This gently worded story seeks to introduce children to the concept that God is always present for those who have faith. The simple text is written in first person with just one sentence per page set in a large, cheerful typeface in varying colors. Though the words convey a cohesive story about feeling alone, facing fears and finding a brave attitude, the choice of photographic illustrations of different animals does not serve it well. Since there are various creatures on succeeding pages, there is no clear narrative voice to connect with the text, with some animals corresponding to the narrator and others seemingly to God. In addition, several of the photographs are confusing in relation to the relevant text; for example, an orca illustrates a reference to Jonah and the whale—given that it is much smaller than the scriptural whale, which is it meant to represent? The story, such as it is, would have been more effective had it been illustrated with a child as the narrator. To be published with its companion, God Is with Me through the Night (ISBN: 978-0-310-71563-4). (Picture book/religion. 3-5)
Pub Date: March 1, 2009
ISBN: 978-0-310-71562-7
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2009
A cheerful introduction to the holiday for youngsters, both reptile and human.
Alligator family and friends gather for a Passover Seder.
In the Florida Everglades, three alligators, likely a mother and a father-and-son duo who both wear kippot, prepare for the holiday meal by laying out a Seder plate, hunting for chametz, and putting the gefilte fish on the table. A trio of “gator guests” arrive, two adult gators with a toddler in tow, bearing wine. The celebration continues with the lighting of the candles, the blessing of the wine, the four questions, the telling of the Passover story, eating matzah, and the hunt for the afikomen. “Gator” conveniently makes a pleasant sonic echo with “Seder,” helping to propel the quatrains along: “It’s time for The Four Questions, / asked by Baby Gator. / Then comes the Passover story, / as at every family seder.” The gators are a happy bunch with expressive eyes and perpetual if toothy grins in Elissambura’s jewel-toned images dominated by blues and greens. Just enough Seder traditions are presented for a toddler audience, but few details of the Passover story are described. Compositions are busy and frequently presented in separate verso and recto layouts; combined with the lack of contrast, these design choices skew the audience somewhat older.
A cheerful introduction to the holiday for youngsters, both reptile and human. (Board book. 3-4)Pub Date: Jan. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5415-6041-3
Page Count: 12
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 2020
Hanukkah happiness for the very young.
A rabbi and her family enjoy a food- and fun-filled holiday.
“There was a young rabbi / who read from the Torah. / She read from the Torah / and lit the menorah. / She lit the menorah, / as we all know, / to remember a miracle / from a long time ago.” To the rhythm of the familiar cumulative rhyme “There Was an Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly,” the rabbi then makes herself busy in the kitchen frying latkes. These are “latkes so yummy” that “filled up her tummy.” She also makes applesauce for the latkes and a “nice brisket” that is “kosher, of course.” Dessert comes in the shape of chocolate gelt that is “so sweet and so tasty, / in her mouth it did melt.” Along with eating all the requisite food (Ashkenazic style), the family lights the candles on the menorah, spins the dreidel, and exchanges gifts. The long, repetitive text invites participation. The family presents as White, and colorful illustrations convey a busy home and cheerful folk. With the exception of one scene of the miracle in the Temple and a set of elderly visitors, human characters, both male- and female-presenting, all seem to wear kippot. However, aside from this and the rabbi’s feminine pronouns, the book does not meaningfully question gender norms: The rabbi’s male-presenting partner helps with none of the cooking. (This book was reviewed digitally with 8.875-by-21.25-inch double-page spreads viewed at actual size.)
Hanukkah happiness for the very young. (author's note) (Picture book. 3-5)Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-5415-7607-0
Page Count: 24
Publisher: Kar-Ben
Review Posted Online: Aug. 17, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 2020
© Copyright 2025 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
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.
