Review: On the Wings of Eagles

On the Wings of Eagles

by Tami Lehman-Wilzig, illustrated by Alisha Monnin

Apples & Honey Press (imprint of Behrman House), 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Leah Cypess

 

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On the Wings of Eagles is a beautifully written and gorgeously illustrated picture book. It tells the story of the evacuation of the Jews of Yemen in 1949, when they were flown to Israel in Alaksa Airline’s planes. By combining the narratives of two individuals—a Yemeni girl and an Alaskan Airline pilot—the author creates a story that is both tense and heartwarming. The exquisite illustrations not only complement the story but form an essential part of it.

While reading, I wondered whether a certain incident in the picture book was actually true. The short but clear afterword answered all my questions about the historical facts. (And the incident I had wondered about was, in fact, true. It's a spoiler, so you'll have to read it for yourself.)

This important and expertly-crafted picture book deserves a place in every Jewish library. It beautifully illustrates an important part of Jewish history, in a way that will be relatable both for people who already know the outlines of the story and for people hearing about it for the first time.

 

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Reviewer Leah Cypess is the author of the middle grade series Sisters Ever After, the early chapter book series Miriam’s Magical Creature Files, and the middle grade book Future Me Save The World (And Ruins My Life). She has also written Judaica books for children under the name Leah Sokol, most recently Standing Together: The Story of Natan Sharansky. You can learn more about her and her writing at www.leahcypess.com and www.leahsokol.com.