The Sydney Taylor Shmooze

Waiting for Lumpy by Leslie Kimmelman, illustrated by Teresa Ramos Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House Publishers), 2024 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Jacqueline Jules   Buy at Bookshop.org Waiting for Lumpy begins in winter when Ella’s parents announce that a new baby is coming. As the current baby of the family, Ella isn’t sure she likes this news. Her older brother, Robby, on the other hand, is happy to suggest names for the new baby such as Frogella or Horseradish after his favorite Passover food. In summer, when Mommy’s figure becomes round, Ella says they should name the baby, Lumpy. She also complains that there is not room anymore for her to sit on her mother’s lap. Finally, it is Rosh Hashanah and the family welcomes their long awaited new addition. They choose both an English name and a Hebrew name to announce at a naming ceremony held in the synagogue on Shabbat.    This delightful early reader in seven short chapters goes through not only ...

The Most Annoying Aliens Ever by Leah Sokol, illustrated by Teresa Ramos Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House), 2022 Category: Picture Books Reviewer: Shirley Reva Vernick Buy at Bookshop.org One Shabbat morning, friends Sara and Talya discover that their younger brothers have turned into aliens. At least, it seems that way, since the boys' annoying behavior has reached out-of-this-world proportions. Over the course of the next week, the girls discover that their anger is what feeds the aliens' annoying antics. So, instead of getting frustrated, they either ignore the aliens or show them kindness – offering compliments, sharing their toys, or spending time with them. Like magic, this kindness eradicates the aliens, and the girls get their (not totally annoyance-free) little brothers back. Told with humor and insight, this book will enchant young readers, especially those with siblings. The bold illustrations enhance the hilarity, as the green-skinned, tentacled al...