“This charming picture book gracefully introduces young readers to the world of the incredible master painter, Rembrandt van Rijn, and his unexpected relationship with Amsterdam's Jewish community at the time… The narrative, grounded in historical fact yet told with a gentle fictional touch, explores themes of curiosity, respect, and cultural intersection, ideal for children ages five to nine. Barghigiani's engaging illustrations evoke the texture of Rembrandt's era and help bring this little-known slice of art history to life.”
CLCD – Children’s Literature Comprehensive Database
“There is so much for readers to love…Parents, teachers, and families don’t have to be Jewish to enjoy this book, because the story is so rich in history and humanity that everyone will want to keep turning each page to see how Rembrandt’s paintings are presented not just as works of art but as living stories of friendship across cultures.”
Kathy Temean, Writing and Illustrating
“This little-known slice of history embellished with an engaging kid-friendly storyline is a worthy addition for most libraries.”
School Library Journal
This stunningly illustrated historical fiction explores how the friendship of Rembrandt and Rabbi Menashe Ben Israel resulted in the creation of Rembrandt's painting Jacob Blessing the Sons of Joseph through the lens of a fictional child….Based on the number of paintings Rembrandt created of biblical stories and his later friendship with Rabbi Menashe Ben Israel, Tami Lehman-Wilig developed an interesting historical fiction exploring Rembrandt’s childhood and development into an artist….This is an engaging book that brings a classical artist to life, and explores a strong, important multicultural friendship.
The Picture Book Buzz
Rembrandt’s Blessing, by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, illuminates the joy of seeing a old work of art in a new way. The lively illustrations will draw readers in. By focusing the story on the friendship between Rembrandt and Rabbi Menashe Ben Israel, Lehman-Wilzig invites the reader to view Rembrandt’s work with a Jewish lens. This new perspective into the influences of the artist will add layers of meaning to the master’s work.
Judith Magazine
The art historian, museum educator, and daughter of a Jewish children's librarian in me is overjoyed to be holding this book in my hands. It’s every bit as exciting and engaging as I had hoped, and I’m thrilled to add it to my list as one of my all-time favorite Jewish, historical and art-related books for children. Rembrandt himself would be delighted by both the story and the exquisite illustrations!
Mummies and Masterpieces
This short story portrays what Rembrandt’s life might have been like living among the Jews of Amsterdam. The text is simple with only a few sentences per page. Cleverly, this book’s illustrator uses the browns, oranges, and greens of Rembrandt’s color palette while making them brighter and more cheerful.
Historical Novel Society
“The story is a unique one in that it’s a detailed, semi-fictionalized account of a friendship that truly did happen in real life. Lehman-Wilzig's text is very inviting…an excellent title to recommend to anyone interested in art and painters…it represents a wonderful point of view on what Jewish life may have looked like many years ago, in a place many don’t ordinarily associate with a large Jewish population…a wonderful semi-historical story for children with a keen interest in history and/or art. “
The Sydney Taylor Shmooze
"Rembrandt's Blessing" is a lovely story about Rembrandt and the Jewish milieu in Amsterdam. The painting "Jacob Blessing Ephraim and Manasse" is a key piece not only for our collection in Kassel but in the story of the book. It is a fascinating example of Rembrandt's capacity of showing love, peace and harmony in an artwork.”
Dr. Justus Lange, Director of the Old Masters Gallery, Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister Museum, Kassel, Germany
In "Rembrandt's Blessing" author Tami Lehman-Wilzig brings art history to life…. By writing a story that has kids who befriend Rembrandt, the author helps children relate to the story. Readers learn about the artist's penchant for Biblical stories and his friendship with his Jewish neighbors in Amsterdam…This picture book which is aimed at school aged children from k- 3, will enlighten and entertain young history buffs and art fans.
Julie Ditton, Goodreads Librarian & Reviewer
