The father of two brothers has died and they begin a bitter dispute over which one of them should inherit the land. In the city of Jerusalem, King Solomon listens to their account and then tells them a story that has been passed down through the generations. It is set in a time long before any temple had been constructed in Jerusalem.
Two brothers have separate farms but harvest the crops equally. This co-operative venture works out well for each of them. The older brother marries and starts a family while the younger brother remains single.
Feeling abundantly blessed, the older brother secretly sets aside some extra sacks of grain for his brother. But he and his wife are surprised when they discover the same number of sacks of grain in their store house. It turns out that his younger brother has given him some of his grain to take care of his growing family.
The kindness and the generosity of the two brothers lays the foundations for the holy city of Jerusalem, home of Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Chris Smith has done a marvelous job in adapting this meaningful and deeply spiritual fable for children ages 4 - 8.
The stunning and fluid paintings by Aurelia Fronty add immeasurably to the drama and impact of One City, Two Brothers. A final note must be made about this children's book: it admirably salutes the medicinal powers of a well-told story that can bring people together and heal the wounds and warfare of the past with its vision of a peaceful future.
