Review: Max's Mask: A Purim Story

Max's Mask: A Purim Story

by Havvah Deevon, illustrated by Itay Bekin

Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing), 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Amy Brook Cohen

 

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Max starts kindergarten at a new school and, while he likes his class and his new teacher, he’s not completely comfortable just yet. Fortunately, wearing his superhero costume and mask gives him the confidence he needs to deal with big emotions and new stressors. When a classmate knocks over Max’s block tower, kicks over Max’s neatly lined up row of toy cars, and then sticks his tongue out, Max's superhero costume and mask give him strength. A little while later, when Purim comes, everybody in the class chooses a costume - except Max. He decides to come to Purim unmasked, as his true self. Max realizes that he is strong just as he is - no costume necessary.

This book makes a great social/emotional read-aloud for the classroom - for preschoolers, kindergarteners and beyond. The dialogue is realistic, and the action is described in easily understandable, direct language. The drawings are beautifully rendered and hold the reader's attention. A bulletin board in the classroom shows the passing of time through displays about Jewish holidays. The pacing and flow of this book make it a joy to read aloud. Only one page has a lot of text, which makes it perhaps the most special one in the book: Max’s teacher explains what Purim is all about, and a memorable illustration transports the reader to Persia in the time of Queen Esther.

Max’s Mask takes place in a Jewish preschool or kindergarten (this is made clear by the classroom bulletin boards). Yet the block area, dress-up clothes, artist’s easel, toys and exploration areas depicted are universal preschool/kindergarten staples familiar to Jewish and non-Jewish readers alike, and the social/emotional themes explored in this book are relevant for all young readers, too, regardless of faith. The explanation given of Purim is clear and interesting. Max’s Mask will be a welcome addition to any preschool, kindergarten or early childhood school or synagogue library.

 

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Reviewer Amy Schreibman Walter is a writer and teacher; her essays and articles have been published widely on both sides of the Atlantic. Amy is currently at work on her first children's picture book. She lives in London, England, with her husband and two children.