01/08/2024
Yolen centers fruit and veg in this retelling that, per an author’s note, is “modern midrash, a made-up story based on the Garden of Eden story in Torah.” The narrative begins conventionally, with God creating Eden, but takes a turn when the fruits—depicted in Barghigiani’s richly hued, stylized paintings—begin arguing about which is “best.” Apple claims its hardiness makes it number one, while Pomegranate counters, highlighting its large size. Grapes, figs, and citron also weigh in, until God creates two human caretakers to mediate the quarrel. Though God warns the duo away from the querulous plants (“Vegetables, yes. Fruits, no”), “it was easier to pluck the Fruits,” and a snake encourages indulgence. Concluding sentiments compare people to those first fruits, resulting in a palatable variation that connects the tale to contemporary individuals “hardy, sweet, and difficult.” Human characters are portrayed with various skin tones. Ages 3–7. (May)
