the author or that may ruin the ending for others
  • - Phone numbers, addresses, URLs
  • - Pricing and availability information or alternative ordering information
  • - Advertisements or commercial solicitation

Reminder:

  • - By submitting a review, you grant to Barnes & Noble.com and its sublicensees the royalty-free, perpetual, irrevocable right and license to use the review in accordance with the Barnes & Noble.com Terms of Use.
  • - Barnes & Noble.com reserves the right not to post any review -- particularly those that do not follow the terms and conditions of these Rules. Barnes & Noble.com also reserves the right to remove any review at any time without notice.
  • - See Terms of Use for other conditions and disclaimers.
Search for Products You'd Like to Recommend

Recommend other products that relate to your review. Just search for them below and share!

Create a Pen Name

Your Pen Name is your unique identiy on BN.com. It will appear on the reviews you write and other website activities. Your Pen Name cannot be edited, changed or deleted once submitted.

Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously

We're sorry, but penname is already taken.

Please select one of the following:
Your Pen Name can be any combination of alphanumeric characters (plus - and _), and must be at least two characters long.

Continue Anonymously

penname is available!

By visiting the BN.com website or marking a purchase on BN.com, a User is deemed to have accepted the Terms of Use.

Continue Anonymously

Welcome, penname

You have successfully created your Pen Name. Start enjoying the benefits of the BN.com Community today.

If you find inappropriate content, please report it to Barnes & Noble
Why is this product inappropriate?
Comments (optional)
500 character limit