Queen Esther the Morning Star

Mordicai Gerstein

Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2000 - Juvenile Nonfiction - 32 pages

Out of all the young women of Persia, Esther shines like a star. King Ahasuerus decides that she will be his new queen. Esther's cousin Mordecai warns her never to reveal that she is a Jew. "There are those at court who hate our people," he tells her.

One day the king's prime minister, a schemer named Haman, orders Mordecai to bow down before him. Mordecai refuses, saying he will bow only to God. Furious, Haman convinces the king that all of the Jews in the kingdom should be destroyed.

Mordecai realizes that Queen Esther will have to tell the king the truth and try to change his mind about the Jews. Will Esther and Mordecai be brave and clever enough to triumph over the evil Haman?

With lively storytelling and intricate illustrations that recall ancient Persia, Mordicai Gerstein breathes new life into this dramatic tale about remaining true to oneself and to God. It Is sure to be enjoyed on Purim and all year round.

About the author

Mordicai Gerstein is a popular writer and illustrator of books for children. Born on November, 1935 in Los Angeles, he attended the Chouinard Art Institute in California. He showed an interest in books and art at an early age and also became actively involved with animation. He soon teamed-up with writer Elizabeth Levy, and illustrated the successful "Something Queer" series of books, in which young sleuths Gwen and Jill team up to solve mysteries. In addition to illustrating, Gerstein began writing books of his own. He produced Arnold of the Ducks, a story full of charm and nostalgia about a young child who is raised by ducks. Arnold of the Ducks was adapted as an animated film. Gerstein has also retold many ancient religious stories, such as that of Jonah in his book, Jonah and the Two Great Fish. Gerstein has won many awards including 2 CINE Golden Eagle Awards from the International Film and Television Festival of New York.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Queen Esther the Morning Star
• Author: Mordicai Gerstein
• Illustrated by: Mordicai Gerstein
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2000
• ISBN: 0689813724, 9780689813726
• Length: 32 pages
• Subjects: Juvenile Fiction / Religious / Jewish; Juvenile Nonfiction / Holidays & Celebrations / Other, Religious; Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Bible Stories / General; Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Bible Stories / Old Testament; Juvenile Nonfiction / Religion / Biblical Biography