Zishe the Strongman (HB)
Product Code: 9780761339588
Our Price: $17.95
Description
Children's Literature This true story of Siegmund Breitbart, a poor Polish Jew born in 1883, begins at a climactic point in his life. He is about to attempt to haul a wagon with ten men down New York's Fifth Avenue for half a mile using a strap in his teeth. We then trace his life as the son of a blacksmith, able to swing a nine-pound hammer when he is three. There is little he cannot bend or break by the time he is eleven. But he is also gentle with small animals and fond of playing the cello. He becomes famous for his strength. Soon he is traveling in shows all over Europe and to America. The climax of his story is his success pulling the loaded wagon. He is known as Zishe, the Iron King. His visual story is presented in thick black outline with textured crayon- or chalk-like color. These are scenes appropriate for historical record, with just enough detail to enhance the spare text. For example, a scene showing him "holding tiny mice in his hands" shows a mouse flexing his muscles like Zishe. Additional facts are included, along with a photograph of the actual man. Reviewer: Ken Marantz and Sylvia Marantz