Review: Eve and Adam Discover the World

Eve and Adam Discover the World

by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Irina Avgustinovich

Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House), 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Karin Fisher-Golton

 

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Author Leslie Kimmelman and illustrator Irina Avgustinovich, whose talents came together in 2023 for Eve and Adam and Their Very First Day, return with this sequel, Eve and Adam Discover the World. This story recounts Eve and Adam’s actions around the Tree of Knowledge and what follows.

As in the first book, Eve is portrayed with a lively intellect. Here, her curiosity is emphasized, so the Tree of Knowledge is alluring. Adam is grateful and trusting, and God is portrayed with a kind-parent energy. Kimmelman shows Eve’s thought process as she is tempted by the snake, as well as all the characters’ interpretations of what results. Through these portrayals of good-intentioned but imperfect humans, Kimmelman deftly provides a safe and positive container for children and families to explore not only this fundamental story, but ideas about choices and consequences for one’s actions.

Avgustinovich's illustrations are vibrant and detailed. They capture the marvel that one might feel when newly faced with the natural riches of this world. She includes details that are a joy to discover—such as a cat and dog that have a different relationship to Eve and Adam than the other animals of Eden. And, as in the first book, Avgustinovich cleverly uses Eve’s abundant head of hair and elements of nature to provide Eve and Adam with a modesty they don’t yet know they’ll have.

This is a retelling of a story that has become essential to all the Abrahamic religions. It is approached in a way that is very Jewish—to look deeply and interpret (midrash). Because it is about the universal human experiences of making choices and facing consequences, it is accessible to non-Jewish readers and non-religious readers as well. It will be particularly appreciated by families who want to explore those questions, want to be introduced to this story, and/or are open to and interested in interpreting biblical stories in novel ways. 

 

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Reviewer Karin Fisher-Golton is a freelance children’s book editor and the author of the newly released middle-grade time-travel novel, The Clock and the Boulder; the award-winning board book My Amazing Day: A Celebration of Wonder and Gratitude; retellings of folktales for a reading program; and poems in several anthologies. She is a member of the Board of Advisors for Read Your World. Read more about her work at www.karinfisher-golton.com.