The Sydney Taylor Shmooze

One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story by Ruth Spiro, illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov Dial Books for Young Readers (imprint of Penguin Random House), 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Linda Elovitz Marshall  Buy at Bookshop.org One Small Spark is an empowering story about seeing broken things in the world (e.g., a swing that is no longer attached to its chain, part of a dilapidated playground) and repairing them, alone or with help. The book’s hopeful premise and promise is that if everyone pitches in to help and, in their own way, lights one small spark, the world will be a better, brighter place. Written in sweet, lyrical language, the text addresses readers directly: "Imagine the world you want to live in. If that's not the world you see, will you create it?"    The many examples of positive action are vibrantly depicted with bright, sweeping reds and oranges in Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s stunningly vivid illustrations, as the palette morphs from grey to colo...

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 f...