Engineer Ari and the Rosh Hashanah Ride (High Holidays)
PreSchool-Grade 2—In 1892, Ari is selected to engineer the first train between Jaffa and Jerusalem. Filled with pride, he boasts to his friends and neglects to say goodbye to them before he sets off. As the train stops to collect the necessary items to celebrate the Jewish New Year—apples, honey, round challah, and shofars—he is reminded of the true meaning of the holiday. He promises to doteshuvah—"to do better"—when he returns to Jaffa by apologizing for his insensitive behavior. Cheerful illustrations depict the sights and scenes of Israel with nostalgia and charm as mustachioed Ari and his red train pass through the land. An author's note provides additional information about the history of the first steam train in Israel, along with an archival photo. Libraries looking to expand their Jewish holiday bookshelf will want to add this delightful title, which will also appeal to train-loving children.—Rachel Kamin, Des Plaines Public Library, ILCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.