What Will the World Be Like? [Hardcover]

What Will the World Be Like? Did you ever wonder what the future holds in store? Most people have, including young children who ask their parents probing questions. Jewish tradition has much to say about the era of Moshiach, and now a beautifully illustrated picture book provides these important answers for the very young. One Night after supper before she went to bed, Sarah looked uo at her father, and this is what she said, “What will the world be like?’ A topic that intrigues children and adults alike, this book provides an exciting glimpse into the future!

Size: 7" x 10"
Pages: Laminated pages
Language: English
Reading age: 3 - 6 years
Publisher: Hachai Publishing
ISBN 13: 978-0922613564
ISBN 10: 0922613567

What Will the World Be Like? [Hardcover]
By: Adel Lebovics
Illustrated by: Norman Nodel

About the Artist:
Jewish children lost a dear friend on February 25, 2000, with the demise of Norman (Nochem Yeshaya) Nodel, noted artist and illustrator of children’s books and magazines. The son of an Orthodox Rabbi, Mr. Nodel began his illustrious career as a field artist in the army, drawing military maps during World War II. Serving with the United States forces in Europe, he won medals for his courage, and helped in the liberation of Europe from German fascism. After the war, he pursued a successful career as an artist in a variety of styles, notably illustrating the famous Classics Illustrated series in the ’50s, and working on a number of projects for large publishing companies. During the last twelve years of his life, Mr. Nodel devoted a major amount of his time and energy to illustrating books and magazines specifically for Jewish children, which gave him great pleasure and satisfaction. Mr. Nodel began working in the Jewish market in 1988, when he started illustrating for Tzivos Hashem and The Moshiach Times. After completing the popular “Labels for Laibel” for Hachai Publishing, Norman’s talent was quickly recognized and in great demand by almost every major Judaica publisher: His talent literally “cornered the market,” to the extent that there can hardly be an affiliated Jewish child today who is not familiar with his work. One might well say that Mr. Nodel raised and educated in his own way, a whole generation of Jewish children, with his work appearing virtually all over the world, in America, Europe, Israel, Russia, Australia, and South America. He was a truly special person, whose gentle wit and elegant charm are reflected in the graceful strokes of his drawings. In all his work, one sees the same qualities of modesty, pride in being Jewish, and warmth and affection for others, together with a unique elegance of style, integrity, and even a nobility of character. He was a living example of derech eretz and respect for others. He treated everyone who came to him as if they were the only one he worked for, and as a result, everyone felt that he belonged solely to them. He loved to joke around, and always liked to have the last pun. And his gentle wit showed in his artwork too, such as in the “What’s wrong with this?” picture, that shows a goat eating a succa, and a fish taking a casual stroll with an upside down cane. Mr. Nodel worked to the last day of his life, and despite crippling arthritis, he never complained, but rather always put himself out to meet deadlines for all those who counted on him. “I’ve never let you down,” he would say to clients who were worried about a deadline. And he never did. He will be sorely missed by family, friends, and scores of clients who all became his friends, and Jewish children everywhere.

Editorial Reviews:
From Scientific American
What Will the World Be Like? is a conversation between young Sarah and her Abba (Father) about how the Messiah will herald an era free of strife, pain and war, among other fantastic changes. My five-year-old daughter especially likes the page showing Sarah and her father on a wagon carrying a single grape that is as large as a mountain: "The grapes will be so gigantic/That just for one grape alone/We'll need a great big wagon/To bring that enormous grape home!" Although the paradise described in this book is so unbelievable even my daughter was openly skeptical, the last page helpfully lists the biblical sources for all these blissful predictions. These days, it is so nice to be able to fantasize about a "happily ever after" that isn't a fairy tale!
From The New Yorker
When you combine an author with imagination and an artist with a great deal of talent, the result can often be a very special book. ... The conversation is clever and informative and small children who are familiar with the desire and hope for the coming of the Messiah will find the book enjoyable and realistic. The book can also be a springboard for parents to explain the philosophy of those who prepare for the coming of the Messiah and what this concept means in Judaism. The book is charming and well written...
Review
One night after supper before she went to bed, Sarah looked up at her father and this is what she said: 'Father, what will the world be like when Moshiach arrives? Jewish tradition has much to say about the era of Moshiach, and now a beautiful illustrated picture book provides this information for the very young. Written in rhyme by well-known author Adel Lebovics, and illustrated by award-winning artist Norman Nodel, What Will the World Be Like? is fun to read and have read. Ages 3-7. --L'Chaim, Jan. 28, 1994

Told in rhyme for the very young, What Will The World Be Like? whets everyone's appetite for the days of Moshiach. Young children will be intrigued to know that they'll never fight with a friend or feel jealous, sick or afraid anymore. They will be happy to hear that they will see the Avos, Imahos and everyone that we miss; Norman Nodel's magnificent illustration of the third Bais Hamikdosh descending from the skies is a beautiful image of hope for children and adults alike. This book is available in a number of other languages and can be obtained directly from the publisher in Russian, Italian, Portuguese and Swedish. --N'shei Chabad Newsletter, September 1994

Written in rhyme and based on extensive research, midroshim and original sources, What Will the World Be Like? concerns the era of Moshiach. Presented as a discussion between father and daughter, the rhyme gives it an added attraction. --Jewish Tribune, London, March 1994