Review: Sparrow

Sparrow

by Mary Tebo, illustrated by E.B. Lewis

Astra Young Readers, 2025

Category: Picture Books

Reviewer: Heidi Rabinowitz

 

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A sparrow builds her nest in a crevice in the Western Wall in Jerusalem, using plant material and prayer notes. She doesn't know exactly what's going to happen, but she has a sense of expectation and hope. Hope, indeed, is the theme of the story. Lyrically told in the present tense, and accompanied by beautiful realistic paintings that move between cityscapes and closeups, the story captures some of the magic of this city that is sacred to so many people. By showcasing the neutral character of a sparrow, the book becomes equally accessible to readers of all backgrounds. 

 

No religions are mentioned in the text, although there is a reference to church bells. The illustrations include the Western Wall, the golden Dome of the Rock, and many church towers, as well as people of various skin tones, some wearing kippot. The back matter expands on the history of the location and the practice of leaving prayer notes, and explains how the idea was sparked during the Western Wall bat mitzvah of the author's daughter. The authors' note includes this moving explanation for the story: "Just as a sparrow's perfect egg in a soft bed of prayers is full of hope, so is the unrelenting devotion of many diverse people to this cherished region. Every day, they get ready for something to happen. Much of the time they don't know what that will be. Hope is a requirement for living there--and for building a safe place for tolerance and trust--the big dream that so many have carried inside for so long."  

 

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Reviewer Heidi Rabinowitz is one of the co-admins of The Sydney Taylor Shmooze, along with Susan Kusel and Chava Pinchuck. She hosts The Book of Life Podcast: A Show About Jewish Kidlit at bookoflifepodcast.com. Heidi is Past President of the Association of Jewish Libraries, and Library Director at Congregation B'nai Israel of Boca Raton, Florida.