The Mystery of Sarah and the Gypsies

"The Mystery of Sarah and the Gypsies" by Ferdinand A. Ruplin and illustrated by Lois L. Ruplin.

The "Mystery of Sarah and the Gypsies" is in part, a result of a 1971 sabbatical taken by Professor Ruplin with his family in southern France. The book is 99.9% true! Sarah and her Dad did meet and spend time with the Gypsies and did celebrate the The Feast of St. Sarah with them at Les Saintes Maries de la Mer. This book emcompasses a great variety of learning experiences, such as different cultures, different ethnic backgrounds, different lifestyles, different languages, history and historical language, but perhaps most importantly it shows the reader that all people of the world can get along
and that prejudging a particular group of people does not lead to peace. Ideally, this book is intended to be read aloud to young children by an adult and for older children to read "with" an adult and solve the "mystery," deciphering the writing on the "plate" left by the Gypsies for Sarah and her Dad! We hope the reader, young and old, will realize from this story that to be nonjudgemental in their daily lives is an asset and will make them a better and happier person! Can you guess which part of the story is imagination, and not true? Ferdinand was, as I am, hopeful that this book will inspire young people to use their imaginations, be curious about history and current events and in particular spark an interest in learning other languages other than their own.

Lois L. Ruplin