Review: Aren't Brothers and Sisters Wonderful!
Aren't Sisters and Brothers Wonderful!
by Shevi Morgenstern, illustrated by Valentina Jaskina
Hachai Publishing, 2024
Category: Picture Books
Reviewer: Jeff Gottesfeld
Buy at Hachai.com
Goodness, am I the right reviewer for this book. I'm the eldest of four boys, and my youngest brother is just seven years younger than me. It's very different today in the liberal Jewish world (1.4 is the rate), but our Orthodox brethren (and all Israelis, for that matter) are still holding to big families. Thumbs up for them, and I mean it.
The hero here, in an Orthodox family, is Shmuly. He's number three in a family of four, with an older brother who always beats him to the bathroom in the morning, a sister who tends to use his favorite cereal bowl, and a little sister who enjoys hiding his slippers. I relate to all of this. Shmuly is unhappy with his circumstances, but his mom -- dad isn't in this story -- relates how she too faced some of the same struggles, and that her mom had a cereal bowl for her that read, "Aren't Brothers and Sisters Wonderful!" Mom brings it down for Shmuly, and the story shifts. Shmuly takes note of the great things his siblings are doing for him, solves the mystery of the slippers, and on the way to school, is able to reciprocate a good deed for his big brother, unexpectedly. The message is as clear as the writing on the bowl. Morgenstern's prose is straightforward, simple, and never treacly, while Jaskina's artwork is bright, inviting, and even loving. Characters present as something other than 1950s white. It's a friendly tale with a message.
Jewish representation is outstanding, as this is obviously an Orthodox Jewish home, especially as the art is depicted. Mom is Ima, sister is Rivky, our hero is Shmuly, etc. The content is integral to the story while the message is universal. At a time when big families are an Orthodox and/or Israeli institution but not so much outside it, yes. It opens eyes.
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Reviewer Jeff Gottesfeld writes for page, stage, and screen. His most recent picture book is Food for Hope (Creston, 2023, illustrated by Michelle Agatha), winner of the Goddard-Riverside social justice award, and a Christophers medal. Upcoming are Strike! For the Right to Read (Creston, 2025), We All Serve (Candlewick 2026, illustrated by TeMika Grooms), and Honor Flight (Candlewick 2026, illustrated by Matt Tavares). Born in Manhattan and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, he currently lives in Los Angeles. His Jewish frame of reference is observant but not Orthodox. Visit him at www.jeffgottesfeldwriter.com.
Goodness, am I the right reviewer for this book. I'm the eldest of four boys, and my youngest brother is just seven years younger than me. It's very different today in the liberal Jewish world (1.4 is the rate), but our Orthodox brethren (and all Israelis, for that matter) are still holding to big families. Thumbs up for them, and I mean it.
The hero here, in an Orthodox family, is Shmuly. He's number three in a family of four, with an older brother who always beats him to the bathroom in the morning, a sister who tends to use his favorite cereal bowl, and a little sister who enjoys hiding his slippers. I relate to all of this. Shmuly is unhappy with his circumstances, but his mom -- dad isn't in this story -- relates how she too faced some of the same struggles, and that her mom had a cereal bowl for her that read, "Aren't Brothers and Sisters Wonderful!" Mom brings it down for Shmuly, and the story shifts. Shmuly takes note of the great things his siblings are doing for him, solves the mystery of the slippers, and on the way to school, is able to reciprocate a good deed for his big brother, unexpectedly. The message is as clear as the writing on the bowl. Morgenstern's prose is straightforward, simple, and never treacly, while Jaskina's artwork is bright, inviting, and even loving. Characters present as something other than 1950s white. It's a friendly tale with a message.
Jewish representation is outstanding, as this is obviously an Orthodox Jewish home, especially as the art is depicted. Mom is Ima, sister is Rivky, our hero is Shmuly, etc. The content is integral to the story while the message is universal. At a time when big families are an Orthodox and/or Israeli institution but not so much outside it, yes. It opens eyes.
Are you interested in reviewing books for The Sydney Taylor Shmooze? Click here!
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