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THE PASSOVER PARROT

Name: THE PASSOVER PARROT
Author: Evelyn Zusman
ISBN: 978-1-5124-2882-7

by Evelyn Zusman ; illustrated by Kyrsten Brooker ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 1, 2018

It’s a cute-enough story, but it’s unlikely to have much staying power.

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A parrot offers dubious help during preparations for the Passover Seder.

Lily, who lives in a Brooklyn brownstone, is the narrator for her story about the spring Jewish festival. When her next-door neighbor gifts Lily with a parrot, Mama is not happy. She is busy cleaning the house of “all the hametz, the leavened foods,” which are not eaten on Passover. The parrot soon acquires a name: Hametz. Meanwhile, Lily decides to practice asking the ceremonial four questions in Hebrew, a role in the Passover Seder traditionally given to the youngest child. The only one in the house who will listen to her practice is the parrot—who, of course, repeats every word he hears. Finally, the big night arrives, the family assembles, and Papa begins. The afikomen is hidden, and Lily begins the questions. And so does the parrot, who is banished from the dining room. Alas, when the time comes, the children cannot find the afikomen—or Hametz. But everything ends well for the family, and they (and the parrot) are ready for the second night’s Seder. Zusman’s tale is mildly amusing, particularly for those children who have practiced the four questions; there are no background notes. Brooker’s art is colorfully nostalgic, depicting a mid-20th-century Brooklyn and a pale-skinned Jewish family.

It’s a cute-enough story, but it’s unlikely to have much staying power. (Picture book/religion. 3-6)

Pub Date: Feb. 1, 2018

ISBN: 978-1-5124-2882-7

Page Count: 36

Publisher: Kar-Ben

Review Posted Online: Feb. 18, 2018

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S RELIGIOUS FICTION

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BEARS AND BOOS

From the Bears on Chairs series

by Shirley Parenteau ; illustrated by David Walker ‧ RELEASE DATE: July 14, 2020

Enjoyable holiday fare for the littlest trick-or-treaters.

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Does the box of Halloween costumes contain enough to clothe a passel of bears?

There’s a lot inside that carton: “hats, capes, and bats,” for example, and much more besides. And here come the four excited little bears, eager to comb through the contents to find the right trick-or-treat get-ups. At first, they find just what they want. Then, they simultaneously shout and pull at one another’s pickings as well, each desperately needing what another one has. The hubbub causes poor little Floppy to fall on her rear, so she tells Big Brown Bear she’ll wait until the others are done. Unfortunately, by the time everyone else has grabbed their stash, there’s nothing left in the box but a crumpled-up sash. Contrite, all the other bears willingly share their largesse with Floppy, turning her into the “holiday queen.” She leads the parade outdoors, all the bears dressed in their Halloween finest. This latest in Parenteau and Walker’s Bears on Chairs series is a sweet, brief rhyming tale for very young children that emphasizes kindness and sharing—a fine message for Halloween or any time. The lilting verses move smoothly and rhythmically and express a familiar scenario. The colorful, expressive illustrations are endearing; minimal text and lots of white space per page focus attention on the characters and goings-on.

Enjoyable holiday fare for the littlest trick-or-treaters. (Picture book. 3-5)

Pub Date: July 14, 2020

ISBN: 978-1-5362-0837-5

Page Count: 32

Publisher: Candlewick

Review Posted Online: July 13, 2020

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 2020

Categories:

CHILDREN'S ANIMALS | CHILDREN'S HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS | CHILDREN'S SOCIAL THEMES

- BOOK REVIEW
BEARS AT THE BEACH
by Shirley Parenteau ; illustrated by David Walker

- BOOK REVIEW
BEARS AND BLOSSOMS
by Shirley Parenteau ; illustrated by David Walker

- BOOK REVIEW
DOLLS OF WAR
by Shirley Parenteau

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ROY DIGS DIRT

by David Shannon ; illustrated by David Shannon ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 7, 2020

Here’s the dirt on this one: Kids will dig it.

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Roy the dog seriously digs dirt.

Who can blame him? Sitting, rolling around, and lying in dirt make him happy because dirt is so deliciously…well, dirty, and Roy loves being dirty. Eating, sniffing, watching, and listening to dirt are fantastic. Roy likes burying and unearthing cool, fun stuff in dirt, including some crawly critters and an imaginary friend, likewise named Roy. Surprisingly, there are things Roy doesn’t dig about dirt, though: ants and mud. You see, rain makes mud, or “dirt gravy.” Mud by itself is terrific; unfortunately, mud plus Roy equals very dreaded baths. Roy. Doesn’t. Dig. Baths. What does Roy dig when there’s no dirt around? Rugs, blankets, and newspapers suffice until he enters the jungle that is the backyard. Sadly, encounters with smelly trespassers could occur there, and—yep—baths might ensue! Still, all is well for Roy as he awakens each morning to a day filled with new dirty adventures. This is a rollicking story that will especially resonate with readers who are unapologetically messy. They’ll revel in the delights of wallowing in grunge and may themselves sympathize with a bath-averse protagonist. Shannon’s illustrations are comically energetic, and Roy’s expressions are hilariously wild-eyed, tongue-lolling, and frenzied. Roy’s white coat helps keep the focus on dirty patches.

Here’s the dirt on this one: Kids will dig it. (Picture book. 3-6)