Review by Tom Muir.

The latest book from Orkneyology Press has a close, personal connection to the foundation of the publishing company. When my wife Rhonda suggested that we publish our own books through our website we hadn’t thought about publishing anything else.

During the lockdown days of Covid 19, artists and storytellers were looking for outlets to express themselves. Shonaleigh began telling collections of Jewish folk tales online, which she had learned from her Dutch grandmother.

The artist Katherine Soutar created some small images to accompany the stories that she heard, and posted them on Facebook. I knew Katherine as the artist who created the cover art for my Orkney Folk Tales book. Shonaleigh I knew on Facebook as a fellow storyteller, but at that time we still hadn’t met.

It became clear to me that Shonaleigh had a unique collection of Jewish folk tales, many (if not most) of them previously unpublished. I suggested a book, and casually mentioned ‘I know a publishing company…’ This was a bold (or stupid) suggestion, as Orkneyology Press only existed as a dream at that time. She contacted me regarding the possibility, and so it grew from there. We are now dear friends and both her and Katherine have visited us in Orkney, and will do again.

But what of the book?

As Shonaleigh knows literally thousands of stories, we intend to publish cycles of stories in the future. But to begin with she has selected some of her favourite tales for this first collection. It contains eighteen stories that are a delight for both old and young alike, that carries ancient truths and wisdom.

Some of my personal favourites are The Apple Tree and the Rosebush, where an arrogant rose mocks the kindly apple tree, until fate intervenes. Prince Cockerel is a funny tale of a boy who has to learn how to be a boy again, while The Farmer and the Donkey sees a foolish man trying to educate his donkey to become a boy. Monster and Man shows that you shouldn’t judge someone until you know their true self, and Ashmodai’s Melting Bride tells the tale of how a clever girl outsmarts the king of the demons.

The title story, A Garment for the Moon deals with jealousy, when the moon grows envious of the fine dresses that is worn by the sun, a fine gown that can wax and wain with the moon’s phases has to be made. My two favourites though are the hauntingly beautiful The Dandelion Dancer, which shows the cruel affect of bullying on a little girl who was abandoned because of a deformed foot. Despite her disability she loves to dance, bringing her a gift from the sun and moon and acceptance, friendship and respect from the local children. The Walnut Girl is a real delight, both funny and profound. Found curled up in a walnut shell, the Walnut Girl is born for adventure! In a reversal of the traditional fairy tale, it is the Walnut Girl who rescues an abducted prince but rejects the offer of his hand in marriage because he’s a wimp and she longs for an adventurous life. 

These are tales that will inspire and delight, over and over again. It has been beautifully illustrated by Katherine Soutar, whose artwork compliments the astonishing storytelling powers of Shonaleigh. The book is a large format, as is the font, which makes it easier for children to read. It is available from The Orcadian Bookshop or online from Orkneyology.com. Hardback is £22.99 and softback is £18.99.