Who doesn’t love a good fairy tale? More than 200 years ago, Rabbi Nachman of Breslov crafted intriguing fairy tales to make complex spiritual truths more accessible to his followers. In 2020, Israeli author Ruth Calderon and illustrator Alona Millgram brought one of these tales to life in The Princess and the Rock, an enchanting adaptation that PJ Library has recently translated from Hebrew into English.
Like many good fairy tales, this story features a clever princess, a beautiful castle, helpful animals, and a challenge to overcome. Before leaving on a trip, a king presents his daughter with a riddle: How can she move a massive rock from the harbor to the palace’s top floor? Inspired by conversations with her beloved cook, Shama, the princess uses a hammer to chip away at the rock, transporting it piece by piece to the castle, where she reassembles it into a stunning mural.
Related: Jewish Folk and Fairy Tales for Older Readers
This charming tale overflows with wisdom. The princess embodies the Jewish teaching of “Who is wise? The one who learns from others.” Her approach— taking small steps to break down a big problem —offers a valuable life lesson. While not all children may grasp every nuance of this lesson, they will be drawn to the story’s mesmerizing illustrations and to the princess’s admirable persistence, creativity, kindness, and respect for others.
Ancient yet timely, The Princess and the Rock is a captivating fairy tale that will inspire readers of all ages. We hope families cherish it as much as we do.
April 4, 2025