Anna & Solomon by Elaine Snyder (review)

“Once—and not once upon a time, because this is a true story—in 1897 in Russia there lived a handsome young man who fell in love with a beautiful young woman.” Shortly after the two marry, the Czar’s soldiers destroy the homes of Jewish families in their village and Anna and Solomon decide to emigrate to America. They only have enough for one ticket, however, so Solomon goes ahead, with Anna promising to join him later. Solomon arrives in New York, works hard, and soon sends money for a ticket … but when the day comes to meet Anna at the ship, he is surprised to find that she instead sent her younger brother. When Solomon once again saves up the cost of a ticket sends for Anna, her older brother shows up instead; a third time, Solomon finds himself welcoming his mother-in-law (“‘Could Anna leave her old mother behind? Of course not,’ he said to himself, and bravely took her home”). Finally, after Solomon sends money for a fourth ticket, the couple is happily reunited. Based on the author’s family story (even the illustrator, the author’s son-in-law, is part of the family), the narrative is drenched in warmth and familial affection, and the folkloric patterning and rich imagery enhance Anna and Solomon’s story. Bliss’ easygoing, slightly cartoonish renderings capture the feel of the small Russian village as well as the crowded Lower East Side New York neighborhood where Solomon lives and effectively depict the gamut of emotions Solomon experiences—from confusion to anger to sadness to resolution—as he welcomes his in-laws over and over again when expecting his beloved wife. Young listeners will no doubt share Solomon’s joy at the long-awaited happy reunion in this lovely love story.