Driven nearly meshugga from trying to live in a shoe with 13 kids, Lou Greenbaum begs the rabbi for help.
The multistory boot and the rabbi’s house, constructed of stacked-up books, add a folkloric air to this retelling of an old tale probably best known from Margo Zemach’s classic It Could Always Be Worse (there is no source note). Adding some postmodern visual zest, Mottram dresses his figures in hoodies, onesies, and like modern garb. Weary of his own kvetching at the crowded conditions, Lou consults with the rabbi—and at his suggestion brings home two chickens, three goats, and a pair of geese in succession. Oy vey indeed: “My nerves are shot and the shoe is stinking. / Rabbi or not, what were you thinking?” Finally the rabbi instructs Lou to let the livestock out, and though that doesn’t exactly bring domestic peace and quiet, even despite “a snoring wife; / with love in the shoe it’s a bustling life!” Adding to that cheap shot, Mrs. Greenbaum is the only member of the uniformly light-skinned clan who doesn’t rate a first name. At least she’s not old, nursery rhyme notwithstanding. Also, unlike her husband, she’s generally calm and smiling amid the ruckus, and her strawberry-blonde bob cut accounts for the children’s wide range of hair colors.
A fresh take on an often told but very funny story, and the shoe is a clever addition. But give the mother a name already! (Picture book/folk tale. 5-9)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-68115-515-9
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Apples & Honey Press
Review Posted Online: June 1, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2016
Categories: CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION
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BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A humorous early chapter book featuring childish adventures, biblical concepts, and Christian life.
This outing is the first in the planned Dead Sea Squirrels series by the co-creator of Veggie Tales. As readers familiar with Veggie Tales might expect, there are elements of character-building and morality, Bible verses, and depictions of Christian life throughout this chapter book for elementary school children. Michael Gomez and his best friend, Justin, spend the summer with Michael’s archaeologist father at a dig on the shores of the Dead Sea, where Michael makes a “gross”—that is to say "cool”— discovery: two salt-withered, ancient squirrel bodies. The theme of the book—the commandment to honor thy father and mother—is illustrated by Michael’s disobedience to his father and his subsequent consequences and remorse. However, there is plenty of humor to tickle young readers, and the target audience will undoubtedly laugh out loud. Séguin-Magee’s many grayscale illustrations are appealingly cartoonish and funny. They depict presumably Latinx Dr. Gomez and Michael with brown skin, while Michael’s mother and Justin both present white. The book ends with a cliffhanger that will make readers happy sequel Boy Meets Squirrels publishes simultaneously.
Fans of such characters as Big Nate and Stink will likely enjoy the silly humor and adventures in this series opener, while many of their caregivers will appreciate the character-building lessons . (Fiction. 5-9)Pub Date: May 7, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-4964-3498-2
Page Count: 128
Publisher: Tyndale House
Review Posted Online: March 3, 2019
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 15, 2019
Categories: CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION
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BOOK REVIEW
Everyone is welcome at the Seder table, but will there be a seat for the Prophet Elijah?
Sarah and her family joyously prepare for Passover's first Seder. They set the table with an extra place and seat for Elijah, and the door is left open so he can come in. They begin the Seder with a special prayer for their neighbors across the street, whose shops and apartments are without power on this unseasonably cold and rainy night. Music Man Miguel, Doughnut Dan, Bagel Ben, Mrs. Faaiz the florist, and the young boy who sells magazines are all in the dark. One by one these neighbors are drawn to the light and warmth of Sarah’s home. As each one is welcomed and provided with a seat at the table and with wonderful, savory food, Sarah sets another place for Elijah. The final visitor is the young boy who is given the only remaining chair. Sarah is really worried until she asks the boy his name. “You never know how Elijah comes, only that he does.” Ruben seamlessly weaves information about Passover and its traditions into a tale of a loving family with open hearts that fully embrace the spirit of this ancient holiday. Though a bit stiff, Friar’s carefully detailed illustrations, set in blues and yellows, beautifully complement the events.
A sweet Pesach indeed. (afterword) (Picture book. 5-9)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4677-7841-1
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: Dec. 22, 2015
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2016
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