Starred Review I Am Hava

A Song's Story of Love, Hope & Joy

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 2

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
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
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
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV074000, JUV033020, JUV031040
Dewey [E]
Dimensions 10 x 8
Features Author/Illustrator note, Glossary, Reviewed, and Starred Reviews

Reviews

Starred Review 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