Reviews
Under the Sabbath Lamp
“Izzy and Olivia Bloom, a charming older couple, are welcomed into their new neighbors’ homes for Shabbat dinners, and then host a Friday night dinner of their own. But when the guests arrive, they’re puzzled to find that the Blooms don’t own a pair of Shabbat candlesticks; instead View →
Gus's Garage
Returning to the vehicular focus of Bang and Who’s Driving? Timmers introduces a string of animals who drive quirky cars and a good-natured pig mechanic who makes them even quirkier. Gus has a one-pump garage in the middle of nowhere and a stash of greasy, worn-out… View →
Tiny Creepy Crawlers
“It’s an irreverent but informative introduction to some impressive specimens that slither, creep, crawl, and bite.”—Publishers Weekly View →
The Secret of Goldenrod
“[A] gentle debut. . . . This is a memorable and complex tale about negotiating change and coming into one’s own.”—Publishers Weekly View →
Black Beauty
“Brown illustrates in a rich, pastoral style . . . [and] though Brown’s adaptation moves quickly through the horse’s many travails, her injuries and mistreatments still strike their intended emotional chords.”—Publishers Weekly View →
Joseph the Dreamer
“The Genesis story of Joseph is tailor-made for a graphic novel: it’s full of narrative twists and intense family dynamics, and its hero not only has prophetic powers, but also rises from patriarch’s pet to grand vizier and hero of Egypt. Newcomer Laff casts Joseph’s family as… View →
Potatoes at Turtle Rock
“The creative team behind Tashlich at Turtle Rock (2010) returns with another story about a Jewish holiday–themed hike. Once again, young Annie is the leader and narrator; the title refers to her giving two baked potatoes to each family member during a Hanukkah walk… View →
Hanukkah Delight!
“Newman (Ketzel, the Cat Who Composed) and Husband (The Noisy Foxes) team up for a blithe rhyming account of a festive Hanukkah celebration: ‘Friends and neighbors to invite./Ancient blessings we recite./ Gleaming candles burning bright./ Crispy latkes taste View →
A Hanukkah with Mazel
“In the outskirts of Grodno in what is now Belarus, a poor artist named Misha goes into his ramshackle barn and discovers a starving stray cat curled up next to his milk cow. Soon Misha and the cat, which he dubs Mazel (Hebrew for luck), are fast friends, and together they… View →
Nara and the Island
“[A] magic-tinged . . . haunting, slightly surreal story that speaks to the rewards of both independence and companionship.”—Publishers Weekly View →
A Spy Called James: The True Story of James Lafayette, Revolutionary War Double Agent
“[Rockwell] delivers a striking portrait of James Lafayette, an African-American spy critical to the outcome of the Revolutionary War. [Cooper’s] illustrations affirm his skill as a gifted portrait artist.”—Publishers Weekly View →
“[T]his raucous story blends metafictional elements with sharp political commentary. . . . [A] a pointed reminder of where power and authority lie.”—Publishers Weekly View →
Sachiko: A Nagasaki Bomb Survivor's Story
“This powerful narrative account of one person finding her voice after insufferable trauma encapsulates a grim era in global history.”—Publishers Weekly View →
The Stand-In
“In his debut novel, screenwriter Bloom gives Brooks a strikingly irreverent narrative voice, weaving a tale built around standard rom-com moments.”—Publishers Weekly View →
Tickle My Ears
“Soft, crayonlike outlines and some lovely touches (Little Rabbit’s rosy cheeks have the texture of thumbprints) help establish a quiet mood that could help pave the way for smooth bedtimes on readers’ parts, too.”—Publishers Weekly View →
Stone Cold: Book 1
“[The story] sets up some enticing plot dynamics. . . . Zangara’s black and white drawings fit the brooding and menacing mood of this story . . . matching the bleakness and supernatural strangeness of Craig’s world.”—Publishers Weekly View →
Monkey with a Tool Belt and the Maniac Muffins
“Chico Bon Bon’s fourth picture book might be his funniest yet. . . . Monroe’s manic cartooning will have kids laughing from start to finish.”—starred, Publishers Weekly View →
Mind-Boggling Numbers
“The off-kilter scenarios proposed, which are entertainingly captured in Patton’s quirky cartoon graphics, and the off-the-cuff tone Rosen adopts for the answers keep these unconventional story problems from ever feeling like homework.’”—Publishers Weekly View →
Rosh Hashanah Is Coming!
“Garofoli’s crisp-edged, canvas-textured artwork creates an inviting domestic backdrop for the festivities, while leaving the door open for adults to discuss the holiday in greater detail as they read.” — Publisher’s Weekly View →
Wired Man and Other Freaks of Nature
“At the heart of Kaufman’s poignant novel is a complicated friendship. . . . It’s a keenly observed, emotionally deep examination of wounded, insecure teens trying to find their way.”—Publishers Weekly View →
“Fleischer’s well-contextualized, nonpartisan approach results in a valuable resource for readers looking to understand and become involved in a complicated system while avoiding spin.”—Publishers Weekly View →
“[A] tender, funny friendship story . . .”—Publishers Weekly View →