Review: Speedy and the Race Against Sound

Speedy and the Race Against Sound

by Erez Hadad, illustrated by Menahem Halberstadt, translated by Gilah Kahn-Hoffmann

Green Bean Books, 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Rinat Hadad Siegel

 

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How wonderful it is when an author can take an abstract concept written many years ago and transform it into a contemporary story without being didactic. That is a gift and a skill.

Full disclaimer: My last name is also Hadad, but Erez and I are not related, to the best of our knowledge… However, we are good friends, and I am so happy to review his clever, creative, and engaging story, Speedy and the Race Against Sound. While I was expecting some rendition of the old tale of The Tortoise and the Hare, I got a new, fresh outlook on —MIDRASH TEHILLIM 120, which, in short, suggests that words are like arrows; once released, you cannot call them back.

Speedy the rabbit is the fastest animal in the forest and has many talents. When Speedy wants to show off his abilities in an archery contest, and can't find his lucky arrows, Speedy gets frustrated and yells unkind words about his best friend, Ellie the Elephant, who borrowed his arrows and was supposed to have given them back. The words fly out his window, and a second later, he finds the arrows and regrets his unkind words. But how can you take your words back? Speedy finds himself in a race against sound to make sure Ellie never hears those words.

This tale embodies various Jewish values, including lashon hara, taking responsibility for one's own actions, and forgiveness. Menahem Halberstadt's endearing illustrations bring this story to life with a nostalgic-retro color palette. Menahem did a fantastic job in helping the reader visualize the abstract concept of words moving from one's mouth to another's ears and how Speedy tries to get control of them.

This story can be enjoyed by both Jewish and non-Jewish readers as the values showcased are universal. Although the book lacks specific Jewish content, its opening quote from Midrash Tehillim makes it a terrific accompaniment to Yom Kippur.

What I love the most about this story is that in a time where the Israeli and Jewish literature communities are facing different challenges, Green Bean Books Publishing has chosen to bring us a book from an Israeli author, that demonstrates innovation, and connection to our ancient scripture in a new way, and is creating a bridge by having children from different parts of the world sharing a story that connects them to their heritage. This can build similarities between communities in the form of a fun and engaging story that promote friendship and forgiveness. This was a delightful read, and I recommend it wholeheartedly to any young reader.

 

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Reviewer Rinat Hadad Siegel was born in Israel to a Jewish Mizrahi family. She is a children’s book author and a former educator and resource teacher for elementary and middle school children. Rinat received her Bachelor’s Degree from the Ben Gurion University of the Negev and holds a Master’s in Education from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. Exploring Mizrahi roots is one of Rinat’s passions, and she aspires to promote and add diverse Jewish history into children’s literature. Find more information at rinathadadsiegel.com or follow her on Instagram at @rinathadadsiegel.