I Am Hava
A Song's Story of Love, Hope & Joy
Experience the story of the world’s most famous Jewish song, as told by the song herself.
In her spare, poetic text, Freda Lewkowicz has personified the song of Hava Nagila and made her the narrator of her own story, known simply as “Hava.” Renowned Indian-American Jewish illustrator Siona Benjamin, who is known for her blue characters, draws Hava as a young blue girl in a sari. Follow Hava as she spreads joy and hope throughout the world.
“Benjamin’s lovingly rendered illustrations move and dance across the pages with the music . . . . Come and rejoice and sing out the heartfelt words to this anthem of hope.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
| Format | Your Price | Add |
|---|---|---|
|
978-1-951365-06-6
|
$14.99 | |
|
978-1-951365-07-3
|
$16.99 |
| Interest Level | Kindergarten - Grade 3 |
|---|---|
| Reading Level | Grade 2 |
| Genre | Picture Books |
| Category | Diverse Books: Celebrating Differences , Diversity |
| Copyright | 2021 |
| Publisher | Intergalactic Afikoman |
| Imprint | Intergalactic Afikoman |
| Language | English |
| Number of Pages | 40 |
| Publication Date | 2023-01-01 |
Author: Freda Lewkowicz
Freda Lewkowicz was born in Montreal, Quebec where her parents, Holocaust survivors, sought refuge after the war. Her picture books include I AM HAVA and OLIVER SOLIVER.
Illustrator: Siona Benjamin
Siona Benjamin grew up as a Bene Israel Jew in multicultural India. Today Siona lives in New Jersey, and her work has been exhibited around the world. Learn more at www.artsiona.com
Meet the Publisher: Intergalactic Afikoman
Today we introduce you to one of Lerner Publisher Service’s stellar publishing partners, Intergalactic Afikoman! We’re coming up on two years of distributing their joy-filled Jewish picture books and nonfiction, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to share this interview with Brianna Caplan View →
Reviews
Kirkus Reviews
“Benjamin’s lovingly rendered illustrations move and dance across the pages with the music. Come and rejoice and sing out the heartfelt words to this anthem of hope.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
AJL Newsletter
“The origin story of the song is eloquently recounted in Freda Lewkowicz’s picture book for all ages . . . . Indian-American artist Siona Benjamin’s illustrations are as stunning and lyrical as the song itself . . . . Energy and hope feel inherent on each gorgeous two-page spread.”—AJL News & Reviews
Jewish Book Council
“The colors of the picture book are brilliant and strong, with radiant jewel tones dominated by blue. . . . Flowing format, unusual shapes, boundless energy, and a narrator that is the object of the book mesh together to imprint information on young readers who will not miss the hope and the joy of Hava Nagila.”—Jewish Book Council