“Spark” by Chris Baron, published by Feiwel & Friends
Brilliantly written in free verse poetry, Spark captures the raw emotion and devastation caused by wildfires, as well as the transformation that hope brings to a community and humanity. Chris Baron is a master storyteller, bringing characters to life layer by layer as if they live and breathe! Spark is so much more than a book about a wildfire. It illuminates the spark within all of us and shows how our words and actions can have a powerful, positive impact on our families, friends, community, and the world. The main character is Jewish, and Baron integrates joyful and meaningful representation.
“The Peddler and the President” by Ann Koffsky, illustrated by Pedro Rodriguez, published by Apples and Honey Press
President Harry Truman and peddler Eddie Jacobson’s friendship began in their teens. Their mutual respect made a profound difference not only in each other’s lives, but also in the creation of the State of Israel. The illustrations accompanying Koffsky’s inspiring and uplifting words will make this a quick and fascinating read. Perfect for earlier readers to adults, this is an excellent book to foster discussion about how Israel became the first and only Jewish state in modern times.
“Noah and His Wagon” by Jerry Ruff, illustrated by Katrijn Jacobs, published by Kalaniot Books
With diverse characters, this heartfelt and beautifully written and illustrated picture book highlights the importance of acts of kindness. When Paloma’s best friend moves away, she’s lonely. But one day, while she walks her dog with her sitter, she meets Noah, a new boy in the neighborhood. Noah’s cat Mitzvah is Paloma’s introduction to acts of kindness, which she and Noah end up doing together. Their actions have a transformative impact not only on the two new friends but also on the community. Highly recommend this fabulous, joyful picture book for preschoolers to elementary students.
“This is Not a Cholent” by Sarah Sasson, illustrated by Viviana Garofoli, published by Kar-Ben Publishing
This delightful, mouth-watering picture book is about a cholent competition, in which Amira and Nana enter their Iraqi dish called t’bit, also known as hamin. Highlighting our Jewish diversity, this will be a fun cooking experience for a family to enjoy together. Recipe and photos included in back matter. Enjoy!
“Bring Back the Babka!” by Marilyn Wolpin, illustrated by Madison Safer, published by Barefoot Books
What happened to Mom’s just-baked babka for Friday night’s Shabbat dessert? In this brightly illustrated, humorous picture book, Sol, Sammy, and their dog Mazel are on the hunt. Generous neighbors share tasty Shabbat dishes with the children, but no one has babka. Readers will love the search as the children learn the deeper meaning of traditional Jewish foods. Recipe, photos, and explanations of Jewish dishes are included in back matter.
The Chronicle ‘Book Corner’ column is by author Liza Wiemer, of Fox Point, who has taught in nine of our Milwaukee-area Jewish religious schools and day schools. Her latest novel, “The Assignment,” is appropriate for ages 12 and up.
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