Chag Purim Sameach. Happy Purim—and Purr-im—to all.
The Jewish holiday of Purim, here dubbed Purr-im, is celebrated by a trio of lively kitties.
Two striped cats and one Siamese bake the tasty hamantaschen, shaped like Haman’s hat, and make baskets of food and gifts to share. After joining a parade with other felines, with everyone in costume, the cats attend temple, where they listen to the reading of the Megillah, or the story of Purim, in which brave Queen Esther saves her people from the evil Haman. Esther discovers Haman’s plot to kill the Jews (described here as “hurt[ing] the Jews”) and warns the king—“All it takes is one strong voice,” the narrator notes. The kitties follow the custom and wave noisemakers called graggers every time Haman’s name is mentioned. There’s also a carnival with fun and games. The narrator reminds readers to give to those in need by contributing tzedakah, or charity, for helping is also fun. The kitties’ various activities present a perfect parallel to the real human holiday. Everything is described in lilting, generally four-line verses, in ABCB form. Filled with movement and joy, the illustrations depict adorable kittens who will delight readers with their antics while also gently teaching them about the holiday. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
Chag Purim Sameach. Happy Purim—and Purr-im—to all. (note for families, craft instructions) (Religious picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Feb. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781681155937
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Apples & Honey Press
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2023
A sweet story highlighting nonromantic love during the Valentine season.
In a big, old house on a snowy hill, the Amore family of nine celebrates Valentine's Day.
Mia Valentina, the youngest family member, and Mama clean the house and decorate for the Amores’ favorite holiday. Then Mia’s mother helps her make thoughtful but funny valentines for her 6 siblings. When Papa and the rest of the clan return home from a basketball game, Mia’s siblings get a kick out of their valentines, and Papa presents Mama with chocolate cherry cordials, but no one gives Mia a gift. While the family has dinner and plays games, Mia’s sadness seemingly goes unnoticed. It’s not until bedtime that she makes a discovery that chases away her gloom. The pages of this book are text-heavy, making it a good springboard for young readers making the transition to chapter books. The light pink pages, cheerful illustrations, and homespun authenticity of the text will appeal to children. The cozy Appalachian mountain setting shines through. Crafty types will glean inspiration to create a gumdrop tree, custom valentines, or themed cupcakes. Mentions of an antique washing machine and patched-up windows establish the Amores as a working-class family. The old house and large family could be read as standard storybook fare or, by more critical readers, as a romanticized image of rural life, and the didactic ending feels old-fashioned. The Amores are White. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
A sweet story highlighting nonromantic love during the Valentine season. (Illustrated text. 4-7)Pub Date: Dec. 28, 2021
ISBN: 978-0-593-20331-6
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Dec. 2, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2021
BOOK REVIEW
Simply wondrous.
In this collaboration between bestselling YA fantasy novelist Bardugo and Hugo Award–winning illustrator Picacio, a grief-stricken girl meets four horsemen on Día de los Muertos.
Though her family is busy preparing for tonight’s party, dark-eyed, tan-skinned Cala can’t stop thinking of her recently departed grandfather. She and her family head to the cemetery; amid the graves, altars, and candles, people sing, whisper, and laugh to greet deceased loved ones. Wrapped up in the festivities, Cala loses sight of her family and soon encounters three skeletal horsemen: one sickly, one famished, one sullen-faced with a wide-brimmed hat of storm clouds. The riders argue, and Cala decides to find her family alone until a fourth rider appears: Death. With encouragement from all the horsemen—in particular, Death, who shows her the “invisible parade” of departed loved ones who are always with us—Cala discovers the courage to face her sorrow and join the party. With aplomb, Bardugo and Picacio confront the specter of death, weaving small moments of catharsis and humor into a languidly paced narrative that gives readers the time and space they need to process the complex emotions on display. In the first half, Picacio’s gorgeous graphite artwork favors lush, golden-hued movement in contrast to Cala’s stoic profile before introducing subdued yet lush purples, blues, greens, and reds right around the first rider’s appearance. The illustrator deftly introduces each rider in striking, individual double-page portraits.
Simply wondrous. (notes from the creators) (Picture book. 4-8)Pub Date: Aug. 26, 2025
ISBN: 9780316295703
Page Count: 60
Publisher: Little, Brown
Review Posted Online: May 16, 2025
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 2025
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