The Sydney Taylor Shmooze

Wishing on Matzo Ball Soup! (Ellie's Deli series) by Lisa Greenwald, illustrated by Galia Bernstein Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2023 Category: Middle Grade Reviewer: Laurie Adler Buy at Bookshop.org Veteran tween author Lisa Greenwald’s newest book is about a sympathetic eleven-year-old who is determined to save her family’s failing Jewish deli. Ellie comes from a close knit Jewish family and has supportive friends at home and at school. Her small town's dwindling Jewish community, however, and her bubby’s declining health means that her family will likely have to sell their beloved fourth-generation kosher deli. Ellie’s ambitious plans to save the deli form the backbone to this gentle and upbeat book, and though there are some heavier subplots, such as anxiety, loss, and gentrification, all topics are addressed with a light hand. With the help of her community, Ellie’s plans to save the deli are successful and all problems, big and small, are neatly resolved by the last page. E...

The Eight Knights of Hanukkah by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Galia Bernstein Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Laurie Adler   Buy at Bookshop.org My calendar tells me that it’s time to start thinking about Hanukkah. The Eight Knights of Hanukkah , by established author Leslie Kimmelman and illustrator Galia Bernstein, is an entertaining story and a perfect holiday refresher for children from kindergarten through third grade. The story begins in the Renaissance-style kingdom of Lady Sadie. It’s the last night of Hanukkah, and the entire village is preparing for a gala celebration. But alas! A dastardly dragon named Dreadful is roaming the countryside and foiling the party preparations. Oh no! Fair maiden Lady Saidy calls upon the Eight Knights of Hanukkah to “fix things with some deeds of awesome kindness and stupendous bravery” and save the day. Along the way the diverse group of knights replace a scorched dreidel, peel potatoes for latkes, and do a variety of mitzvot before v...