EVE AND ADAM DISCOVER THE WORLD

Eve and Adam are thoroughly enjoying their miraculous life in the Garden of Eden.

Eve has questions about the wonders around her, especially the large and mysterious Tree of Knowledge. God warns them that if they eat the tree’s fruit, they’ll be forced to leave Eden forever. Adam is content, but Eve’s curiosity leads her closer to disobeying—surely they should make up their own minds, using the brains that God gave them? And the snake further provokes her discontent. The well-known outcome is inevitable, and their leaving is both poignant and hopeful, for their lives must now be of their own making. In this companion to Eve and Adam and Their Very First Day (2023), Kimmelman again employs the ancient Jewish tradition of midrash to interpret Bible stories, this time emphasizing Eve’s thirst for knowledge and the tender trust between her and Adam. Avgustinovich’s brightly expressive artwork captures both Eden’s beauty and the developing personalities of Eve and Adam—in particular, wide-eyed Eve’s inquisitiveness, joy, and frustrations. Laced with humor and empathy, Kimmelman’s probing narrative leaves readers with plenty to ponder about human nature. Brown-skinned Eve and Adam are initially nude, though covered up by strategically placed hair, leaves, and bushes; upon eating the fruit of the Tree of Knowledge, both become clothed.

Tender and thought-provoking.