The Language of Angels A Story About the Reinvention of Hebrew

2018 Sydney Taylor Book Award
2017 National Jewish Book Award


In 1885, few Jews in Israel used the holy language of their ancestors, and Hebrew was in danger of being lost—until Ben Zion and his father got involved. Through the help of his father and a community of children, Ben modernized the ancient language, creating a lexicon of new, modern words to bring Hebrew back into common usage. Historically influenced dialogue, engaging characters, and colorful art offer a linguistic journey about how language develops and how one person's perseverance can make a real difference.

Influenced by illuminated manuscripts, Karla Gudeon’s illustrations bring Ben Zion—and the rebirth of Hebrew—to life.


A compelling emotional journey — Publisher's Weekly

A lively introduction to the work of a Hebrew language scholar and lover—and his family — Kirkus Reviews

A perfect resource for religious school collections and public library language shelves — Booklist

Hebrew teachers and students in Jewish schools will welcome this gorgeous new picture book about how the language developed and the impact of one person's perseverance on an entire people — School Library Journal

Richard Michelson's children's books have been listed among the 10 Best Books of the Year by The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and the New Yorker. His many books include Too Young for Yiddish and Busing Brewster. He lives in Northampton, Massachusetts.

Karla Gudeon is a former teacher whose art is influenced by illuminated manuscripts and folk art. She is the illustrator of One Red Apple, Hanukkah Haiku, and Grandma's Wedding Album.