On Sukkot and Simchat Torah
Grade 1-5–A proud girl relates the busy goings-on around her house in preparation for two Jewish holidays that occur in the fall. More an explanation of the observances than a story, the book would be most useful in (non-Orthodox) Jewish schools or with children interested in learning about various religious and family rituals. The text is well written, and the general warmth of the family gatherings and pride of faith show through. Most touching is the scene of the narrator imagining her biblical ancestors sitting beside her in the outdoor sukkah as she eats at the table in the cool night breeze. The lovely, muted pastel illustrations are an excellent accompaniment to the lyrical text. There is a scarcity of childrens books dealing with these two celebrations, so it is a pleasure to see such a fine one.–Lisa Silverman, Sinai Temple Library, Los AngelesCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.