Satisfyingly and appropriately, community spirit defeats a bully.
A Jewish holiday celebration takes on contemporary relevance.
On Purim Jews read the Megillah, the story of Esther, which recounts how she saved the Jews of Persia from the evil Haman. Each time Haman’s name is mentioned, graggers, or noisemakers, are rotated by hand so that their noise drowns out his name. In this tale, a shopkeeper has arranged a display of the graggers, and a boy is almost ready to purchase one for his sister, also named Esther. He just needs more money. Then another boy enters the shop and rudely demands the very gragger the protagonist (whom readers eventually learn is named Ben) has selected. The shopkeeper sets it aside for the first lad, though. As Ben and Esther, both dressed in costumes for a Purim parade, leave the store they are accosted by the bully. Soon, Esther, joined by the shopkeeper and passers-by, enters into the spirit of the holiday, and they all spin their noisemakers, creating so much “racket” and “commotion” that the bully runs off. The shopkeeper uses the occasion to deliver a message: namely “we must never be afraid to take a stand against cruelty.” It is certainly a timely lesson, albeit delivered purposefully and at somewhat greater length than a typical picture book. Colorful illustrations are set in an indeterminate time and place with a largely Jewish, light-skinned cast. Four pages of backmatter offer further information on Purim, its observance, and graggers as well as instructions on how to make homemade noisemakers.
Satisfyingly and appropriately, community spirit defeats a bully. (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Jan. 7, 2019
ISBN: 978-1-937786-75-5
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Wisdom Tales
Review Posted Online: Nov. 20, 2018
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2018
BOOK REVIEW
A charming illustration of childhood memories during the holiday season.
A colorful wintry tale ushers in Chinese New Year over two weeks.
In this picture book, the narrator recounts with nostalgia an observance of the traditional New Year in rural northern China. The snow-covered village bustles with activity as folks venture out to greet relatives and friends. “On the third day, uncles started giving LANTERNS” refers to an old custom in provincial Shaanxi—especially among maternal uncles. Palpable and immediate are Zhao Di’s eager anticipation and the care with which she “walk[s] through the snow with her lantern in case she slipped or the candle blew out in the wind.” Simple yet vivid close-ups depict Zhao Di and her friends, bundled head to toe and comparing lantern designs—accordion, watermelon, etc.—while braving the cold and a bunch of rowdy boys. All too soon, the 15th day arrives, signaling the end of the New Year celebrations. In a pivotal spread that shows Zhao Di sitting with her dog and chickens, readers are granted an interior view of the architecture and layout of a rustic farmhouse. In addition, the villagers’ various clothing styles, headdresses, and skin tones suggest the region’s diverse ethnicities and socio-economic landscapes. As the story concludes with the obligatory smashing and burning of the lanterns, Zhao Di comforts herself with the hopeful thought of lighting new lanterns next year.
A charming illustration of childhood memories during the holiday season. (author's note) (Picture book. 5-8)Pub Date: Dec. 7, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-5420-2984-1
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Amazon Crossing Kids
Review Posted Online: Sept. 23, 2021
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 15, 2021
These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience.
The How to Catch A… crew try for Comet.
Having already failed to nab a Halloween witch, the Easter Bunny, a turkey, a leprechaun, the Tooth Fairy, and over a dozen other iconic trophies in previous episodes of this bestselling series, one would think the racially diverse gaggle of children in Elkerton’s moonlit, wintry scenes would be flagging…but no, here they lay out snares ranging from a loop of garland to an igloo baited with reindeer moss to an enticing candy cane maze, all in hopes of snagging one of Santa’s reindeer while he’s busy delivering presents. Infused with pop culture–based Christmas cheer (“Now I’ve already seen the shelf with the elf”), Comet prances past the traps until it’s time to gather up the kids, most of whom look terrified, for a group snapshot with the other reindeer and then climb back into harness: “This was a great stop but a few million to go / Christmas Eve must continue with style!” Though festive, the verse feels trite and unlikely to entice youngsters. A sprinkling of “True Facts About Reindeer” (“They live in the tundra, where they have friends like the arctic bunny”) wrap up this celebration of the predatory spirit. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
These reindeer games are a bit tired but, given the series’ popularity, should have a large, ready-made audience. (Picture book. 5-7)Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2022
ISBN: 9781728276137
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Sourcebooks Wonderland
Review Posted Online: Dec. 12, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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