It's a-- it's a-- it's a mitzvah!
By: Diane Heiman and Liz Suneby ; Illustrations by Laurel Molk
Contributors: Suneby, Elizabeth, 1958-; Molk, Laurel
Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
Published: 2012
Place of publication: Woodstock, VT
Language: eng
ISBN-13: 9781580235099
Subjects: Commandments (Judaism); Juvenile literature
Other titles: It is a mitzvah; It is a-- it is a-- it is a mitzvah
Description: This lively picture book for children ages 3-6 is filled with amiable animals, who through their actions demonstrate age-appropriate mitzvot, including welcoming new friends, forgiving mistakes, respecting elders, and sharing food with the hungry. It engages children through playful illustrations; likeable animal characters, including Mitzvah Meerkat, the narrator; humor and the repetition of the fun-to-say phrase "It's a ... it's a ...it's a mitzvah!" that encourages children to chime in as the words are repeated throughout the book. Side notes on each spread explain the specific mitzvah in every vignette. With this aside, parents and teachers have an opportunity to ask the child or group of children, "What is the good deed here?" and spark a conversation without preaching. Children will see how everyday kindness is the beginning of a Jewish journey and a lifetime commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world)--Publisher.