Archive for the ‘Reviews’ Category
Book Review | The Little Red Hen and the Passover Matzah
by Leslie Kimmelman
Score: 4.0
Illustrated by Paul Meisel
Score: 4.0
© 2010, Holiday House, Inc.
This charming retelling of the classic Little Red Hen story, has Ms. Hen trying to prepare for her Passover Seder. First, she needs to make her matzah. Seeking help from her barnyard friends for the planting, harvesting, milling and baking of the matzah gets her no takers. [...]
Book Review | The Queen Who Saved Her People
by Tilda Balsley
Score: 3.5
Illustrated by Ilene Richard
© 2011, Kar-Ben Publishing
The author who brought us the delightful, “Let My People Go!” has written a new Readers Theater style book based on the Purim story. For the very young, this is a perfect read-aloud version of the Book of Esther, told in rhyme with simple language and fun, brightly colored [...]
Book Review | The Story of Esther: A Purim Tale
by Eric A. Kimmel
Score: 2.5
Illustrated by Jill Weber
© 2011, Holiday House
Writing a children’s version of the Book of Esther is no easy task, filled as the biblical story is with lewd, violent, secretive and ill-mannered behavior that is difficult enough for adults to interpret. Why were there “No restrictions” on the drinking during King Ahashuerus’ seven day party? How [...]
Book Review | The Underneath
by Kathi Appelt
Score: 4.5
Illustrated by David Small
© 2008, Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
This is not a Jewish book, however it is such a powerful work of fiction filled with story, message and excellent writing that I just have to recommend it. Heroes and villains, humans and animals, fact and fantasy, life and death, past and present all come [...]
Book Review | Tashlich at Turtle Rock
by Susan Schnur & Anna Schnur-Fishman
Score: 3
Illustrated by Alex Steele-Morgan
© 2010, Kar-Ben Publishing
Families looking for a way to bring interesting Jewish ritual into their lives need look no further than this charming book. Annie and her family go on a hike as part of their Rosh Hashanah afternoon. During their hike, they make four stops. One to remember something good that [...]
