The Wooden Sword: A Jewish Folktale from Afghanistan

By Ann Redisch Stampler and Carol Liddiment

Disguised in servant’s clothes, an Afghani shah slips out of his palace to learn more about his people. When he encounters a poor Jewish shoemaker full of faith that everything will turn out just as it should, the shah grows curious. Vowing that no harm will befall the poor man, he decides to test that faith, only to find that the shoemaker’s cheerful optimism cannot be shaken. But the biggest challenge of the poor man’s life is yet to come!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Albert Whitman Company
• Release date: Apr 1, 2014
• ISBN: 9781497618633

Ann Redisch Stampler

Ann Redisch Stampler is the author of the young adult novels Afterparty and Where It Began as well as half a dozen picture books. Her work has garnered an Aesop accolade, the National Jewish Book Award, Sydney Taylor honors, the Middle East Book Award, and Bank Street Best Books of the Year mentions. She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband, Rick.

Reviews for The Wooden Sword

[Jeannie Meekins · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An enjoyable story

[stba_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A shoemaker’s faith that everything will turn out as it should is tested by the Afghan shah, who forces him to work as a water carrier, woodcutter and soldier. But when the shoemaker is asked to do a beheading, his own cleverness saves the day. Colorful, detailed illustrations lend a strong sense of place.

[maowangvater · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One night, the Shah decides to go out disguised as a servant to check on the state of his subjects. Wandering around Kabul he come upon the household of a poor cobbler and his wife celebrating Shabbat with a modest meal. When the Shah asks the poor tradesman why he and his wife are so content, the response he discovers is that it’s the man’s faith that God will always provide. “If one path is blocked, God leads me to another, and everything turns out just as it should,” replies the Jew. Impressed by his faith, but curious about its strength, the Shah decides to test the shoemaker.In the author’s note Stampler says that she chose this Jewish Afghani version of the folktale to adapt because of the respect that the two central character have for each other despite their different religions and stations in life. The benevolent smiles that Liddiment expresses in her cheerful illustrations harmonize beautifully with the author’s sentiment.

[lg503-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This story talks about a good man that no matter what he was always happy. The Sha of the town noticed it and wanted to test his faith, and believes. The Sha gave him several obstacles that the good man without knowing passed them all. The Sha really liked his attitude so he brought him to the castle so he could serve him as his main adviser.

[harrisrm · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This wonderful book presents children with a new interpretation of a classic Jewish folktale. A shoemaker and his wife are quite happy with their lives. They share their food with the Shah. The shah puts the shoemaker to a test his faith. A wonderful book to talk about different cultures.