By Karen McCarraher
Kudos to author AND illustrator Ellen Weinstein on her unique and intriguing book, Five Stories. The book follows the lives of five immigrant families who settled in New York’s Lower East Side.
Only the first story is based on actual events. Ms. Weinstein is the granddaughter of Jenny Epstein whose family emigrated to the Lower East Side from Eastern Europe in the early 1900’s. The story begins with the Epsteins who owned and operated the pickle store.
Then there was the Cozzi family from Italy. On Sundays, they listened to Italian opera on the radio. Little Anna loved to sing along and grew up to be a famous opera star.
Later Jose Marte and his family emigrated from the Dominican Republic where safety was a concern because of civil strife.
In 1989, Maria Torres’ family planted a community garden. They were from Puerto Rico. Maria’s mother eventually opened a restaurant in the area.
Wei Ye’s parents moved from China looking for better paying jobs and more opportunities for their children. Who will be the next tenants?
The illustrations are fabulous—amazingly intricate and detailed. If you look carefully, you can follow the changes in the neighborhood and the lives of the people who live in the Lower East Side, although the Pickle Store remains unchanged through the generations. Check them out to see what I mean. This book will provide entertainment for both adults and children.
As an illustrator, Ms. Weinstein is a regular contributor to Time Magazine, The New York Times, The Washington Post and many others. Ellen’s family has lived in New York’s Lower East Side for the past 120 years, generation after generation. She continues to live there with her husband and mini dachshund, Fritzie.
Five Stories is published by Holiday House Publishing, printed in China and available online.