Clear, colorful photographs follow a young family’s quest to find all the “four species” (from the Hebrew arba minim) used to celebrate the holiday of Sukkot, the harvest holiday observed with the symbolic use of the branches of a palm, willow and myrtle tree and the Middle Eastern citrus fruit etrog. Because these are plants that naturally grow in Israel, the family takes a hike near their home in Tzefat to see if they can harvest them rather than buy them at the market. The spirit of the holiday’s significance is captured throughout the family’s outing, which is treated as a treasure hunt and which successfully culminates in a meal in the family’s Sukkah, the outside hut families create for the week-long celebration. Reading daughter Aravah’s first-person account, children will identify with the fun and wonder of her discoveries as her parents guide and instruct each step of the search. A realistic and eco-friendly perspective of both simple Israeli life and the holiday. Holiday explanation and Fun Facts included. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Aug. 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-8225-8763-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2009
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
On a clear night a young child is told of a time spent with Grandfather learning about how and why the stars appear in the sky. For the good deeds we all must do, a star will shine—each time we plant a tree, help others, show kindness to animals—“and most of all, sparks are / gathered whenever you / love someone.” Based on the tradition of tikkun olam, or the repairing of the world, this Jewish pourquoi story is based on the myth of the Ari, from the teachings of the 16th-century Rabbi Luria, who explained the 1492 Spanish expulsion of the Jews as one of God’s blessings. The Spanish Jews were given a purpose: to gather sparks around the world with each new good deed done. The second-person free-verse text is complemented by dreamy, nature-filled mixed-media paintings in smudgy purple, blue and green hues that extend the theme that all are responsible, in whatever small way, for creating and maintaining a peaceful world. (author’s note) (Picture book/religion. 4-6)
Pub Date: Aug. 3, 2010
ISBN: 978-1-59643-280-2
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1, 2010
The Ziz, a large, somewhat clumsy mythical bird, returns in a Hanukkah story offering an unlikely explanation for how one day’s oil lasted eight. Frustrated by how night’s winter darkness prevents him from accomplishing his evening tasks, the Ziz looks for ways to light his path. Finally, he decides to approach God on Mt. Sinai, who gives him an oil lantern that burns brightly each night. But his newfound treasure begs sharing from his fellow mountain dwellers. Unwilling, the selfish Ziz flies away with his precious lantern, stopping to rest at the Holy Temple, newly reconstructed after the Maccabee victory. He overhears Judah’s worried voice about not having enough oil to light the eternal menorah. The Ziz decides to approach God once more, and He commands the Ziz to help Judah with the oil in his lantern. Colorful paintings in deep tones illustrate this original tale with its goofy-looking overgrown yellow-bodied bird with red-and-purple plumes. Jules incorporates the theme of sharing, as well as apologizing, in a droll version of a holiday tale. (Picture book. 4-6)
Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2006
ISBN: 1-58013-160-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Nov. 1, 2006
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
