Children's Books Books

All-of-a-kind Family

Sydney Taylor, Helen John

Amazon Price: $5.99 List Price: $5.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Yearling Amazon Marketplace: 128 new & used starting at $0.01

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> History & Historical Fiction -> United States -> Fiction -> 1900s
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Family Life -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Religions -> Fiction -> Jewish

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 91 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

There's something to be said for a book that makes you wish you'd been part of a poor immigrant family living in New York's upper east side on the eve of World War I. Sydney Taylor's time-honored classic does just that. Life is rich for the five mischievous girls in the family. They find adventure in visiting the library, going to market with Mama, even dusting the front room. Young readers who have never shared a bedroom with four siblings, with no television in sight, will vicariously experience the simple, old-fashioned pleasures of talk, make-believe, and pilfered penny candy. The family's Jewish faith strengthens their ties to each other, while providing still more excitement and opportunity for mischief. Readers unfamiliar with Judaism will learn with the girls during each beautifully depicted holiday. This lively family, subject of four more "all-of-a- kind" books, is full of unique characters, all deftly illustrated by Helen John. Taylor based the stories on her own childhood family, and the true-life quality of her writing gives this classic its page-turning appeal. (Ages 9 to 12)

It Could Always Be Worse: A Yiddish Folk Tale

Amazon Price: $5.95 List Price: $5.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) Amazon Marketplace: 43 new & used starting at $1.13

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths -> Multicultural
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Religions -> Fiction -> Jewish

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

"ONCE UPON A TIME IN A SMALL VILLAGE... 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 14 people found this review helpful.

... a poor unfortunate man lived with his mother, his wife, and his six children in a little one-room hut." Everyone was crowded and the hut was full of quarreling or crying constantly. The poor unfortunate man was unhappy, and when he "couldn't stand it any more, he ran to the Rabbi for advice."

The Rabbi gives some rather interesting advice to say in the least. The wisdom of the Rabbi isn't apparent until the end of the story, yet in the meantime the story gets extremely entertaining and downright hilarious to the point of hysterics at times--well for my daughter and me! The illustrations are some of the best I have seen as far as going with the story's context.

I highly recommend this book because it has it all: a funny and entertaining story, hilarious illustrations, and a moral that I believe a child can understand well. I recommend this to young and old alike. If you enjoyed, IF YOU GIVE A PIG A PANCAKE and others like it, I know you will love to share this one too with your child.

Laugh together and Soar!

Editorial Review:

Once upon a time a poor unfortunate man lived with his mother, his wife, and his six children in a one-room hut.Because they were so crowded, the children often fought and the man and his wife argued. When the poor man was unable to stand it any longer, he ran to the Rabbi for help.As he follows the Rabbi's unlikely advice, the poor man's life goes from bad to worse, with increasingly uproarious results. In his little hut, silly calamity follows foolish catastrophe, all memorably depicted in full-color illustrations that are both funnier and lovelier than any this distinguished artist has done in the past.

Rashi's Daughter, Secret Scholar

Maggie Anton

Amazon Price: $11.20 List Price: $14.00 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Jewish Publication Society of America Amazon Marketplace: 10 new & used starting at $9.09

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Biographies -> European
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Girls & Women -> Fiction
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Explore the World -> Fiction -> Middle East

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A great book for Children...unless 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Having read the first two volumes of Rashi's Daughter's I ordered this immediately upon Amazon making it available, March 28, 2008.I didn't know it was for readers "ten and up." I assumed (always a bad idea) that it would be about the third daughter, Rachel. Silly me. It is a re-telling of the story of Jocheved for younger readers...unless they have read the first two volumes. I will give the book to a young girl, a friend's daughter. I am sure she will find it fascinating.
My disappointment is more than likely my own fault.

Editorial Review:

The tale of a young girl who challenges conventions to engage in Jewish learning

Set in 11th-century Troyes, France, Rashi's Daughter, Secret Scholar tells the story of Joheved, eldest daughter of Salomon ben Isaac (known as Rashi), one of the great medieval Jewish Bible commentators. At a time when women traditionally were barred from studying Jewish texts, Rashi secretly teaches first Joheved, then her sister Miriam. By day, Joheved helps in running the household and the family winemaking business, and by night she studies Talmud with her father.

As she nears marriageable age, Joheved finds her mind and spirit awakened by religious study, but she must keep her passion for learning and prayer hidden. When she becomes betrothed to Meir ben Samuel, she is forced to choose between marital happiness and being true to her love of the Talmud. Will she fulfill the expected role of a Jewish woman or pursue a path of Jewish learning?

Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride (High Holidays)

Deborah Bodin Cohen

Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $7.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Kar-Ben Pub Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $3.50

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Holidays & Festivals -> Religious
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Religions -> Fiction -> Jewish

Editorial Review:

A sweet and creative Rosh Hashanah story based on the first historic train ride from Jaffa to Jerusalem in 1892, shortening the journey between the two cities from 3 days to 3 hours. Engineer Ari's train is coming to Jerusalem collecting goodies along the way to celebrate the Jewish new year, and he learns an important lesson along the way.

A Mezuzah on the Door (Jewish Identity)

Amy Meltzer

Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $7.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Kar-Ben Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 22 new & used starting at $3.93

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Religions -> Fiction -> Jewish
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Ages 4-8 -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Issues -> Moving

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

A lovely book that is sweet, funny, and instructive 5 out of 5 stars.
14 of 14 people found this review helpful.

This is a wonderful children's book with much to recommend it. The story is sweet and funny; the illustrations are gorgeous; and the book teaches the importance of the mezuzah to Jewish life without being didactic, preachy, or boring. Children and their parents will enjoy reading this lovely tale over and over, and the detail-rich illustrations will provide many hours of enrichment and entertainment. A wonderful book!

Multifaceted Story for Children and Parents 5 out of 5 stars.
12 of 12 people found this review helpful.

The Mezuzah on the Door blends Jewish ritual with the many emotions involved in moving and new beginnings.The Mezuzah ceremony brings together family and old friends as Noah adjusts to his new home. The dynamic interplay of text and illustrations clearly aand delightfully tell the story of Jewish ritual surrounding the dedication of a new home. It is accessible to people with any level of Jewish knowlege. Judaism serves as a source of comfort and support for the entire family through this significant life change. Humor and fine writng make this book a "must have" for young families.

The Hardest Word: A Yom Kippur Story

Jacqueline Jules

Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $7.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Kar-Ben Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 14 new & used starting at $4.79

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Baby-3 -> Picture Books
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths -> Stories
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Religions -> Fiction -> Jewish

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Good for Yom Kippur and year round 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 7 people found this review helpful.

This book was read during services last week at my mother's synagogue. I immediately asked the rabbi for information, so that I could order my own copy. I know that my daughter will use it when teaching at our religious school, and the book will eventually be given to our children's day school. The story is charming and, while it will captivate little ones, is told well enough to be of interest to those who read it aloud to their children.

The Hardest Word 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

What an absolutely wonderful book. It is appropriate not only for the holiday of Yom Kippur, but for every day of the year. It transcends religious beliefs, it helps children understand what to do when mistakes are made and reminds parents about forgiveness and how to nurture. Both my husband and I love the story! I just purchased the Noah and Channukah adventures as well. Our child is 5 and frequently asks to read this book.

Editorial Review:

The Ziz, a clumsy but goodhearted bird of folklore, accidentally destroys a vegetable garden, and when he asks God for advice, he learns the importance of apologizing.

Sammy Spider's First Rosh Hashanah

Sylvia A. Rouss

Amazon Price: $7.95 List Price: $7.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Kar-Ben Publishing Amazon Marketplace: 27 new & used starting at $2.24

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Animals -> Bugs & Spiders -> Fiction
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Holidays & Festivals -> Religious
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Religions -> Fiction -> Jewish

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Great intro for small children 5 out of 5 stars.
11 of 12 people found this review helpful.

You've heard of being a little mouse in the room or a fly on the wall? Well, Sammy is a spider on the ceiling! This is a good intro to Rosh Hashanah for small children, who will love the big, colorful illustrations. I also like the Sammy Spider series because it portrays spiders in a positive way. Spiders are our friends -- they eat flies and other annoying bugs, and are nothing to be afraid of!

Editorial Review:

Sammy's newest adventure finds him knee-deep in honey, and eager to celebrate the New Year. The third in the popular Sammy series.

Sound the Shofar!: A Story for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

Leslie Kimmelman

Amazon Price: $10.87 List Price: $15.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: HarperCollins Amazon Marketplace: 40 new & used starting at $1.80

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Family Life -> General
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Holidays & Festivals -> Jewish -> Hanukkah
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Holidays & Festivals -> Religious

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Very enjoyable read for children 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

As a middle school social studies teacher who teaches world cultures, I wanted to expose my students to the High Holy Days, I was seeking a colorful, fun and informative introduction to this most important time in the Jewish year. My mostly Christian students knew nothing of Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur which led me to choose a book that was very simple and straight forward. When I discovered Sound the Shofar, I knew that it was perfect.

The story centers on one family's celebration of the High Holy Days and focuses on the reasons behind some of the more allegorical traditions (such as blowing the shofar, dipping apples in honey...)My students did gain a basic understanding, but the book, in my opinion, is really meant for a much younger audience (perhaps kindergarten - second grade) although children through 10 will most likely enjoy it.

Editorial Review:

It's Rosh Hashanah, and the loving family of Hanukkah Lights, Hanukkah Nights and Hooray! It's Passover gets ready once again for another holiday. After a special dinner, the family goes to synagogue to hear Uncle Jake sound the shofar and bring in the New Year. Ten days later, it's Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. With simple text and glowing illustrations, this story captures the rituals and importance of the ten special days called the Days of Awe or the High Holy Days that Jewish people all around the world celebrate.

The Cure

Sonia Levitin

Amazon Price: $6.99 List Price: $6.99 In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. By: HarperTrophy Amazon Marketplace: 57 new & used starting at $0.01

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> History & Historical Fiction -> Fiction -> Medieval
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror -> Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Religions -> Fiction -> Jewish

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 23 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

It is the year 2407, when everyone wears a mask to emphasize conformity, and tranquility has been implemented via genetics, drugs, and therapy. It is also the year 1348, the time of the Black Death in Strasbourg, France, and 16-year-old Gemm has been sent back from the future to cure his nonconformist desire to create music. In the past he is known as Johannes, the son of a wealthy moneylender in a small Jewish community that finds comfort and strength in the daily rituals of Judaic faith. But as the plague sweeps the land, terrified people in city after city scapegoat the Jews as the cause of their problems. Officials find it convenient to have someone to blame, and realize that they can wipe out their debts by torturing and burning the moneylenders and their families--but they play music all the while to make the horrible scene less dismal.

Sonia Levitin, whose exceptional young adult novels are often based in Jewish culture and identity (Escape from Egypt and The Singing Mountain, among others), draws on historical fact for this story's powerful emotional impact. The vivid details of ghetto life in the Middle Ages--the Sabbath peace, the enforced humiliations of moneylenders, Johannes' joy at his betrothal to his love Margarite--make the final holocaust scene overwhelmingly real, with layers of meaning that apply to our own times. The futuristic framing device adds additional flavor, evocative of Lois Lowry's The Giver. This is a book that both fantasy fans and pragmatic young readers will devour, and one that's rich with thoughtful ideas about racism, conformity, and the lessons of history. (Ages 10 and older) --Patty Campbell

Someone for Mr. Sussmann

Amazon Price: $11.55 List Price: $16.99 Not yet published By: Philomel

Buy at Amazon.com

Browse similar items by category:
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Literature -> Humorous
Subjects -> Children's Books -> People & Places -> Family Life -> Multigenerational -> Fiction
Subjects -> Children's Books -> Religions -> Fiction -> Jewish

Editorial Review:

Jerome’s bubbie is a matchmaker—the greatest in the whole neighborhood. She even found a match for the Firesteins’ son, and that was a miracle! She’s found a match for everyone. Everyone except for Mr. Sussman—and herself, that is. But Mr. Sussman is impossible! “Too picky!” Jerome cautions Bubbie after each appointment. But Bubbie is determined to make this match, no matter what lengths she must go to. And in a satisfying and sweet conclusion, this comedy of errors proves Bubbie’s motto: No pot is so crooked that there isn’t a lid to fit it!