Book reviews for kids from Liza Wiemer, longtime local Jewish educator
The Art of Jewish Joy: Crafts and Activities for Celebration and Connection by Amanda Kingloff and Suzy Ultman, published by Chronicle Books
In a world where social media often disconnects the family unit, Kingloff and Ultman have the perfect antidote. This book contains a treasure trove of exciting, creative crafts and activities for the Jewish year. Bright, bold and beautiful illustrations and photographs, along with easy-to-understand step-by-step instructions, provide numerous hours of joyful ways to celebrate Jewish holidays, values and traditions. Great for all skill levels, this special book is a winner!
Rosh Hashanah Square-Circle-Star: A First Shapes Book by Joy Nelkin Wieder, illustrated by Aura Lewis, published by Abrams Appleseed
This sweet board book is a delightful introduction to the Jewish New Year. Many shapes are introduced, including a spiral for the shofar, a star for a new fruit, and a hexagon for honeycomb. Back matter includes a simple guide on Rosh Hashanah and the symbolism of different foods and rituals. Highly recommended for toddlers.
Can You Find It? Hashem’s Amazing World: A search-and-find book by Judaica Press
This is a fantastic New Year’s gift for children to learn about the wonders of creation. Each double-page spread has a list of things for kids to spot and count. Categories include fruits and vegetables, trees and flowers, water creatures, birds, insects and more. Perfect for ages 2 and up.
Build a Sukkah with Me by Katie Moss, illustrated by Orit Magia, published by Green Bean Books
Clever and fun, this rhyming board book invites the reader to join in the process of building a Sukkah. Three-word actions or sounds like “tug, pull, shift” and “hush, pray, light” take children through the preparation to the celebration of Sukkot. Highly recommended for preschoolers.
Stella’s Special Recipe: A Rosh Hashanah Story by Melissa Stoller, illustrated by Valerya Milovanova, published by Kar-Ben Publishing
Stella is finally able to help make the stuffed cabbage rolls for Rosh Hashanah, and it is her turn to add an ingredient to the recipe. She chooses honey for a sweet New Year. This precious, adorably illustrated book highlights the importance of sharing family traditions l’dor v’dor – from generation to generation. Recipe included. A wonderful story for preschoolers and up.
Liza Wiemer
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. She is a board member at the Nathan and Esther Pelz Holocaust Education Resource Center. Her picture book, “Out and About: A Tale of Giving,” is appropriate for ages 2 and up.
