The Mountain Jews and the Mirror

Although this story is set in Morocco, it feels as though it’s been transplanted from Chelm, the legendary village of fools from Jewish folklore. Yosef and Estrella are beautiful newlyweds who have moved from their remote village in the Atlas Mountains to Casablanca in search of opportunity. But when well-meaning relatives install a large mirrored wardrobe in their apartment, the result is nothing but tsuris: alone and seeing their reflections for the first time, Yosef and Estrella both become convinced that the other has taken another, more gorgeous beloved. Adult author Feurerman, in her children’s book debut, and artists Kosec and Calderon never quite figure out how to make the couple’s vulnerability and naiveté endearing; readers may find themselves thinking that anyone who lives in those mountains should be made of tougher stuff (a notable exception is one scene where Estrella musters outrage at Yosef’s supposed infidelity). Even so, the illustrations bring alive the bustle of Casablanca’s narrow streets, and the couple’s expressive eyes almost dare the audience not to feel at least a smidgen of empathy. Ages 5–9. (Oct.)