The Donkey's Story: A Bible Story - Hardcover

Kindergarten-Grade 3 In this sprightly version of ` `Balaam and His Ass,'' taken from Numbers, Chapters 23 and 24, a don key introduces the tale by cautioning listeners to refer to stupid people as ``balaams,'' not ``asses,'' and then pro ceeds to give a simplified, slightly em bellished, but accurate version of the Old Testament Bible story. Balaam, a rather self-important but pious prophet, is entreated by messengers from King Barak to curse the large band of Israel ites camped in Moab before Barak's ar mies attack them. Although Balaam is flattered, he will not agree until he has consulted God, who tells him that the Israelites are to be blessed instead. Nevertheless Balaam sets out on his ass to confer with Barak. En route the ass is frightened by an angel with a sword and is beaten for her misbehavior until God gives her the power of speech to justify herself. The angel allows Ba laam to visit Barak, but his prophecies remain the same: Israel will be blessed. The Biblical language has been mod ernized, the amount of dialogue in creased, the sentences shortened, and the humor of the talking ass pointed up to make the story easier to read or tell. Portions of the prophetic passages are included, giving greater authenticity to the adaptation. The illustrations are done in a flat, simple technique, using large areas of bright color. Except for old favorites such as Noah and the Na tivity, good versions of individual Bible stories are scarce, and this one is both appealing and useful. Patricia Pearl, First Presbyterian School, Martins ville, Va.
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