Synopsis
An introduction to the ten major holidays of the Jewish people
Reviews
PreSchool-Grade 2-Silverman describes the Sabbath, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu Bishevat, Purim, Passover, and Shavuot in simple free-verse text. Garrison's collographs are appealingly childlike, but, despite their bright watercolor highlights, are dominated by murky browns. Melanie Greenberg's Celebrations (Jewish Publication Society, 1991) introduces many of the same holidays in more poetic free verse and features joyful full-color artwork. David Adler's A Picture Book of Jewish Holidays (Holiday, 1981), which has a more meaningful text and marvelous illustrations; his Children's Book of Jewish Holidays (Mesorah, 1987), which gives the historical significance of each feast or fast day and outlines how it is observed today; and Greer Cashman and Alona Frankel's colorful Jewish Days and Holidays (Modan-Adama, 1986) are all for the same audience.
Marcia Posner, Federation of New York and the Jewish Book Council, New York City
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Garrison's (Another Celebrated Dancing Bear) handsome collagraphs set the tone for this elegant introduction to major Jewish holidays as well as the Sabbath. From Rosh Hashanah to Purim, Passover and Shavuot, Silverman (The Glass Menorah) delves into Torah and Jewish tradition, neatly distilling the historical background, spiritual significance and present-day rituals associated with commemorating and celebrating each of these special days. Her prose is direct, almost poetic in its simplicity, and it's ably matched by Garrison's unique use of media (a kind of collage that is subsequently printed on a press). She shows families that could be from the '40s or the '90s, and she is equally at ease in depicting Biblical scenes. The timeless air of her illustrations complements the rich fabric of tradition that Silverman recreates so dextrously. Ages 3-7.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Ages 5-9. Ten Jewish holidays are explained with clarity, reverence, and brevity in an attractive book that takes children through the Jewish calendar. In free verse, Silverman describes Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu BiShevat, Purim, Passover, Shavuot, and the Sabbath. "Saturday is a happy day of rest, and peace, and joyful prayers. / Tell a story, sing a song! Play a game. / When the sun sets and three stars glitter / in the nighttime sky, Sabbath is over." Of special interest is the artwork, a series of "collagraphs," a word that comes from combining collage and graphic. Paper, fabric, string, and other items are glued onto cardboard, and then the process continues with areas of the cardboard being pulled away. Texture is added, and then prints are made. Finally, watercolor is added to each print. Collagraphs of families under the Sukkot, Moses leading the Israelites through the parting Red Sea, and children dressed in costumes at Purim are compelling yet very childlike. A detailed glossary offers information for those who'd like to know more about each holiday. Ilene Cooper
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