Book Review: Ruth written by Kjersti Hoff Baez, illustrated by Al Bohl
Ruth was born in the land of Moab, but married a Judahite named Mahlon who had come to live there with his family. The marriage was childless but happy, and Ruth became especially attached to her mother-in-law Naomi, who’d become widowed some years before. When both of Naomi’s sons died suddenly, the three widows were left in poverty. Naomi decided to head back to her hometown of Bethlehem, and while her other daughter-in-law Orpah reluctantly decided to stay in Moab, Ruth chose to go with the woman she’d become loyal to.
This children’s book is a novelization of the Book of Ruth from the Tanakh, and thus from the Bible. It’s in a format similar to the Big Little Books of my youth, squat and fat, with illustrations on every other page.
To continue the story, Ruth and Naomi travel with the caravan of Laban, a merchant, from Moab (currently absorbed into the Kingdom of Jordan) to Judea and the home of the Israelites. Once in Bethlehem, they are still little more than beggars, but benefit from the laws that allow the poor and alien to glean leftover grain from the field once the harvesters are through.
While Ruth faces prejudice as the people of Moab are considered enemies of the Israelites, her hard work and dedication to Naomi, and her conversion to worship of the Living God of the Israelites brings her to the favorable attention of Boaz, owner of the fields.
As it happens, Boaz is a relative of Mahlon, and thus eligible to “redeem” Ruth by marrying her, which will keep the ancestral property in the family and ensure that the memory of Naomi’s husband will not vanish from the land. There is a closer relative, but Boaz has fallen in love with Ruth and vice versa, so he makes the extra effort to bring her into his house.
Through this marriage, Ruth begets Obed, who begets Jesse, who begets David, who becomes king of the Israelites and the ancestor of Jesus of Nazareth.
This version of the story adds in a detailed account of the journey from Moab to Bethlehem, with various small incidents. Laban is the most complex character in the story, having faults (he is quick-tempered and is willing to worship the local gods, not just the One True God), and quarreling with Naomi, but also is brave, protective of Ruth, and a font of useful information.
While Jesus is only mentioned in the postscript, this version is very much from a Christian perspective and may feel off to Jewish readers.
Content note: Ethnic prejudice, to the point at least one person is willing to kill Ruth for her nationality. (This is part of a larger conversation within Scripture about whether strangers should be shunned or welcomed.) It’s mentioned that Rahab (from the Book of Joshua) was a prostitute, but not explained what that job entails. Mass murder as part of warfare is mentioned. If your kid is old enough to read the Bible on their own, this should not be too much for them.
This volume appears to be long out of print, though it was popular enough in its day to merit multiple printings with different covers. You might have some luck at a used bookstore that specializes in Christian fiction.
