Reviews
37 Days at Sea: Aboard the M.S. St. Louis, 1939
“The rhythmic flow draws the reader inside the narrative. You will want to read this book in one sitting, never letting go until the very last words. In addition, the layout and design of 37 Days at Sea add depth to the emotional events.” — Anne Dublin, retired… View →
Baugh, Helen. Spots and the Dots, The Marion Deuchars, Illus. Pic. Bk. Andersen, 09/2021. 36pp. $17.99 978-1-72843-890-0 ADDITIONAL GRADES View →
No One's Baby
“The book deals head-on with gritty themes like adoption, abuse, and teen pregnancy . . . A solid addition to collections needing hi-lo realistic fiction”—School Library Journal View →
When Dogs Heal: Powerful Stories of People Living with HIV and the Dogs That Saved Them
“Take HIV/AIDS away from the book’s 36 first-person profiles, and it’s still a remarkable collection of stories about how pets, dogs in particular, can transform lives. But the resilience those particular stories… View →
Kiyo Sato: From a WWII Japanese Internment Camp to a Life of Service
“Kiyo Sato’s story opens on her last night of freedom in February 1942. Ever since the Japanese Air Force bombed Pearl Harbor on December 8, 1941, Kiyo has felt shunned by her fellow college students. Now, against the urging of his wife Eleanor, President Roosevelt has… View →
Planet Ocean: Why We All Need a Healthy Ocean
“Books like this one help lead the way to a better climate future for all inhabitants of mother earth. We are all in this together!” — Jeff Bridges, Academy Award winner and environmentalist View →
The Abba Tree
“Author Busheri takes the concept of planting a tree on the holiday of Tu B’Shevat one step further by showing how people must plant trees for the next generation, lending this book to interesting classroom discussions about the environment and altruistic behavior. " —… 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 →
You're the Cheese in My Blintz
“Settle into your coziest chair, share a nosh, and enjoy this book with your little one!” — Marcia Berneger, San Diego Jewish World View →
Shalom Bayit
“This book gives examples of shalom bayit, peaceful homes for both animals and humans. It will show children differences in what peaceful homes are for both groups. It can help them to understand that what may be peaceful and harmonious to one animal might not be considered… View →
You're the Cheese in My Blintz
“A delightful poem is the essence of this adorable board book about how much families love their little ones. With such lines as ‘You’re the kick in my hora, you’re the potato in my knish, You’re the lights on my menorah, and the star on which I wish,’ it… View →
Be a Maker
“While the idea of children creating is not new, this book stands out. With the subtle odes to famous makers and innovators in the illustrations, and the rhythm of the words, this book is an inspiring choice for story time or one-on-one sharing.”—School Library Journal View →
My Family Celebrates Kwanzaa
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2019/12/02/books-season-enjoy-with-your-little-ones/ 10 great holiday-season books to enjoy with your little ones The season of all seasons is upon us. And these children’s books about Christmas,… View →
A Dreidel in Time: A New Spin on an Old Tale
“There are very few easy chapter books with Jewish content. This is one that will appeal to any reader, Jewish or not, despite a reference to the Maccabees before their role is fully explained.” — Association of Jewish Libraries View →
In the Jerusalem Forest
Inspired by “The Pond,” a Hayim Nahman Bialik poem, this lovely picture book tells of a mother and daughter’s walk in a forest near Jerusalem. As they walk past a small pond, the girl observes their reflections in the pond, looking the same, but upside down. As the wind picks up, the… 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 →
Walk Till You Disappear
Miguel Abrano lives on the family horse ranch just outside Tucson in 1872. He is nearly 13 and thinks himself almost a man, certainly old enough to decide he would like to become a Catholic priest when he is adult. Still, his family treats him as if he is immature. One evening a… View →
A Dreidel in Time: A New Spin on an Old Tale
SAN DIEGO – Ah, the joys of time travel! San Diego author Marcia Berneger, a retired teacher, uses this device to imaginatively retell… 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 →
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 →