Child-friendliness substitutes for awe in this cozy rendition.
The Creation story, interpreted with minimalist art.
Rylant’s text, looking as if hand-lettered and adapted from Chapters 1 and 2 of the book of Genesis from the King James Bible, emphasizes for the youngest readers and listeners how very basic yet how extraordinary this story simultaneously is. Her naïve acrylic paintings are charmingly innocent and appealing, readily capturing the salient points of each day’s work, each rendered in a separate double-page spread. (Creationists should be pleased at the painting of a dinosaur to depict the creation of “the beasts.”) Children who already know this story may enjoy seeing and hearing this latest version. Youngsters who are unfamiliar with the opening chapters of the book of Genesis may well wonder, after the final lines, just what happens next? Such queries should stimulate lively conversations. Brushstrokes are readily visible, often dominating compositions, as in the creation of Day and Night, in which darkness looks like a gray, feathered wing laid over the light. Depicted figures—the aforementioned dinosaur, birds, tortoises—have a pleasingly blobby look. This adaptation’s low-key illustrations bring the story to a child’s level; they will not satisfy those seeking to revel in its majesty.
Child-friendliness substitutes for awe in this cozy rendition. (Picture book/religion. 3-7)Pub Date: Sept. 20, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-4814-7039-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster
Review Posted Online: May 17, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2016
A welcoming introduction to an often overlooked minor holiday.
One full moon in spring heralds a Jewish holiday that is not familiar to the savvy Sadie but has its own reason for celebration.
At school, Sadie learned that Jewish holidays often begin with a full moon. What spring holiday is forthcoming after Purim and Passover? Curious, Sadie reads the calendar and learns it is something called Lag Ba’Omer. What’s that all about? She explores the house with her little sister and finds only items related to Rosh Hashanah, Simhat Torah, Hanukkah, Passover and Shabbat. Stumped, she begins to question everyone, including family members and the parcel delivery man (who must know all about holidays). Her grandfather finally tells her that this new holiday is not about presents, might involve picnics, songs and campfires, and of course includes delicious food. She’s still mystified, so he tells a story about an ancient rabbi who was forbidden by the Romans to teach and study Torah and so did it secretly in a cave. Lag Ba’Omer is a day dedicated to his steadfast bravery. It is remembered with picnics, bonfires, singing and storytelling and usually celebrated between the holidays of Passover and Shavuot. The evenly told story is laced with mild suspense. It is coupled with cheery illustrations that include carefully placed details that indicate the centrality of faith to this suburban family.
A welcoming introduction to an often overlooked minor holiday. (author’s note) (Picture book/religion. 3-6)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7613-9047-3
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: Jan. 28, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
This should be inspirational to little tykes who are expected to carry on with the tradition and need to understand their...
For little Hannah, being the youngest in the family is a vexing issue—until it is time for the Passover Seder, and one special honor is given only to her.
Hannah continually laments that she is too small to reach the sink, join brother and sister on the school bus, and even light Hanukkah candles by herself. Grandpa tells her to be patient, as soon her holiday will come. Together, they spend many evenings after dinner in the study, learning something special that will be revealed to the whole family at the upcoming Seder. On the first night of Passover, Hannah takes much pride in reciting the traditional four questions as required by the youngest family member, finally delighted to be the littlest Levine. Generic watercolor drawings in pale spring hues place this intergenerational, observant family in a middle-class, suburban setting. The well-developed storyline provides enough intrigue to engage the littlest listeners and culminates pleasingly.
This should be inspirational to little tykes who are expected to carry on with the tradition and need to understand their larger role in the Seder ceremony. (author’s note) (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2014
ISBN: 978-0-7613-9045-9
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: Jan. 21, 2014
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2014
BOOK REVIEW
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