One City, Two Brothers by Chris Smith illustrated by Aurélia Fronty

Happy New Years!  It has been quite awhile since I have posted.  This is mainly due to the fact that my new job has kept me very busy.  I love working at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  It has been a very enriching experience.  One of the exhibits that I have had the privilege to be working with on the retail side was called Jerusalem 1000-1400: Every People Under Heaven.  It was a beautiful exhibit with some wonderful pieces of art. I say "was" because sadly it is closing today and most of the art work will go back to their original owners.  It was quite breathtaking.  In the exhibits shop we sold many beautiful things.....some even delicious---the chocolate is so good.  Of course there were many beautiful and interesting books to accompany the exhibition.  There were a few children's books but today's book stood out the most for me because of the message it sends.

One City, Two Brothers by Chris Smith and illustrated by Aurélia Fronty is a wonderful children's version of a traditional story.  It tells the story of two bickering brothers who are fighting over their inheritance in front of King Solomon.  The king  in turn tells the story of the beginnings of Jerusalem and two similar brothers who love each other so much that they secretly want to share their wealth with the other.  It is a beautiful story that demonstrates how caring, sharing, kindness and love for others is more important than who deserves something more....I loved the way this story is told.  It is written simply so that even a young child can understand the meaning. The illustrations are wonderful too...colorful and enchanting.  This is an "all ages" type of book... perfect to read aloud.