by Carol Boyd Leon & illustrated by Gwen Connelly ‧ RELEASE DATE: Jan. 19, 2009
Early-childhood educator Leon makes the Passover story and Seder ceremony an enjoyable experience for preschool children and young families in this succinct retelling of the Jews’ flight for freedom from slavery. Clear explanations for each ceremonial food and ritual appear in a lively, color-coded text with dual Hebrew and transliterated equivalents, encouraging role-playing at the table; characters from the villainous Pharaoh, to the Prophet Elijah, Miriam and Moses, to all ten plagues are represented. Easy-to-learn, catchy, rhythmic songs that capture traditional Hebrew prayers combine with original English folksongs, further adding to the playfulness. It will also serve as a sound introduction to the holiday and its significance at school mock Seders. While it doesn’t approach the majesty of Eric A. Kimmel’s Wonders and Miracles (2004), its value in a preschool setting makes it a worthwhile investment. Regrettably, there is no written music, although a CD offering narration and musical presentations from the author and a children’s choir is available (for a price) with either edition (hardcover + CD $24.95, ISBN: 978-1-60280-042-7; paper + CD $16.95, ISBN: 978-1-60280-040-3). (Picture book/religion. 3-10)
Pub Date: Jan. 19, 2009
ISBN: 978-1-60280-041-0
Page Count: 32
Publisher: KTAV
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 1, 2008
Share your opinion of this book
by Pete Seeger & Paul Dubois Jacobs & illustrated by Michael Hays ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 2001
The seemingly ageless Seeger brings back his renowned giant for another go in a tuneful tale that, like the art, is a bit sketchy, but chockful of worthy messages. Faced with yearly floods and droughts since they’ve cut down all their trees, the townsfolk decide to build a dam—but the project is stymied by a boulder that is too huge to move. Call on Abiyoyo, suggests the granddaughter of the man with the magic wand, then just “Zoop Zoop” him away again. But the rock that Abiyoyo obligingly flings aside smashes the wand. How to avoid Abiyoyo’s destruction now? Sing the monster to sleep, then make it a peaceful, tree-planting member of the community, of course. Seeger sums it up in a postscript: “every community must learn to manage its giants.” Hays, who illustrated the original (1986), creates colorful, if unfinished-looking, scenes featuring a notably multicultural human cast and a towering Cubist fantasy of a giant. The song, based on a Xhosa lullaby, still has that hard-to-resist sing-along potential, and the themes of waging peace, collective action, and the benefits of sound ecological practices are presented in ways that children will both appreciate and enjoy. (Picture book. 5-9)
Pub Date: Oct. 1, 2001
ISBN: 0-689-83271-0
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 15, 2001
Share your opinion of this book
More by Pete Seeger
BOOK REVIEW
by Pete Seeger & Paul Dubois Jacobs & illustrated by R. Gregory Christie
BOOK REVIEW
by Pete Seeger & Paul Dubois Jacobs & illustrated by Michael Hays
BOOK REVIEW
adapted by Pete Seeger & illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin
by Janice Boland & illustrated by G. Brian Karas ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 1, 1996
A book that will make young dog-owners smile in recognition and confirm dogless readers' worst suspicions about the mayhem caused by pets, even winsome ones. Sam, who bears passing resemblance to an affable golden retriever, is praised for fetching the family newspaper, and goes on to fetch every other newspaper on the block. In the next story, only the children love Sam's swimming; he is yelled at by lifeguards and fishermen alike when he splashes through every watering hole he can find. Finally, there is woe to the entire family when Sam is bored and lonely for one long night. Boland has an essential message, captured in both both story and illustrations of this Easy-to-Read: Kids and dogs belong together, especially when it's a fun-loving canine like Sam. An appealing tale. (Picture book. 4-8)
Pub Date: April 1, 1996
ISBN: 0-8037-1530-7
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Dial Books
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1996
Share your opinion of this book
© Copyright 2024 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Hey there, book lover.
We’re glad you found a book that interests you!
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.
Don’t fret. We’ll find you.