1 comments about The Matzah Man: A Passover Story.

1. This book about the "matzah man" who jumps out of Mr. Cohen, the baker's, oven has plenty of fun repetition that toddlers find so enjoyable. The pictures are great as the story builds to the surprise climax. With a few different refrains that my 2 1/2 year old daughter loves repeating, the book is very participatory. We highly recommend it.

No comments about Honey Cake (A Stepping Stone Book(TM)).

No comments about The Miracle Jar.

1 comments about Our Eight Nights of Hanukkah.

1. I have searched high and low for a wonderful Hanukkah story and have always felt something was missing from each one of them...they never seemed to quite hit on what I, as a Jew in Texas, feel at Hanukkah. I am sure many Jewish parents like myself have been waiting for this book....it touches all the bases: the history of Hanukkah, the foods, the presents, but also the conflict with Christmas (which has been treated in a sensitive, positive and even uplifting way in this story). Through the description of one family's eight-day holiday, the book suggests ways to celebrate and treasure each day of this holiday that makes a Jew "proud of your religion." This book also explores tzedakah, sharing, and world community and acceptance. It is truly a celebration of Hanukkah, but even more, it is a celebration of being Jewish. I know my kids--and even myself--needed to hear this as we head into the Christmas season with all it's inherent conflicts and mixed emotions (especially in Texas!!)

No comments about The O.C.: Novelization #7: 'twas The Night Before Chrismukkah: Novelization #7: 'twas The Night Before Chrismukkah (O.C., The).

2 comments about Biscuit's Hanukkah (Biscuit).

1. It is Hanukkah and Biscuit and the girl with the purple sneakers are getting ready to celebrate with their friends.
   
   Together they make a menorah as a gift for their friends. There is a little explanation about the object but not much. The gift is then presented to the friends and happiness ensues.
   
   Although the book makes an attempt to talk about the candles, only the difference between the eight candles and the Shamash candle is mentioned. So while it is a fun book and Biscuit is up to his usual antics, there is little actually about Hanukkah here.



2. Biscuit's Hanukkah is a board book about a little girl teaching her dog, Biscuit, about some of the customs of Hanukkah. This book introduces some Hebrew words such as shamash and menorah, in a simple, sweet way. The illustrations are colorful, fun, and full of Hanukkah décor and Judaic symbols. It is an appealing introduction to this Jewish holiday that is sure to be popular with its target audience of very young children.
   For preschool and younger.
   Reviewed by Melanie Pastor

1 comments about Mr. Mentch (Meet the Yids).

1. This is really a fantastic book, awesome story! My kids absolutely love it.
   The story's message is so important for children (and ourselves) to learn and remember.
   Also the illustrations and colors are just incredible.

5 comments about Rivka's First Thanksgiving.

1. Kovalski's heroine touches children on both a personal and national level. Rivka endeavors to become American. Her family's quest for freedom is like the Pilgrim's. She helps her family to recognize and celebrate the true spirit of the Thanksgiving Holiday.



2. In rich and spirited prose, accompanied by warmly rendered illustrations, Rivka's First Thanksgiving captures the texture and cadence of early 20th century Jewish immigrant life in New York City. The story teaches children the importance of old traditions, as well as the necessity for creating new ones. The reader can almost smell the turkey -- and the challah!



3. Elsa Rael's book fills a truly needed place in American-Jewish children's literature and children's literature on the whole. The story of a clear headed and plunky little girl who mounts up steep wood tenement steps to confront first one austere little rabbi in his book-filled room to a whole roomful of them to explain why Jews should celebrate Christmas is wonderful! The Lower East Side is everyone's heritage, and Ms. Rael and her magical illustrator bring it to life. You see the world of the 1930's through the eyes of a child. Original and heartwarming.



4. The recent political atmosphere makes this book even more profoundly important. Children see the need and are starving to understand each other's cultures. I read it to my 11-yr and 13-yr. Puerto Rican - American born niece & nephew a couple of days before Thanksgiving, wondering if they'd be too old & too sophisticated to enjoy it, (they are Harry Potter fans.) This book both empowered them and satisfied their need to more fully understand how children from a different culture (Jewish) relate to "Thanksgiving." It 's apparent that we've gotton away from the roots of this American holiday and that "Thanksgiving" had never clicked in their heads. It helped them to understand why people from other countries still come to America today. My "kids" strongly identifed with "Rivka's" courage to stand up for her own point of view . They were thoroughy engaged in the story and loved the illustrations-and so did I. J. Gardner



5. Hear an interview with Rivka's First Thanksgiving illustrator Maryann Kovalski on The Book of Life podcast's Thanksgiving Special episode (November 2007) at www.bookoflifepodcast.com!

5 comments about Holidays Around the World: Celebrate Hanukkah: With Light, Latkes, and Dreidels (Holidays Around the World).

1. Full-color photographs and an attractive layout combine with an interesting, informative text to create a stunning introduction to Hanukkah focusing on light, Jewish identity, freedom, and the celebration of miracles. The photographs include contemporary Jews celebrating Hanukkah in Israel, India, Peru, Uganda, Poland, Los Angeles, Ghana, and Rome, and are all paired with descriptive captions. Phrases like "It was a miracle," "We are proud to be Jewish" and "We share the light in our hearts" are integrated into each page spread. The impressive "More About Hanukkah" section includes basic facts, instructions for lighting the menorah and playing dreidel, a potato latke recipe, books and websites for further reading, a glossary, and a world map indicating the places where the photos were taken. Part of National Geographic's "Holidays Around the World" series, this will be a welcome addition for all libraries. Jewish libraries in particular will anxiously await the upcoming titles on Passover and Rosh Hashanah. Ages 6 and up. Reviewed by Rachel Kamin



2. Although I've heard the Hanukkah story many, many times, I enjoyed reading this book with my children to experience the many ways this holiday and history is celebrated throughout the world. The author relates the shared story in a beautiful, poignant and delightful way.



3. This book was a delight to read with both my 7 year old and 10 year old daughters.
   
   Each page launched us into a discussion about our own traditions, as well as Judaism in general.
   
   We discussed our love of latkes, and our tradtion to share them with Grandma and Grandpa.
   
   My daughters also discussed the desire to put the words "I am proud to be Jewish" in the window. We also taked about the possibility of visiting Israel together.
   
   This beautifully written book inspired us to take pride in our traditions, and to learn more about Jews around the world.



4. This is a lovely book with clear, fluid prose and gorgeous photographs. I loved the fact that Jews from such a wide range of countries were depicted and the sense of reverence yet childlike excitement that shines through the whole book.



5. Books explaining the celebration of Hanukkah abound - who would have thought there was anything new to say to children on this topic? However, Heiligman's excellent book, published by National Geographic as part of the Holidays around the World series, offers a unique perspective. The historical roots of the story are told succinctly, and the rest of the book centers around how the holiday is celebrated. What sets this book apart are the first-rate, full-page photographs that depict Jews celebrating Hanukkah all over the world. In places as far-flung as South Korea, Uganda and Peru, the story of Hanukkah is still alive and still holds meaning. Through the photos, it becomes clear that although these Jews are living in a variety of cultures and countries, they all celebrate the holiday in much the same way.
   
   In addition, unusually thorough end notes supplement the text. Here is a summary of facts, information on how to light a menorah, a simple, yet exacting recipe for making latkes, and complete instructions on how to play dreidel. The bibliography and glossary include valuable resources and definitions, and a world map spotlights the countries where the book's photographs were taken. Finally, there is a wonderfully written afterword about Hanukkah's meaning and message written by Rabbi Shira Stern,who consulted in the writing of the book. Highly recommended for synagogue, school and public libraries. REVIEWED BY NANCY AUSTEIN (Temple Emanu-El, Dallas, TX)

2 comments about It's a Miracle!: A Hanukkah Storybook.

1. Most Hanukkah books for children do one of two things: they either tell the traditional story of the Macabees directly, or they depict modern-day parents and/or grandparents telling children the story while engaging in traditional holiday activities. While such books are necessary, I prefer something a little more original, like Stephanie Spinner's delightfully warm and funny 'It's a Miracle!'. Although it's intended for ages 4 to 7, it is a winner for children of any age - and for adults.

   Six-and-a-half-year old Owen Block has just been appointed his family's O.C.L. (Official Candle Lighter). Every night after he lights the candles and gets into bed, his Grandma Karen tells him special bedtime stories for the holiday, all wonderful. They range from one about a WWII soldier who called all five Jewish families in the small town where his wife was hospitalized to pray for her (and she was cured!) to one about an alien who is reminded of his planet's four moons by the Hanukkah lights to one about a dentist with a talking parrot named Dreidel. I'm not going to tell you all of them, but as most readers (and eventually Owen as well) can figure out, all of Grandma Karen's stories are about members of Owen's own family. Except maybe for the alien, but you never know. And Owen then has a VERY special surprise waiting for him when Hanukkah ends!

   In between the stories, Owen eats latkes, receives Hanukkah gelt, shows a non-Jewish friend how to light the candles (the friend thinks it's 'cool'), and plays dreidel.

   In keeping with its original approach to holiday storytelling, another thing I really like about this book is that its Jewish family defies a lot of stereotypes, with a female rabbi cousin (whose brother studies wolves in Alaska!) and a horseback-riding, cowboy boot-wearing Jewish grandmother.

   The illustrations by Jill McElmurry are in keeping with the zaniness of the Block family and their stories. My favorite is the one of the whole family together at the dinner table on the last night of Hanukkah, each with a icon representing Grandma Karen's story above their heads, such as Torah scroll for Cousin Shira, a telephone linking Uncle Ralph and Aunt Edna, and a rattle for Dad (I'm not going to explain that - you have to read the book!).

   At the end there is also a brief description of the traditional Hanukkah story (naturally), transliterations of the holiday blessings, and a glossary of Hebrew terms.

   This is a good introduction to Hanukkah for young children because its imagination, humor and very likable characters make it memorable, although obviously a fuller telling of the traditional story will also be required. My favorite Hanukkah story of all time is Eric Kimmel's 'Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins', and that author has also written another winner called 'Zigazak'. I also recommend Fran Manushkin's 'Latkes and Applesauce'. In the meantime, both kids and their parents will be quite happy to spend Hanukkah with this warm and funky family.




2. I just bought this book as a gift for a family member, but after reading it to my daughter, I may pick up another copy for her. I love that the book isn't directly about the Hannukah story itself, but about a little boy and his family Hannukah celebrations. The characters in the book are terrific. Owen is a very believable almost-seven-year-old and his Grandma Karen is the Grandma we all wish we had. The seven stories within the story keep the reader going through the eight nights of Hannukah and each is delightful by itself. However, they come together very nicely at the end of the book.
   
   One thing I really like about this book is that Christmas is also mentioned. Owen explains to his friend Buster that his family has a Menorah instead of a Christmas tree. Buster thinks it's "cool" that Owen gets to light the candles himself. Christmas lights and decorations are also central to one of Grandma Karen's stories. One of my favorite illustrations shows a neighborhood of houses decorated for the holidays, some with Christmas lights and others with Menorahs.
   
   The wonderful illustrations really add to the charm of this book. I think kids and adults will enjoy "It's A Miracle" over and over, year after year.