There Are Worse Things. A Jewish Folk Tale

There are stories in the world that seem to be known by everyone. More precisely, by all adults. But sooner or later, the time comes to tell them to children because these stories are simple, amusing, and instructive.

One of them... is before you.
 
It is so simple that it can be retold very briefly: a poor man, on the advice of a wise rabbi, brings various animals and birds into his tiny, poor hut, which makes life worse and worse for his entire family, and then he takes them out one by one, making life better and better.

It is amusing: everyone knows in advance that events will take an unexpected turn, and when it happens, we smile with relief.

It is instructive: one must learn to be happy with what one has, what is sent to you from above, because, as everyone suspects, there are worse things...


This wonderful Jewish folk tale, which has become a well-known story and a popular anecdote in many countries, has been retold for young readers and illustrated by Margo Tsemakh, a famous American writer and artist. In America, there is a special award and a special medal that are given each year for the best illustrated children's books. They are named after the wonderful English artist of the 19th century Randolph Caldecott. Well, Margo Tsemakh has received this award several times, including for the book about the poor man and the rabbi that you are about to read.