Reviews
What Can't Wait
“Peréz’s debut is a realistic portrayal of challenges faced by immigrant families and conflicting cultural norms, as well as a sensitive exploration of teen pregnancy (Marisa’s older sister and Alan’s younger sister become pregnant in high school). Strong-willed… View →
Going on a Hametz Hunt
“Also perfect for this age is a board book, Going on a Hametz Hunt by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Rick Brown ($5.95). Using rhymes and counting, the little ones can be brought into the fun of the pre-holiday search for hametz.” — Chicago Jewish Star Magazine View →
“Blended shades of blues, purples and greens done in watercolor, pen and pastel illuminate the old Israeli scenes integral to the narration. Heartwarming for Jewish collections and religious-school settings.” —Kirkus Reviews View →
“The illustrations are simply delightful.” —Chicago Jewish Star Magazine View →
Afikomen Mambo
“Even the youngest children can (and should) be involved in Passover, and Kar-Ben Publishing has three new holiday titles. For kids ages 1-4: A lively book and CD is available from the well-known singer and songwriter Rabbi Joe Black, Afikomen Mambo,… View →
The Littlest Mountain
“For kids ages 3-8 The Littlest Mountain by Barb Rosenstock, illustrated by Melanie Hall ($7.95 pb) offers up the story of Mount Sinai, and why God selected it over all the mountains as the place to give the Ten Commandments. Not tall, not bold, not lush or… View →
You Will Call Me Drog
“I could come up with a boatload of glitzy stuff to say about You Will Call Me Drog. Truly, it would be a pleasure. But I’m going to keep it simple. I loved this book because it engaged my emotions. And that’s why I read, to be moved, to be touched. This book… View →
Afikomen Mambo
“A newcomer to the Passover scene is the colorfully appealing Afikomen Mambo, by Joe Black and illustrated by Linda Prater. Sold together with the book is a CD with performance by Black, who is well known for his music. Geared to the 3–7 set, this playful combination of… View →
A Tale of Two Seders
“Mindy Avra Portnoy’s A Tale of Two Seders, also offers a different take on the classic family themes of the holiday. The story follows a little girl who after her parents divorce spends one Seder at her mother’s and one at her fathers. Over the years the Seders vary and… View →
It's Tot Shabbat!
“A straightforward and reassuring account of ways children celebrate Shabbat.” —Publishers Weekly View →
Yuvi's Candy Tree
“Large, mostly double-page paintings in soft yellow, tan and blue hues on a textured canvas reflect the intrigue, emotion and difficulty of the journey. Uncomplicated language expressed in a direct and honest voice plus vibrant illustrations make Israel’s Operation Moses… View →
Spiky, Slimy, Smooth: What Is Texture?
“Bright, attention-grabbing, and, in some cases, enlarged photographs of hard candies, duck slippers, stone walls, and other common objects give viewers the impression that they can reach out and touch them…. Clever, indeed.” —Booklist View →
Elephant Talk: The Surprising Science of Elephant Communication
“Well-chosen color photos appear on nearly every page, transporting readers from American zoos to African wildlife preserves to an Indian festival celebrating the birthday of the Hindu god Ganesh…. This wide-ranging book is always engaging and informative.”… View →
Sarah Emma Edmonds Was a Great Pretender: The True Story of a Civil War Spy
“Accessible to younger children than most books on the Civil War, this would be a good addition to many collections.” —Booklist View →
Jumping Jenny
“Bari’s story of one girl’s approach to the Jewish principle of ‘tikkun olam’ (literally, “repair the world”) will resonate as readers watch Jenny achieve her exhausting, triumphant success." —Kirkus Reviews View →
In Trouble
“Ellen Levine has written an engaging and honest novel that reminds us how far we’ve come, and how far we have yet to go, in giving young women the natural right to own their own bodies. In Trouble will be a portable friend to readers who are struggling to give birth View →
Yuvi's Candy Tree
“The bright and beautiful illustrations help depict this true story, designed for children aged 5 to 9. Readers young and old will be moved by this endearing tale.” --The Jewish Journal View →
Afikomen Mambo
“Young children under four will be entertained by the simple rhyming story. The illustrations are cheery and colorful, and will keep youngsters engaged.” — The Jewish Journal View →
“Darkly imaginative illustrations by Josée Bisaillon, a Canadian artist, lend the story a tinge of social commentary. Using a mix of drawing, collage and digital montage to depict both the fantastical upright ‘moon beaver’ as well as the gritty urban terrain of life… View →
I Love Him to Pieces: Book 1
“Görrissen’s artwork is slick and attractive, and she clearly has a skill for facial expressions.” —Publishers Weekly View →
I, Emma Freke
“Atkinson’s account of Emma’s journey to self-discovery is sincere and relatable.” —The Horn Book Guide View →
Seven Wonders of the Rocky Planets and Their Moons
“This book is highly recommended for the capable and/or talented reader in middle school, and up through high school.The text is readable but the content is deep and the information is wide–ranging and detailed. It would provide many anecdotes and interesting detail for the teacher View →
Monster Trucks on the Move
“The accessible texts are simple but informative.” —The Horn Book Guide View →
Maccabee!: The Story of Hanukkah
“Appropriately for the Festival of Lights, Harrington’s use of light is the illustrations’ greatest strength.” —The Horn Book Guide View →