The Magic Pot

Elizabeth Levin is chair of the Psychology Department at Laurentian
University.

The Magic Pot is a Jewish fairy tale. As such, it may appeal to young
Jewish readers or those looking for a multicultural story. Be forewarned
that Yiddish words are used, so don’t miss the definitions provided at
the end of the story. In addition, while the text is richly and warmly
illustrated, some of the Jewish symbolism may not be understood by all
readers. Finally, the writing is at a higher level than the intended
audience of four- to six-year-olds.

The story begins with a description of the Bubbe, the grandmother, who
has both arthritis and psoriasis. It continues with a description of the
plain house the grandparents live in on an otherwise stylish street and
the fact that the grandfather, the Zayda, has to take on a second job.
Rifkeh loves her grandparents.

One Sunday Rifkeh arrives for dinner with a gift, a copper-enamelled
dove necklace she had made. Bubbe promises to wear the necklace after
she has cooked the meal. Rifkeh is sad to see a chicken stew with
nothing in it on the stove, but her grandmother promises she will not be
hungry. Once the Bubbe puts on the necklace, the plain kitchen chair
becomes a jewelled throne.

Following the recitation of a special prayer of thanksgiving, the
grandmother grows into a queen and the little enamel pot becomes a
porcelain soup tureen containing the most delicious chicken stew.

It’s a magical story, but it does not engage the reader as much as it
should. Recommended with reservations.