Miriam at the River, by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Khoa Le, is a retelling of the biblical narrative of baby Moses from the perspective of his sister Miriam. If you are unfamiliar with the account, the setting is Egypt, and the Pharoah has ordered all baby boys be killed. In faith, baby Moses’s mother places him in a basket and asks his sister watch to see what happens to the boat bed. God protects the baby and directs the basket to be discovered by an Egyptian princess and her handmaidens.

I loved the artist depiction of this Bible story. The art and images are stunning, and I loved the color palette chosen for this project.  I felt that the author honored the Scriptures while exploring what Miriam might have been thinking and feeling. You can fine a sneak peek of some of the inside pages of this picture book on my Instagram tiles.

Discuss:

1. Why did Jochebed (Miriam’s mother, Exodus 6:20) put the baby into the basket?
2. Who protected the baby?
3. How do you think Miriam felt as she watched the baby in the basket?
4. How do you think she felt when the Princess found the baby?
5. Do you know “the rest of the story” of Moses? If not, read about it in Exodus. (This story comes from the end of chapter 1 and the beginning of chapter 2.)

Act it out:

Children love to pretend, and it will make the story come alive to them as the act it out.

1. Look around your playroom. What props could you use to act out this Bible story?  Doll, a basket, and a blue blanket or towel for the water.
2. Where could Miriam hide? Behind a couch or chair?
3. Let your child lead as much as they want to in the pretend play, but you may want to give suggestions and ask questions to and help guide the activity.

Mini-drama — imagine and play ideas

Jochebed: Miriam, will you place baby Moses in the Nile River and watch over him? Use this basket. (hand basket and baby to Miriam, Miriam puts baby in basket) We will pray that God will protect our baby. (fold hands and kneel to pray)

Miriam: Yes, mother! (Puts basket in water and hides while waiting)

Princess: Bring the basket to me! (Opens basket) A baby? We will call him Moses.

Miriam: (comes out of hiding) I know someone who can help take care of the baby! Her name is Jochebed.

Children usually want to act it out more than one time and learn from the repetition. They also like to play more than one role. When finished, continue the fun with crafts and/or snacks.

***I have compiled a Pinterest Board loaded with even more extension ideas!!!***

Baby Moses Pinterest Board

Post submitted by Mindy Baker of www.mindybakerbooks.com

For more ideas like this, please subscribe to my new bi-monthly mini-magazine called Make the Time! It will help you connect with your kids through books! You can subscribe at the homepage of my website or by clicking here.

If you do not follow www.christianchildrensauthors.com, make sure to subscribe to our blog so you don’t miss a single post!