Review by Booklist Review
Ages 4^-7. With much the same vitality and sensitivity she evinced in On Passover [BKL Mr 1 97], Fishman explores and explains the traditions associated with the Jewish High Holidays. She focuses mainly on Rosh Hashanah, the "day God created the world," and in a quiet, almost reverent way uses the voice of a little girl to make readers party to a family's celebrations. Along with explaining the holiday's meaning and describing some of the common holiday practices (eating apples dipped in honey, blowing the shofar), she answers some unusual questions--for example, Why do the rabbis dress in white robes during the holiday? She also explains Tashlich, a ceremony "held near a flowing body of water symbolizing the casting away of sins" that is not usually described in books for youngsters. Hall's beautiful, rosy, expressionistic pictures are a fine complement to Fishman's text. They capture the warm glow of a family celebrating together and the spirit behind and the importance of these very special "Days of Awe." A helpful glossary with pronunciation guides is appended. --Stephanie Zvirin
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3This companion volume to the author and illustrator's On Passover (Atheneum, 1997) offers a basic, but solid introduction to the customs and symbols of the Jewish New Year and Day of Repentance that can be understood by both Jewish and non-Jewish children. The young narrator describes her family's preparation for each holiday, succinctly explaining the meaning and use of each symbol in both home and synagogue. Italicized Hebrew words are identified in a one-page glossary. Hall's skillfully blended, autumn-toned, mixed-media illustrations show the young girl interacting with her family as they celebrate the two special days. Layers of paint and oil pastel or crayon add texture and depth, sometimes producing a scratchboard effect. Lace and woven materials are either printed or used as an underlay to the paint. The illustrations are tied together through the inclusion of small cards bearing traditional New Year's greetings. A clear, interesting, attractively illustrated introduction to these holidays.Susan Scheps, Shaker Heights Public Library, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
The two most important holidays of the Jewish calendar are described in warm and respectful prose by a young girl who observes the high holy days with her family. The mixed-media illustrations in autumnal tones extend the narrative and add to the sense of celebration in the text. A pronunciation guide is included. Glos. From HORN BOOK 1997, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
