Reviews
Africa Is Not a Country
“The title says it all. Instead of the ‘vanishing tribes’ view of one Africa with tourists from different countries photographing the animals and primitive people, this informative picture book celebrates the diversity of the 53 nations that make up the continent… View →
It's Spring!
“From the Celebrate the Seasons series, which includes It’s Fall (2001), this brightly illustrated picture book offers sensory impressions and childlike experiences representative of spring. Writing in first person from a boy’s point of view, Glaser proves an astute… View →
Flying Against the Wind: A Story about Beryl Markham
“This will appeal to aviation history buffs and those looking for stories about strong women.” —Booklist View →
Things to Make for Your Doll
“Ross, the author of more than 40 craft books, presents 20 projects with clear directions for ‘what you need’(simple household items from paper clips, cardboard, and yarn to sand and crayons) and ‘what you do.’ Garvin’s simple line-and-watercolor… View →
The Babka Sisters
“A cute, rhythmic picture book. A lot of fun to read aloud.”―Book Riot View →
Luis de Torres Sails to Freedom
“An excellent story to help Jewish children understand the Sefardic past.”―HaLapid, Society for Crypto-Judaic Studies View →
Clouds of Terror
“Coping with a plague of grasshoppers on the Minnesota prairie in the 1870s, Helga and her brother are fishing when they become aware of an odd cloud approaching with a strange ‘deep hum’. . .The authentic details here carry a simple narrative that’s sure to… View →
Debbie's Song
“This book is rich in themes that will spark discussion about community-building, the power of music, determination, following your passions, creativity, inclusivity, and more. And of course, many children will be moved to listen to, sing, or play Debbie Friedman’s music… View →
The Promise
“Tender and heart-rending.”―Kirkus Reviews View →
Finding Day's Bottom
“Wonderful description, hill-country language, appropriate grief and honesty combine to offer a new take on an old story.” — Kirkus View →
Twist, Tumble, Triumph: The Story of Champion Gymnast Ágnes Keleti
“The story of Hungarian Jewish Olympian Agnes Keleti (b. 1921) inspires in Bodin Cohen and Olitzky’s chronicle of how the gymnast persisted throughout WWII. The story opens with Keleti, the Hungarian national champion, being told that a new law… View →
My Family Haggadah
“This sweet board book Haggadah hits all of the high points of the Passover seder in an appealing format for the youngest attendees.”―School Library Journal View →
Zayde Babysits before Passover
“While Ruthie’s parents help Bubbe prepare to host the seder, Zayde makes his debut as Ruthie’s babysitter, guided by 10 instructions from Mommy. Humor emerges from the contrast between Sutton’s administrative-style text and Chappell’s naif illustrations as… View →
“. . .attractive and will enhance science collections.” —School Library Journal View →
“[The seder scene] reaps the benefits of the author’s extensive research, and does a remarkable job of making the experience come alive for the reader. The painted illustrations add just the right amount of drama to the story.” View →
It's Tu B'Shevat!
“The simple rhyming text moves fluidly from one page to the next and the slightly stylized illustrations, in a soothing color palette, are serene… The concept of yearly growth is conveyed nicely.” View →
“Cute animals, sweet thoughts and loving ways inform the pre-school crowd about the various names for grandparents in English, Hebrew, and Yiddish. The targeted readers, ages 3-6, will find the situations amusing and comforting.” View →
Janusz Korczak's Children
“This short chapter book with illustrations on each page…is a good way to introduce the subject of the Holocaust to children in grades 2-5.” View →
“Highly recommended for all ages, it conveys a joyous message: learning the structure and meaning of the rituals and prayers will add to our enjoyment of celebrating Shabbat and the Jewish festivals.” View →
The Shapes of My Jewish Year
“The bold and colorful illustrations enhance the text, but the drawings can also stand alone and can be enjoyed without reading the text. Young non-readers will enjoy recognizing and identifying the familiar shapes of Shabbat and the Jewish holidays.” View →
Home for a While
“Ultimately, the book is as much a model for foster parents as it is a story to provide validation of foster children’s experiences . . . . Gentle and wise—especially as a read for foster parents.”—Kirkus Reviews View →
My Whirling Twirling Motor
“A practical, sensitive depiction of a child with ADHD facing challenges and receiving affirmation . . . . Compassionate, helpful, and wise.”—Kirkus Reviews View →