Review: Baby Loves Angular Momentum on Hanukkah!

Baby Loves Angular Momentum on Hanukkah!

by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Irene Chan

Charlesbridge

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Sarah Aronson

 

Buy at Bookshop.org

 

As a brand new bubbe, I am always on the hunt for great board books that are fun to read and capture the kids' imagination, and no one is better at creating these books than the team of Ruth Spiro and Irene Chan. 

 

Angular Momentum is many things: It’s an introduction to the meaning of Hanukkah. It’s an introduction to the game of dreidel. AND it’s a discussion about physics, gravity, and angular momentum. Spoiler: I learned something!  

Spiro’s prose are simple, fun, and respectful—and scientifically accurate. No misinformation here! Chan’s illustrations bring the text to life. They are delightful—colorful and engaging--perfect for young eyes. 

 

A special surprise: at the end of the book, Spiro includes a nod to diversity and inclusion (and other titles): not all Baby’s friends celebrate Hanukkah . . . but they can spin the dreidel! 

 

This bubbe loves Angular Momentum! The book meets the Sydney Taylor Book Award criteria with its authentic, positive presentation of Hanukkah for the very youngest children. 

 

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Reviewer Sarah Aronson began writing for kids and teens when someone in an exercise class dared her to try. Since then, she has earned an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and published books like Beyond Lucky, Just Like Rube Goldberg, illustrated by Robert Neubecker and forthcoming titles: Brand New Bubbe (Charlesbridge) and Abzuglutely! Bellowing Battling Bella Abzug (Calkins Creek, AN IMPRINT OF ASTRA BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS).

 

When Sarah is not writing or reading (or practicing yoga or riding her bike), she is talking to readers about creativity, writing, social action, and of course, sparkle power! Like tips? Sign up for her weekly newsletter on the writing process: at www.saraharonson.com.