What a Way to Start a New Year!

A Rosh Hashanah Story

  • Interest Level: Preschool - Grade 2
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

Beginning the New Year in a new city isn’t easy, and it definitely isn’t starting out very well for Dina and her family! But when they’re welcomed by warm and generous hosts in their new community it becomes a very happy New Year for all.

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Interest Level Preschool - Grade 2
Reading Level Grade 2
Genre Picture Books, Social Studies
Copyright 2013
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Kar-Ben Publishing ®
Language English
Number of Pages 24
Publication Date 2013-08-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV033020, JUV017090
Dewey [E]
Graphics Full-color illustrations
Dimensions 9.75 x 9.75
Features Author/Illustrator note and Reviewed

Author: Jacqueline Jules

Jacqueline Jules is an award-winning author and poet. Her many children’s books include The Hardest Word (National Jewish Book Award finalist), What a Way to Start the New Year! A Rosh Hashanah Story, and Moses and the Runaway Lamb. She lives in Long Island, New York.

Illustrator: Judy Stead

Reviews

Arizona Jewish Post

“Award-winning author Jacqueline Jules’ What a Way to Start a New Year! is a lighthearted and authentic story for Rosh Hashanah that reflects the diversity of today’s Jewish families and the hustle and bustle of daily life.” —Arizona Jewish Post

Kirkus Reviews

“Starting the Jewish New Year in a new city without friends or extended relatives is tough for Harry and his family, until the generous welcome by their new community known as the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim makes a significant difference.

Not yet unpacked and with no plans for Rosh Hashana, the family remembers that their old neighbors, the Kaplans, only two hours away, invited them. The transplanted family piles into the car for the trip, but before the ride even begins, unexpected events lead to delays and alter their plans. Baby’s diaper needs changing, then Mom locks herself out of the house. Dad comes with keys, but one flat tire and tow-truck rescue later, it is too late to travel, and the family returns to their moving boxes and thoroughly un–holiday-ready new home. ‘What a way to start a new year!’ Through the disappointment, Dad works on a new plan: to join his officemate at Temple Shalom for the evening service, which leads to a family dinner invitation and an opportunity to meet and make new friends. ‘What a WONDERFUL way to start a new year!’ It’s a situation many contemporary families can relate to, and Stead’s bright, multimedia illustrations track the emotional arc. A useful addition to the Rosh Hashana shelf. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-7)” —Kirkus Reviews