Minneapolis-based publisher Kar-Ben has released “The Queen Who Saved Her People” by Tilda Balsley, a new adaptation of the well-known Purim story. This version, however, intended for ages four and older, comes alive with whimsical, colorful illustrations by Ilene Richard and rhyming verse — the dialogue of which is color-coded for multiple readers or performers. And according to the queen, “Though you may know the Purim plot / The same old story, this is not / You’ll want to give this shpiel a shot / Just be prepared to laugh a lot.” Purim begins after sundown on Saturday. — E.E.B.
