Reviews
An Egg for Shabbat
“Using a comic strip format and rhyming text, this clever picture book addresses the age-old question of which came first, the chicken or the egg, with a uniquely Jewish spin.” — Emily Schineider, Jewish Book Council View →
A Rainy Day Story
“There’s much to learn from this simple story; it delivers the kind of lesson that sticks. Once absorbed, it can change a child’s outlook and will last for a lifetime.” — Michal Hoschlander Malen, Jewish Book Council View →
Matzah Craze
“Children will understand that the flat crunchy bread with holes may be delicious, but the commitment of friends to accommodate and embrace each other’s differences is most important.” — Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council View →
The Abba Tree
“This warm picture book shows us a lovely holiday which connects humans with nature.” — Ellen G. Cole, Jewish Book Council View →
The Book of Secrets
“This graphic book celebrates Jewish heritage with each story it tells, and encourages its readers to do the same.” — Ricahrd C. Kraus, Jewish Book Council View →
Nicanor's Gate
“This superb story is worthy of being read, shared, and reread often.” — Michal Hoschander Malen, Jewish Book Council View →
Behind the Bookcase: Miep Gies, Anne Frank, and the Hiding Place
“Author and illustrator do not deny Miep Gies’s extraordinary heroism but frame it as a natural response to the events of her life and the depth of her emotional involvement in her Jewish compatriots’ tragedy.” — Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council View →
Too Far From Home
“The book’s focus on immigration and family will be relevant to many readers and enlightening to others. Meskerem’s experiences and their historical context are important for readers of all backgrounds. This worthy story, which approaches race, bigotry, and… View →
Hillel Builds a House
“The story works well as a joyful read-aloud while preparing for Sukkot or at any time of the year.” — Michal Hoschander Malen, Jewish Book Council View →
There Was a Young Rabbi: A Hanukkah Tale
“This highly recommended tale is fundamentally a book about family and about the strength of Jewish women, focusing on the rabbi’s melding of her maternal and rabbinic roles.” — Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council View →
My Sister Is Sleeping
“In this highly recommended story, Busheri and Kichka have envisioned the arrival of a baby through the eyes of an older child, one whose imagination makes her open to change.” — Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council View →
Miriam at the River
“Although the book closes with Miriam’s confident assertion that ‘some day all the world/will know my brother’s name,’ Yolen and Le have presented the early life of a woman who will also change history.”— Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council View →
Hard Hat Cat!
“This simple picture book about a young Israeli boy who feeds a stray kitten near a construction site addresses a universal theme but has an authentic Israeli flavor.” — Michel Hoschander Malen, Jewish Book Council View →
Judah Touro Didn't Want to be Famous
“Young Touro’s wild, black curls, the deep red coats on British soldiers, and identifiable emotions on character’s faces work with the text in a seamless dialogue.” — Emily Schneider, Jewish Book Council View →
Clarence's Topsy-Turvy Shabbat
“This story is recommended for parents and children who want to bake some fun into their shared reading experience.” — Mical Hoschander Malen, Jewish Book Council Editor View →
Kol Hakavod: Way to Go!
A child who attends synagogue with his/her parents or travels to Israel may hear the congregation say, “Kol HaKavod,” but not know what the Hebrew expression means. This rhyming picture book explains the phrase using scenarios that a youngster can relate to, along with sweet, View →
The Elephant in the Sukkah
What’s a performing elephant to do when his celebrity begins to wane and he is no longer sought after by his adoring audiences? Poor Henry the elephant is accustomed to acclaim and applause, and a quiet life holds no attraction for him. Retirement does not suit him one bit.… View →
In the Jerusalem Forest
Based on the poem, “The Pond,” by classic Hebrew poet Hayim Nachman Bialik, this peaceful picture book follows a young girl and her mother as they walk together through the Jerusalem forest and gaze at their reflections in a pond. The trees and the sky, reflected in the… View →
Mr. Tempkin Climbs a Tree
This is a delightful picture book that conveys Jewish — and universal — themes of the importance of intergenerational friendship and helping one’s neighbors. The illustrations are brightly colored and contain many details for children to notice and focus on as they… View →
The Key from Spain: Flory Jagoda and Her Music
The Key from Spain is highly recommended both for children and adults interested in learning about Sephardic culture and history."―Jewish Book Council View →
A Dreidel in Time: A New Spin on an Old Tale
“This enchanting book is illustrated in a cheerful, bright style which adds to the fun. Children of today will learn that Hanukkah is less about gifts and more about identity, bravery, and determination.” —Jewish Book Council View →
Francesco Tirelli's Ice Cream Shop
“Francesco Tirelli’s Ice Cream Shop is highly recommended for children but will also be appreciated by adults because of its exceptional artwork and intelligent text. A brief ‘Epilogue’ fills in facts and informs readers of Francesco Tirelli’s… View →
Raisins and Almonds: A Yiddish Lullaby
“Raisins and Almonds: A Yiddish Lullaby is highly recommended for children ages 3 to 8, as well as for anyone who loves the original song, and for fans of distinguished picture book art. An author’s note describes the song’s origin and a scannable QR code is View →
Pickled Watermelon
“Instead of spending the summer with her friends at camp, Molly goes to Israel for a month for a family wedding. She is nervous about the trip, not wanting to leave her beloved Bubbe to go to a foreign country and stay with family she’s never met, who speak a language she barely… View →