“Shoham Smith has wisely and sensitively adapted one of the finest stories of ancient Jewish legend without compromising its beauty and soul. Thanks to her endeavour, new generations will be introduced to this magical literature."

"Shoham Smith's language is clear, rhythmical, un-adorned… Her adaptations bring the treasures of Jewish Legend literature to the threshold of Israel's children, unapologetically, and with a sympathetic approach to the roots of our culture."

"Smith displays a clear text that manages to free itself from the intimidating shadow which envelopes the phrase 'Legend of Ancient Jewish sages' by treading confidently along the fine line separating simplicity and complicatedness, between day-to-day and high languages. The book is not deductive and deals with the importance of slow processes, with the power of knowledge and stresses the need to master cultural heritage."

This dramatically illustrated book—its white on black etchings endowing the images and story with depth as well as artistry—tells the story of the great sage Akiva. A hard-working, compassionate shepherd, he had never gone to school and yearned to know how to read. At age 40, humiliated because he still could not read, he was encouraged to begin to learn the aleph bet. This is a fine, inspiring book about striving and reaching one’s goal.

'Beautiful, detailed woodcuts illuminated with one or two colors complement the text, and give the book either an older or “retro-hip” look, depending upon taste. The story and the message are universal: one should not give up and it is never too late to learn.’