The Purim Surprise
Kindergarten-Grade 4–When Naomi Levin moves to a new town three days before her seventh birthday and the Jewish holiday of Purim, she struggles with the discomfort of being a stranger in a strange place. Her mother suggests that they break the ice with their new neighbors by giving them traditional Purim treats. For two days they ignore the moving boxes and set to bakinghamantaschen, buying candy, packing up the goodies, and delivering them to every Jewish family in town. What Naomi doesn't know is that an invitation to celebrate her birthday is included with the sweets, resulting in a wonderful Purim surprise party complete with costumes, gifts, and lots of new friends. Though somewhat stilted, the cheerful illustrations successfully convey the loving relationship between parent and child. More than a simple holiday tale, this is a satisfying story about the value of giving.–Teri Markson, Stephen S. Wise Temple Elementary School, Los AngelesCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.