An unusual and exciting Purim retelling.

Surrounded by a box of Purim costumes and several books on bravery, a tan-skinned child is astounded to see a vision of Esther. “I’m known for being super brave, / a Jewish queen who helped to save / my people from an evil guy,” she says but goes on to emphasize that anyone can be a hero. Indeed, just like young readers, Esther has struggled with fears and doubts. Levington writes in sprightly rhymes filled with accessible, often slangy phrasing. The king’s “snazzy” wife Vashti is banished after she refuses to dance at a ball. Esther bemoans her “rotten luck” when she’s unwillingly selected as the new queen and must hide her Jewish identity. The king’s evil aide Haman has been enforcing punitive laws against the Jews, with the king’s sanction—and now Haman intends to destroy them. Esther’s cousin Mordecai, who has defied Haman, urges Esther to overcome her fear and fight for her people. “I’m a Jew and proud to be!” she tells the king at last. “So ‘getting rid of Jews’ means getting rid of me.” Haman is vanquished, and at the tale’s end, Esther encourages readers to “allow your brave to show!” Fluidly illustrated cartoons depict big-eyed characters with compelling facial expressions who vary in skin tone and often appear to break the fourth wall, looking directly at readers. Backmatter includes information on Purim, the holiday celebrating Esther's triumph.

An unusual and exciting Purim retelling. (how readers can be brave like Esther, author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)

– Kirkus Reviews