The Sydney Taylor Shmooze

Uri and the King of Darkness: A Hanukkah Story by Nati Bait, illustrated by Carmel Ben Ami Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountain Publishing), 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Doreen Robinson Buy at Bookshop.org As siblings Uri and Shir await Dad's arrival on a dark winter’s night, Uri ponders why his father is late. Mom assures Uri that Dad will come and together they’ll light the first candle for Hanukkah. Looking out the window, Uri sees shadows and envisions an enemy army with spear and shield approaching, a parallel to the Hanukkah story of King Antiochus. The story continues with Uri worrying and wondering about his Dad, while the enemy king of darkness approaches. In a nod to Judah and the Maccabees, Uri finds the courage to be brave, and together with Shir, they proclaim that they’ll fight to fend off the darkness. And then, the door opens and…surprise! Spoiler alert: it’s Dad with a yummy, sweet jelly-filled treat! The story ends with the family celebrating Hanu

A Bright Light in Buenos Aires by Santiago Nader, illustrated by Paula Wegman Kalaniot Books, 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Shirley Reva Vernick Buy at Bookshop.org In Buenos Aires, Dani is a regular boy leading a regular life, with one exception: everywhere he goes, a large, bright light follows him. The light can be helpful (like when the electricity goes out) or annoying (like when it blocks the Shabbat candles’ light). Dani wants to be like the other kids, and he’s afraid no one will come to his birthday party because he’s so different. His classmates do come, but his light causes trouble during an impromptu soccer game – Dani is upset! His mom helps him see that his light is the light of his soul, a gift from God that makes him special, a gift he should share with others. Dani finds a way to temporarily share bits of the light with his friends, helping them understand how uniquely remarkable they each are. In the end, Dani is happy with his light, knowing that he’s perfec

A Turkish Rosh Hashanah by Etan Basseri, illustrated by Zeynep Özatala Kalaniot Books, 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Rinat Hadad Siegel Buy at Bookshop.org A Turkish Rosh Hashanah gives us a glimpse into the traditions and flavors of Rosh Hashanah as it was celebrated by one branch of Sephardic communities. The community mentioned in this story was expelled from Spain in 1492 and found refuge in Constantinople, under the rule of the Ottoman Empire, hence the abundance of Ladino words throughout the story. The narrative of a Rosh Hashanah experience unfolds in the markets and sights of Constantinople, now known as Istanbul. This rich historical backdrop anchors the story and allows the reader to connect with the cultural and historical roots of this community. We meet our characters at the beginning of the story as they plan their shopping spree to get all the ingredients they need to make the dishes in time for Rosh Hashanah seder, as described in the story, the "yehi re

The Hedgehog Who Said Who Cares? by Neri Aluma, illustrated by Amit Trainin Kalaniot Books, 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Cindy Rivka Marshall Buy at Bookshop.org Author Neri Aluma has transposed a teaching story from the Talmud into a vibrant picture book that is relevant to challenges in our contemporary world. Hedgehog digs a burrow, smack in the middle of a road used by other animals. Rabbit and Mouse, stymied by the large pile of dirt blocking their way, wonder who is responsible. Meanwhile Hedgehog is oblivious and cozy in his new home. When Rabbit and Mouse confront him, Hedgehog snorts “Who cares?” But the next day, when a rainstorm causes the burrow to collapse into mud, Hedgehog needs help. Rabbit and Mouse come to his aid and help him dry off and get warm. Hedgehog apologizes and admits his wrongdoing. The book ends with Hedgehog helping others to plant a garden of flowers along the road. This book was originally published in Hebrew and the translation does an admir

The Blue Butterfly of Cochin by Ariana Mizrahi, illustrated by Siona Benjamin Kalaniot Books, 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Doreen Robinson Buy at Bookshop.org The Blue Butterfly of Cochin tells the story of a Jewish girl named Leah who lives in the ancient city of Cochin, India. Leah loves her city and its special synagogue, which has two bimahs. After Shabbat services, Leah tells the other children stories. Even the blue butterflies listen! In an exchange with a bright blue butterfly, we learn that Leah is sad that the Jews of Cochin have decided to leave India. But at the same time, she’s excited to move to Israel. The butterfly assures her that Cochin will always be with her – in her heart and in her stories. Even though Leah and her family settle in a moshav in Israel, there are things she still misses about Cochin. A friendly neighbor named Shifra takes Leah to a nearby olive grove where a blue butterfly lands on her shoulder. That’s when Leah realizes that India will b

100 Rooms by Haya Shenhav, illustrated by Yirmi Pinkus Kalaniot Books, 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Suzanne Grossman Buy at Bookshop.org The prolific Israeli author Haya Shenhav, recipient of the highest honors of juvenile literature in Israel, joins the esteemed Israeli illustrator Yirmi Pinkus to bring us this funny and engaging tale of a man who desires an ever-expanding house. When it is finally completed there are 100 rooms, each designated for a different item. There’s a room for forks, a room for chairs, a separate room for every item he owns, leaving enough for one extra empty room. But he is alone and lonely. Taking one of each item, he furnishes the remaining room. He lives in this room and sells the rest, including their contents, at very low prices. Having simplified his possessions he ventures outside to greet his neighbors who are happy to meet him. The cartoon style digital art with bright vibrant colors enhances the absurd humor. There is minimal Jewish repres

Out and About: A Tale of Giving by Liza Wiemer, illustrated by Margeaux Lucas Kalaniot Books, 2023 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Shirley Reva Vernick Buy at Bookshop.org Daniel is bursting with curiosity when he sees his parents walking out of the house in the early morning hours, carrying boxes. When he asks his mother and older siblings where the parents have been, the only answer he gets is “out and about.” His imagination runs wild as he guesses what toys or treats the boxes might contain. Finally, Daniel figures out that his parents are secretly bringing boxes of needed items to the Cohens, neighbors who are going through hard financial times. Daniel joins in the tzedakah activities by bringing a box of gently used toys and clothing to the Cohen children’s door. This inspiring story elegantly illustrates the mitzvah of tzedakah. It also demonstrates the value of giving anonymously: namely, that it spares the Cohens from feeling embarrassed about needing assistance. The warm an

How to Welcome an Alien by Rebecca Klempner, illustrated by Shirley Waisman Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing), 2023 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Shanna Silva Buy at Bookshop.org How to Welcome an Alien is rooted in the long-standing Jewish values of hospitality and kindness. An alien spaceship crash lands in a residential neighborhood. The protagonist, Dina, welcomes the strange creatures into her home, even reminding her doubtful mother about the mitzvah of giving guests food, drink, and a place to rest. Humor leads this tale as the hosts and guests struggle to communicate and the creatures find unusual uses for the human objects. The alien vocabulary is funny-sounding, but familiar enough to be understood. A surprise ending brings the tale and lesson full-circle. The aliens are illustrated in a non-threatening way with a color scheme that matches those of their human hosts. The art reminds us that commonalities can be found even in seemingly different spe

Ella KVELLephant and the Search for Bubbe's Yiddish Treasure written and illustrated by Jen Kostman Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing), 2023 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Arlene Schenker   But at Bookshop.org A day at the beach with Bubbe and Zayde Kvellephant turns into a treasure hunt for little Ella. When Bubbe reminisces about going to the beach with her Bubbe, she realizes that she has lost most of her Yiddish. This is good news for Ella because she loves a treasure hunt and is great at finding lost things. She reassures Bubbe that she will find her Yiddish for her and is eager to search "every sandy shore and every salty sea." After a walk on the boardwalk to get ice cream, Ella begins to build her ship of sand. Sadly, it is washed away by a giant wave. Bubbe comforts her after her water mishap, and Ella falls asleep dreaming of pirate adventures on the ocean searching for the lost language. But it is soon time to pack up and go home, and

Seven Good Years: A Yiddish Folktale by Shoham Smith, illustrated by Eitan Eloa, translated by Ilana Kurshan Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing), 2023 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Suzanne Grossman Buy at Bookshop.org The proverb from Pirkei Avot, “Who is wealthy? One who is content with what he has,” is brought to life in this cozy portrayal of Jewish life in Eastern Europe. This is a child-friendly adaptation of a story by Isaac Peretz, first published in the early 1900’s. Poor Tuvia meets a stranger who offers him enough gold to last seven years. After he and his wife agree to accept the gift they enjoy seven bountiful years. But when the stranger returns, Tuvia and his family are still wearing their raggedy clothing and living in their ramshackle hut. The stranger asks why Tuvia hasn’t spent all the gold. Tuvia replies that they spent what they needed to educate their children but had no need for anything else. They were satisfied with meeting their simples

An Invitation to Passover by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky & Rabbi Deborah Bodin Cohen, illustrated by Mariia Kolker Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing), 2023 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Rachel J. Fremmer Buy at Bookshop.org In An Invitation to Passover , Hannah’s family invites a diverse array of friends - and the reader! - to their seder when their relatives cannot, for unspecified reasons, attend. As Hannah and her family teach their guests about Passover, the reader learns along with them. But the teaching and learning are not one-way. Each guest brings a contribution to the seder which responds to a prompt in Hannah’s invitation and which shows how their culture celebrates the different aspects of the seder, like springtime and freedom. Backmatter includes more details about Passover and a glossary, although it would have been helpful if the glossary had included a pronunciation guide. The illustrations convey how warm and welcoming Hannah’s family is. An Invi

Mendel's Hanukkah Mess Up by Chana and Larry Stiefel, illustrated by Daphna Awadish Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing), 2022 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Suzanne Grossman   Buy at Bookshop.org Mendel has “messed up” so many Hanukkahs with hysterical thoughtless mistakes that he is shocked when his rabbi gives him the most important task of all. This year he will drive the Mitzvah Mobile through the town to share the miracle of Hanukkah. All goes well until he drives under a low overpass, “crumpling the car like used gift wrap”. A new holiday miracle occurs: in the wreckage, the menorah’s candles are still lit! All ends well when the local news covers the event, allowing Mendel to broadcast the message, “we each have a spark to light up the world.” Digital artwork adds to the fun, creating opportunities for discussion while keeping young readers excited about turning the pages. Backmatter including a brief history of the holiday, dreidel playing instructi

The Very Best Sukkah: A Story from Uganda by Shoshana Nambi, illustrated by Moran Yogev Kalaniot Books, 2022 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Suzanne Grossman Buy at Bookshop.org Sukkot is coming to the small Ugandan Abayudaya Jewish community. We share the fun with super competitive Shoshi and her two brothers as they build their own sukkah, hoping theirs wins the annual village competition. The vibrant linoleum cut artwork brings the reader right into life in the village, showing us the natural environment and day to day lives of the people. When a wild storm comes through the night before Sukkot, it damages all the huts, totally destroying the challenging front runner’s sukkah. The whole village rallies, helping to rebuild this one, which wins the contest. But Shoshi doesn’t mind, her competitive streak has mellowed as she learns, “Everyone wins when neighbors work together”. Generous backmatter includes a history of the Abayudaya Jewish community, a glossary of Luganda words used

A Persian Passover by Etan Basseri, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing Company), 2022 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Bridget Hodder Buy at Kalaniot Years ago, at NerdCamp Michigan, I once had the privilege of hearing author Tracey Baptiste talk about #ownvoices representation. Her words evoked powerful images and feelings as she described her Caribbean island childhood, demonstrating how much deeper a story can go when it's told by one who has actually lived it. But why am I talking about Tracey Baptiste in a review of a book by Etan Basseri and illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh? Because I was reminded of how valid Baptiste's points were, while reading Basseri and Kheiriyeh's vibrant, immersive picture book about Mizrahi Jews. Readers can tell that the author and the illustrator have genuine cultural experience related to their subject, which is a Passover celebration in mid 20th-century Persia, now known as Iran. Every pag

The Melody by Oded Burla, illustrated by Assaf Benharroch, translated by Ilana Kurshan Kalaniot Books, 2022 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Suzanne Grossman Buy at Kalaniot A breezy melody drifts through the air, seeking another creation to share its existence. Personified elements give a variety of excuses for rejecting the connection, Mountains give no reply, stones try but fail to join the singing, river can’t slow down, crow is afraid he will be transformed, mole prefers isolation and horse fears ridicule. Melody asks itself universal questions, “What is my purpose if no one will listen? Why am I here? Whose am I?” Finally, a mother shares the melody with her baby as a lullaby. This is a lovely parable of the midrash of many nations being offered but refusing the gift and responsibilities of the Torah, with the final acceptance by the Jewish people. It is also a parable for seeking friendship in the face of rejection, as well as transmission of heritage through the generations. T

A Snake, a Flood, a Hidden Baby: Bible Stories for Children by Meir Shalev, translated by Ilana Kershan, illustrated by Emanuele Luzzati Kalaniot Books (imprint of Endless Mountains Publishing) Category: Picture Book Reviewer: Eva L. Weiss   Buy at Bookshop.org   This book offers an engaging telling of six biblical stories (five from Genesis and one from Exodus) as interpreted by the iconic Israeli author Meir Shalev. The English translation by Ilana Kershan, a writer steeped in Jewish heritage, is both natural and nuanced. The luminous illustrations by the Italian artist Emanuele Luzzati will ignite the imagination of readers of all ages.    The narratives in this sophisticated picture book are well-suited to middle-grade readers, with exchanges between the biblical heroes made relatable for young readers: in the chapter about Adam and Eve, “The two of them looked at each other, blushed, and then burst out laughing.” There are also imaginative flourishes, such as the descri

 The Candy Man Mystery by Rabbi Kerry Olitzky, illustrated by Christina Mattison Ebert Kalaniot (imprint of Endless Mountain Publishing) Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Dena Bach Buy at Bookshop.org For many children who regularly attend services at a synagogue, the person that makes them feel most welcome is not the rabbi or cantor but is instead the time-honored “Candy Man” or “Lollipop Lady,” the regular attendee who hands out free candy to any child who approaches. Though the idea of giving candy to entice children could be problematic, in The Candy Man Mystery , Rabbi Kerry Olitsky, author of Where's the Potty on this Ark? does a good job of showing that the reward is actually in the relationships and in the community, and not in the sweets.    With the "mystery" of where the missing Candy Man went, the young reader is guided through the narrative in an age-appropriate manner, and is introduced to the people, places, and prayers that can be found and hear